A casual glance at the 2013 Honda CB1000R quickly indicates that it is a classic recreation of Honda’s formula for high performance in a four-cylinder bike without a fairing. Essentially, it’s a naked bike if you will, or it might even be considered by some riders, or as a street fighter, or even a race machine in civilian garb. No matter how one categorizes it, it’s a proven and well accepted design form that’s been around Honda’s works for several years that reflects a clean, essentials only format perfectly framing its fuel-injected four-cylinder 998cc engine that produces a satisfying instantaneous power serving as an all-around high-performance motorcycle that ready to do duty in a variety of scenarios. Its chassis is unique, incorporating a single-sided swingarm featuring a high-performance single-shock rear suspension that makes the CB1000R an exclusive and ideal choice in today’s motorcycle marketplace.
The powerplant delivers a sport and racing heritage in a compact and lightweight form. The 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine with PGM fuel injection and 36mm throttle bodies has been specifically retuned for street-wise riding while providing an impressive amount of low-end torque, as well as midrange power. The motor transfers motive energy to the rear wheel via a #530 O-ring sealed chain through a close-ratio six-speed sequential manual transmission.
A surprising fact about the 2013 CB1000R is that even though it is for all intents and purposes, a Japanese sport bike, it is actually built in Italy by Honda Italia – hence a unique ride that blends a pleasing Italian design with benefits and features from proven Japanese race technology.
The CB1000R showcases a standard seating position delivers an ideal level of rider comfort and versatility for either long-distance solo travel or two-up riding. The lightweight seat and tail cowl are short, compact and attractive as well as functional. The stylish three-section LCD instrument panel is also compact and features a multi-segment LCD tachometer. Up front is a distinctive triangular multi-reflector headlight, with a unique LED position light. The cast aluminum wheels display a futuristic, swept or swirl, four-spoke design.
Suspension componentry consists of fully adjustable (spring preload, rebound and compression damping) 43mm inverted forks up front with 4.3-inches of travel and radially mounted four-piston calipers from the CBR1000R along with full-floating 310mm dual discs. Out back is the Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability with 5.0-inches travel and a Single-caliper 256mm disc. The CB1000R rolls on a Bridgestone Battlax120/70ZR-17 radial tire up front and a 180/55ZR-17 radial rear tire, both mounted on 4-swirl-spoke alloy wheels.
In terms of the bike’s geometric specifics: the wheelbase measures 56.9-inches; the overall length is 83.5-inches; the seat height is 32.1-inches; rake or caster angle is 25-degrees; and the trail is 3.9-inches. The bike weighs in at 485 pounds, ready to ride, which includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel. Fuel capacity is 4.5 gallons, including a 1-gallon reserve. Estimated fuel economy is 37 mpg, and the bike meets current CARB and EPA standards.
My test 2013 Honda CB1000R sported a Cool Pearl White bodywork finish along with flat black, brushed aluminum trim pieces and gold anodized front forks. The base price was set at $11,760 while the as tested sticker came to $12,010. * estimated – Dealer prep may vary.
SUMMARY: Riders who have outgrown all-out radical sport bikes for more pleasurable riding experiences are sure to appreciate the Honda CB1000R. It is still a sport bike in spirit and capability, but unlike its CBR1000RR counterpart, it comes with a much more civilized and comfortable riding position, while providing rapid acceleration, smooth gear transitions and excellent manageability and maneuverability. It is exceptionally well-balanced, and it looks great too. It comes with a transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty, and extended coverage is available with a Honda Protection Plan.
A little more padding in the seat would be plus unless one has plenty of their own for long ride comfort. A couple of other improvement suggestions would include self-canceling turn signals and a gear indicator would also be nice. Other than these personal issues, the CB1000R is a really nice bike that is indeed a pleasure to ride, Viva Italia.
On The Fast Lane Car’s rating scale of:
• Buy It.
• Rent It
• Lease It.
• Forget It.
Buy It! for a pleasurable Japanese sport bike experience with Italian styling.
Base Price: – $11,760. / Price as Tested $12,010*
*Estimated dealer prep and handling costs vary.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Honda CB1000R
Base Price: $11,760.
Price as Tested: $12,010. * estimated – Dealer prep may vary.
Engine Type and Size: 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC, 16-valve inline four cylinder with PGM fuel injection and 36mm throttle bodies.
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed sequential manual.
Drive Train: #530 O-ring sealed chain.
Suspension: Front – 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability with 4.3 inches of travel.
Rear – Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability with 5.0 inches of travel.
Brakes: Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 310mm discs.
Rear: Single-caliper 256mm disc.
Tires: Bridgestone Battlax: 120/70ZR-17 radial –front / 180/55ZR-17 radial rear, mounted on 4-swirl-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 56.9 inchesLength Overall: 83.5 inches
Curb weight: 485 lbs. ready to ride
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons including 1 gallon reserve.
Seat height: 32.1 inches
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.
Review by Arv Voss, Auto Impressions
