Honda's new naked CB1000R arrives. February 2009
Its short, slim tail cowl, brawny fuel tank and side cowls convey an image of street performance whilst its mechanical parts including magnesium head, nickel plated Allen-head bolts and ACG covers, exude a high tech look of purposeful performance.
Remarkably, the CB1000R looks and feels more like a compact mid-sized sportsbike than the full bodied litre class performer it really is. Like the mid-displacement Hornet, the CB1000R's compact yet powerful Fireblade inspired 998cm3 liquid-cooled fuel injected engine has been tuned for maximised low to midrange performance. However, unlike the Hornet, the new CB1000R's engine has also been tuned for stronger, more exciting power that extends further up the powerband, resulting in nearly 30% stronger performance. All this power gets to the rear wheel through a light action hydraulic clutch that takes full advantage of the engine's strong low end torque to allow it to be engaged at engine speeds of less than 2,000rpm without fear of engine stalling.
The CB1000R comes in two versions - Standard $18,190 and ABS $19,190 (plus on roads) - and two colours including Dragon Green Metallic and Pearl Night-star Black. Both model are now available.