A fast fling
Powerful, hi-tech and stylish but the CB1000R love affair cooled over time
What’s the best thing about the Honda CB1000R+?
Its range of adjustable rider aids. I particularly like how you can tailor the engine braking, as I seem to like less. If you’re on track, you can adjust the engine’s power output to full but on wet roads, reduce that and increase the traction control.
What’s the worst thing?
I can’t get my head around the autoblipper. I get the idea of smooth clutchless downshifts but I don’t have any confidence in it. Maybe it needs more practice but I can’t help reverting to using the clutch. I can certainly see the advantage for quick or track riding but unfortunately, I’m finding it hard to change the habit of a biking lifetime.
What was your defining moment?
On track at Rockingham, when I realised that the bike wasn’t intimidating at all. It was so easy to go steadier into the corners but pick the bike up quickly on the exits. The power delivery is so smooth and controlled that I didn’t have any ‘moments’, which meant I was able to relax and keep my movements and actions precise but smooth.
What have you learned?
The best bit of riding for me is being a girl on a bike, feeling empowered — and on something like the CB, it feels better as it’s not a ‘typical’ girl’s bike. There’s nothing to stop us women riding any bike we like of course but, like it or not, there is a stereotypical type we’re ‘expected’ to ride and I like that the CB doesn’t fit that.
If you had £12,299 to spend on a new bike, would you buy it?
Unfortunately, my initial excitement didn’t last. I love the look of the bike and it drew attention, but that seems to have waned over time so the feeling of ‘pride of ownership’ hasn’t been quite fulfilled. The bike is lovely to ride but not out-and-out exciting unless you’re way up in the revs. I still love the look of it, but I don’t think I’d want to spend my own money on it.