When we first saw the Neo Sports Café at the Tokyo Motor Show last month, it seemed like our wait for the new Honda CB1000R has just gotten longer. After all, it was a prototype, and it could have been well over a year before the production model was unveiled. But now, Honda has pulled a rabbit out of its amigasa by unveiling the next-generation CB1000R ahead of the EICMA Show.
The nhas always been a toned down and street-friendly version of Honda’s flagship superbike – the CBR1000RR Fireblade, and the new model is no different. The styling however, is a complete departure from what we have seen so far. The influence of the Neo Sports Concept is clearly visible. The round headlamp, sculpted fuel tank and the single-sided swingarm give it an exotic appeal. No attempt has been made to hide the jewel of the crown – the 998cc inline four engine borrowed from the previous generation Fireblade.
The engine has been revised with a longer stroke, higher compression ratio and revised gear ratios to concentrate the torque in the low and mid-range. The power output is 16 per cent higher than the outgoing model, at 143bhp. It also gets a new exhaust system. It gets ride by wire system, with four riding modes. Slipper clutch, ABS and traction control are offered as standard. The CB1000R rides on fully-adjustable Showa suspension setup.
Honda will also be offering a higher-spec CB1000R+ variant, with quick shifter, heated grips and a few cosmetic upgrades. We can expect the new CB1000R to hit our shores in the first half of 2018.
