Serious all-round fun
Honda launched the CBF range in 2006, targeting riders over 30. It seemed to me that Honda was keen to push the range, but dealers not so much. The 1000 got a facelift in 2010 with new fairings, clocks, lighter aluminium frame and improved fuel economy.
Give me some spec
An aluminium twin-spar frame (2010on) holds a 998cc four-stroke engine, based on the 2006 Fireblade lump but re(de)-tuned to deliver smooth progressive acceleration.
Power was reduced to 79kW/106bhp at 9000 revs, with maximum torque of 97Nm/71.5ft-lb coming in much earlier, at 6500 revs. Stopping power comes from two 296mm discs with twin-piston calipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads, backed up by a single 240mm single rear disc, also with sintered pads.
So what’s it like to ride?
The CBF1000F looks like a big ol’ thang (241kg wet weight), but the weight is nicely balanced. The seating position is relaxed with pegs a sliver rear of centre.
You can gently trundle on the CBF, balanced at single-figure pace, though in town the clutch is a little heavy to be applying it all the time. But once out on the road and moving it is another story. The 998cc engine was re-tuned to deliver a no-surprises build of power… and succeeded admirably. Open the throttle, the power just grows; overtakes in any gear would be fine, but if you want to punch past, get into the midrange (maximum torque at 6500rpm) and just open up.
The handling is great. Honda got the geometry spot on with the CBF. It turns neatly, tidily and accurately, holding it’s line to give the rider confidence very early on. The suspension is slightly softer than the semi-sporty look suggests, but this allowed it to soak up any lumps and bumps along the way.
Braking is a strong point, the linked ABS does the job with fuss but a firm squeeze saw light pulsing at the bars.
The all-day riding position is aided by the firm but comfortable saddle. Clocks are fantastic (though mode switches beneath the clocks are impossible to use on the move) and the mirrors are perfect . The adjustable touring screen will see you taking out the Allen keys to set it just right; it was set high on our test bike, which pushed air onto my upper arms. And for a bike just crying out to munch miles, I’d like to fit some heated grips, as there is no wind protection for your hands.
If you fancy covering miles, but need a bike that can do the everyday stuff, the CBF1000F is well worth checking out.
What nick is it in?
Only thing worth mentioning is the scratch on the exhaust. Otherwise it’s clean and tidy with plenty of life left in the tyres.
What’s it worth?
The dealer is asking £6499 for a 2016 bike with just 2402 miles logged. This is a great price: alternatives ranged from £2995 for a 2006 bike with 25,580 miles clocked to a 2015 bike with 7300 miles recorded for £7499.