2018 Honda CB1000R revealed

Honda’s only litre-class streetfighter was due for both a mechanical as well as cosmetic update. The current CB1000R is ten years old, and with ever-more modern competition, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world can’t be left behind.

The rendered image here of the CB1000R derives styling from the CB4 concept designed by Honda’s Italian R&D arm, which also created the Africa Twin and X-ADV. It loses its Hornet-esque design for a more retro look and features a simple round headlamp and a flat-track racer-like overall design. It also gets a stubby tail unit and the number plate holder is fitted onto the new double-sided swingarm. In the light of the recently launched 2017 CB650F, which resembles the current CB1000R, Honda could be introducing the new design to give the bike a fresh start.  However, Big Red could also swing the other way and offer an ultramodern design that builds upon the current CB1000R, which surprised us all when it launched a decade ago with its single-sided swingarm and shuriken-inspired wheel design. 

The 2018 CB1000R is expected to use a de-tuned version of the current CBR1000RR Fireblade engine. We expect this engine to produce around 150bhp, bringing it closer to its rivals- the  Yamaha MT-10, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 and the BMW S1000R. Although not ground breaking figures, as with other Honda bikes, this engine too will be aimed at providing reliability and refinement. The bike will also borrow the Fireblade’s gizmos like the fly-by-wire throttle, wheelie control, traction control, torque control and an optional quick-shifter.

The 2018 CB1000R is expected to be unveiled at the EICMA motor show in Milan this year. We expect to see the streetfighter land on Indian shores a few months after the global launch.