Honda CB1000R

The world is waking up to practical superbikes. Honda’s chic and street-friendly CB1000R brings Indians a feel of this new phenomenon. AutoCar (April ’09) takes a closer look…
The CB1000R is available at a relatively attractive price of Rs. 9, 50,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes with naked and distinctly European styling – falling in line with the latest breed of international models that concentrate their mass, low and centrally. Butch and eye-catching from every angle, this aggressive street fighter sports very few decals, including a pair of wings prominently displayed on its tank.

The CB1000R comes with a unique front mudguard and broad conical front headlight with a circular tinted blur city light set in its chin. This bike will keep thieves at bay thanks to HISS (Honda Ignition Security System), an electronic security feature that doesn’t allow the engine to fire up without its original pair of keys. The bike’s low-set, broad and easy-to-read digital instrument cluster uses a bar-type engine rpm counter with redline beginning at 10,500rpm. The speedometer is set on the left, while the engine temperature, a clock, fuel level, as well as trip and odometer gauges are on display apart from the usual array of warning lights.

The CBR1000R mounts a wide handlebar on top of beefy upside-down telescopic forks with standard fare mirrors. Its curvaceous tank extensions flow forward, then downwards into a shroud that covers the radiator. Fibre is used behind its aircraft-style filler lid where the tank blends into the riding saddle.

While black dominates the motorcycle, the CB1000R’s exposed engine uses several bright nickel-plated allen key bolts that contrast nicely and complement the machine. Another trendy highlight is its stubby, under-slung silencer. One can easily view the 1000R’s trendy wheels thanks to a single-side swing arm. Handsome flank panels lead into a minimalist rear end, with a simple yet eye-catching tail-light set just ahead of an extended rear mudguard. The CBR1000R will sell across India in two paint schemes called Dragon Green Metallic and Pearl Night star Black.

This bike is powered by a retuned 998cc CBR1000RR engine tweaked for a more enjoyable city riding experience, rather than out and out performance as sought by most RR owners. Basic specifications are common with the CB1000R using an in-line four, four-stroke and liquid-cooled power plant. Its lightweight cylinder head is prepared from magnesium and houses 16 valves. An Intake Air Control Valve or IACV, works to keep any torque reaction from causing jerky low-rpm conduct and ensures the CB1000R stays smooth and enjoyable to ride at low speed. An in-built oxygen sensor and 300-cell catalytic convertor combines with a sophisticated, electronic fuel-injection system to cut emissions. Maximum power of 125bhp is developed ay 10, 000rpm and routed to the rear tyre via a light-action, hydraulic-assisted clutch that takes advantage of the engine’s strong low-end torque and supplies a nice feel to the rider. The CB uses a six-speed gearbox that shifts smoothly, with respectable feel in a one-down and five-up pattern.

The CB1000R is a quiet performer with a mere hum apparent at idle says AutoCar (April ’09) and this soft feel stays constant throughout its equator-wide power curve. Good low and mid-range performance along with comfortable ergonomics make this an easy bike on which to power the front wheel off the deck. Fueling always stays well sorted, with the engine firing cleanly and without flat spots anywhere in the power band.

The CB1000R is built around a gravity die-cast (GDC) aluminum frame that holds its engine in as a stressed member. Riding on 17-inch rims front and rear, with ample tyres – a 180/55 section radial at the rear – the CB is light for its class and never really feels like a 1000. Easy to flick around and steer in the city, CB1000R owners in India will be delighted by how effortlessly it fits into our crowded urban conditions. Although its high speed handling remains a question mark for now, the CB1000R provides a riding position that is just right. The rider holds on to a nearly straight handlebar and sits in a slightly weight-forward, comfy posture that encourages attacking corners and remains easy to live with, even after long stints in the saddle.

Suspension is top class with beefy, adjustable inverted forks in front and a trick monoshock at the rear that is supported by a single-side swing arm. Brakes are in place – radial-mounted, four-piston calipers grab a brace of massive 310mm floating discs in front, while a single 256mm disc does duty at the back.

To sum up things – yes, a Suzuki Hayabusa is effortlessly faster in as straight line, and a Honda CBR1000RR or Yamaha YZF-R1 will eclipse the CB1000R on a circuit, but Honda could not have chosen a better superbike for India. The CB1000R makes one heck of a sensible superbike for our roads. Stunning looking, with ample and useable power, this is a comfortable, light and agile motorcycle that’s as straightforward to ride on a daily basis as a superbike gets concludes AutoCar (April -09)