WITH A HONDA IT’S NICER TO BE NAKED
After riding motorcycles for more years than I care to remember, I find myself less and less inclined towards the sports or supersports genre.
That world is all about top speed, 0-60 figures and the number of horses. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I’m not alone. Sports bike sales have been steadily declining for some years, replaced primarily by adventure bikes.
Nakeds and supernakeds, however, continue to hold their own and with good reason. They have sports-like performance – in a more manageable package – and they are easier and more comfortable to ride.
The CB1000R was first introduced in 2018. Now, Honda has made a number of updates to create the CB1000R Black Edition.
As the name suggests, it’s all black, even the giant muffler. The only things that aren’t are some gorgeous CNC machined metal parts such as the aluminium handlebar clamp. It complements the lovely seven-spoke cast aluminium wheels and helps the bike to ooze quality.
A new and distinctive teardrop LED highlight, new subframe, new numberplate hanger and sharper radiator shrouds combine to give the bike a more aggressive demeanour, with a short, compact, minimalist rear end. On board, the ride position is comfortably upright, with wide bars, a fairly low seat height and low footpegs.
There’s an excellent new 5in colour TFT dash which shows your choice of ride mode – Sport, Standard, Rain or User. These control the amount of power, traction control and engine braking.
Head off and the beauty of the as-standard up/down quickshifter immediately becomes apparent. It works perfectly and is a real pleasure.
Likewise the engine, which is very well behaved around town but comes into its own on the open road. From being docile and obedient, as you hit around 5,500rpm it takes off like it has been let off a leash.
With fully adjustable Showa forks and rear shock – adjustable for pre-load and rebound – and the new subframe, handling is sublime and confidenceinspiring. Braking is powerful and progressive via twin 320mm front discs and Nissin four-pot calipers.
Overall, this is a beauty of a naked road bike – in every sense.
It looks fantastic, rides superbly and is built and finished to the highest level, even by Honda’s impressive standards.