Model History:
When Honda introduced this half-naked-half-fairing bike in 2006, there was not a lot of murmurs in the biking circuits. The reason was simple. This 1000cc sports tourer different had looks, not associated generally with sports motorcycles. But then Honda let out that this bike used the detuned Fireblade engine of the CBR1000RR, which was the undisputed king of racetracks then. Understandably, the interest piqued a little. As they say, you shouldn’t judge a book solely by its cover.
The early birds were in for a pleasant surprise. They had not expected such a smooth yet powerful 1000 cc bike with such bland looks. Although detuned, the engine still had enough juice to take you on a track day and earn the respect of the bigger boys. The bike was sensible and although the quality of the equipment or the finish was not the most perfect, they were held together by Honda’s reliability. In addition, relatively inexperienced riders graduating to the litre bike class could hold themselves steady and still enjoy the zip.
The 2006 to 2009 models used a 16-valve, liquid cooled, transverse 4-stroke engine with six-speed transmission. Since it was detuned Fireblade, so as expected, the power and torque were much less. Importantly, the torque and power played out well in the lower-to-mid-range where most riders need them. So, you didn’t need to rev up aggressively or shift gears frequently. The engine displaced 998 cc and cranked out maximum power of 96.5 bhp at 6000 rpm and comfortable torque of 69 lb-ft at 6500 rpm. Although, not a screamer, the speedo could still clock a respectable 145 mph. This bike has a big fuel tank of 19 litres and a tank range of 190 miles. Honda also claims that the new CBF1000 is 7% more fuel efficient and has a higher compression ratio than the 2006 version. The bike has a silky-smooth suspension. The front uses a 41 mm telescopic fork and preload-adjusted springs and the rear has a gas charged Honda Multi Action System spring adjusted for preload and rebound. These suspensions can absorb the impact completely even under the most outrageous conditions. The CBF1000 uses 2×296 mm discs, dual piston calipers with sintered metal pads in the front and a single 240 mm disc, single piston caliper and sintered metal pads at the back. Optional in Europe and standard in North America, Honda’s combined ABS (CABS) or linked-brakes provides you a sublime ride, keeping the wheels firmly planted always.
The brakes feel effortless, even at hair-pin bends and never put pressure on your hands. The CBF1000 may look like a macho litre-bike but it feels more comfortable in purring than growling. But don’t underestimate this beast. Some say, it feels a little heavy at low speeds or at standstill while most riders never complain of the weight due to the low seat height which is just 795mm which is the standard. These seats are also adjustable by +/- 15 mm. So, you can reach out for the ground very easily. The ground clearance is good. It feels a little less sporty on racetracks but is perfect on carrying out fast errands. The seats have been ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable upright position and the handlebars sit at a comfortable distance. The throttle is extremely cooperative. The engine can adapt to your skill level. Even with panniers and a pillion rider, the bike feels supple around turns. Honda has focused more on stability than poke on this bike. The standard bikes come with half fairings, but full fairings are available on the grand tourer.
You can opt for beautiful panniers and a top box, big enough to accommodate two helmets and still leave some space. The instrument panel in the 2006 model had two analog clocks which looked small and outdated. But the new bike features an analog tachometer in the centre along with two digital dials. There are two odometers, a speedometer, a clock and a fuel consumption gauge which displays real-time fuel economy. The headlamps are sharp and flush LED-indicators sitting on the half-fairings look pretty. There are loads of optional equipment for you to choose from. It is a very fuel efficient 1000 cc bike which can give you anything between 45 to 55 mpg. This bike uses the advanced PGM-FI fuel injection system to constantly measure the engine speed, throttle input and operating conditions to deliver the best power-torque combo needed.
Technical Specification
Make Model Honda CBF 1000
Year 2006-07
Engine Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity 998 cc / 60.o cu-in
Bore x Stroke 72 x 56,5 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.0;1
Induction PGM-FI, 36mm Throttle Bore
Ignition / Starting Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance / electric
Max Power 75 kW /102 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque 97 Nm / 71.5 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Clutch Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Transmission 6 Speed
Final Drive #530 O-ring sealed chain
Gear Ratio 1st 1 2.643 / 2nd 1.833 / 3rd 1.500 / 4th 1.318 / 5th 1.175 / 6th 1.074
Frame Type Mono-backbone; cast aluminium
Front Suspension 41mm free valve-type telescopic fork and adjustable spring
Front Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension Gas-charged HMAS damper and adjustable spring and rebound
Rear Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in
Front Brakes 2x 296mm discs 2 piston calipers, floating rotors, sintered metal pads ( and ABS)
Rear Brakes Single 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper, sintered metal pads (and ABS)
Wheels Hollow-section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre 160/60 ZR17
Wheelbase 1480 mm / 58.3 in
Seat Height 795 mm / 31.3 in
Ground Clearance 135 mm / 5.3 in
Dry Weight 224.0 kg / 493.8 lbs
Wet Weight 241kg / 531.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.02 US gal
Consumption Average 15.8 km/it
Standing ¼ Mile 11.8 sec
Top Speed 214.9 km/h