New Honda CB1000R

[pritch]

Tonight our time is the big release of the new CB1000R in Europe. It boasts 140 plus ponies and is claimed to be faster to 130kph than a Fireblade. That's not surprising because the Hornet/919 was faster to 160 than a GSXR of the same year, but after 160 the GSXR would leave it in its dust. One jounalist asked why anyone would want that acceleration, well it came in bloody handy passing truck and trailer units.

Anyhoo the motorcycling press will be full of photos and reports starting tomorrow.

[roogazza]

CB1000R
998cc inline four
143.4bhp @ 10,500rpm
830mm seat height
212kg (wet)

Its pretty fat tho pritch and I guess 125bhp at the tyre ????? :shifty::confused:

[Scubbo]

sounds like its catching up to many bikes in the late 90s? (I guess its a major feat when you look at the restrictions in place to pass emissions) wonder if it has the same drive train that kicked off all those pro bikers with neutral selection at high speed

[Blackbird]

I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but heck, that's an ugly bike! Honda used to be known for innovation and design excellence but they've badly lost their way over the last few years. And isn't the headlight pinched from the thing on the robot's chest in the old Buck Rogers series on TV? :whistle:

[EJK]

Seems they are going down the sensible way, rather chasing for performance like RSV4, S1000R alike.

Would it be called a Hornet?

[MD]

Looks are an interesting thing. I go by that first glimpse and how your 'gut' reacts -yuck or awe. I didn't wince in pain seeing that picture so maybe it could grow on you. Still it doesn't stand out in a crowd with anything special to offer that I'm aware of. Just another average middle of the road bike = yawn.

[Mike.Gayner]

This bike is so ridiculously overdue for a refresh. Very interested to see how it looks once the dust has settled. It's a competitive class with some great bikes from other manufacturers.

Not that any of it matters - the Honda brand sucks ass in NZ. Minimal dealer support and high prices.

[nzspokes]

Seems they are going down the sensible way, rather chasing for performance like RSV4, S1000R alike.

Would it be called a Hornet?

It is a hornet with a bigger motor and upside down forks. Still has the same silly frame design.

[AllanB]

Looks good (can the can), figures are real world shit-ya-pants (yeah you really need 200hp on public roads ....), will go forever, hopefully has a bit of personality, and there was nothing wrong with the 919 frame.

Is this what the concept sports Neo turned into?

[Gremlin]

I suppose I could be tempted, but I know they're going to ask far too much initially, then give them away at the end. The CB919 wasn't exactly screaming sexy, but I've come to love it now.

I have first hand knowledge of spanking a ZX10R off the mark, so yes, a lot of punch initially, just don't imitate them and try a drag launch :laugh:

On the other hand, it could be horribly clinical and smooth... and I keep looking at Gen 2 Tuonos on TradeMe :weird:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Seems they are going down the sensible way, rather chasing for performance like RSV4, S1000R alike.

Would it be called a Hornet?

bettter name than the Predator which was the name they called the second iteration after the HOrnet. That they wanted $20+ k for.

[AllanB]

bettter name than the Predator which was the name they called the second iteration after the HOrnet. That they wanted $20+ k for.


Then ran them out for a excellent value $15k......

You'd think this new one would be priced smack on the Suzuki thou equivalent ($17-18). But that would presume that Blue Wing did some research ....

Honda NEED a good naked like this in NZ to get some sales back. I'd say F-it, and market it at a killer price to get buyers back in the doors.

[caspernz]

The concept of a naked UJM type of bike is growing on me. Mind you, I much prefer the look of a new (old) Z900 over this Honda :nya:

[AllanB]

I'd need to see the Kawasaki in the flesh but the photos don't do it for me.

Honda piss me off. They build some of the best concept bikes in the world, then do nothing, or do something too late and water it down.

This is one of my favorites from Honda - tack on some LED lights and micro indicators - a tail tidy and plate and she's a winner.

You'll never see it in production though.

[Blackbird]

I'd need to see the Kawasaki in the flesh but the photos don't do it for me.

Honda piss me off. They build some of the best concept bikes in the world, then do nothing, or do something too late and water it down.

This is one of my favorites from Honda - tack on some LED lights and micro indicators - a tail tidy and plate and she's a winner.

You'll never see it in production though.

Agree with you 100% regarding concept bikes and I'd buy the 1100 in the photo in a heartbeat. My last 2 bikes have been naked and I really enjoy them. Lots of involvement without insane speeds :yes:

[pritch]

The initial comments from journos are good but then they should be, the comments were made while enjoying Honda hospitality at the launch. The looks aren't too bad, except for the can and that headlight.
I guess the new technology in lighting will produce some odd looking lamps in the next wee while.

[Delerium]

sounds like its catching up to many bikes in the late 90s? (I guess its a major feat when you look at the restrictions in place to pass emissions) wonder if it has the same drive train that kicked off all those pro bikers with neutral selection at high speed

Would an ecu reflash/swap make a significant different to increase power at the cost of emissions?

[pritch]

Would an ecu reflash/swap make a significant different to increase power at the cost of emissions?

I put a Power Commander in my Hornet and had a custom map done on AMPS dyno and that was a significant improvement. It made the throttle less snatchy at low speed and it pulled harder at higher revs.
There was no loss of mid range which can happen if efforts are made to increase power. That would have ruined the bike.

[Delerium]

I put a Power Commander in my Hornet and had a custom map done on AMPS dyno and that was a significant improvement. It made the throttle less snatchy at low speed and it pulled harder at higher revs.
There was no loss of mid range which can happen if efforts are made to increase power. That would have ruined the bike.

Thanks for that, what sort of cash would that be? My dad did similar with his bmw - the emissions stuff in 1st gear made it jerky. Ive only been riding for about 8 months but i notice it in 1st on my r3 as well. jerky at a certain rev range which i assume is where they do the emissions test.

[pritch]

Thanks for that, what sort of cash would that be? My dad did similar with his bmw - the emissions stuff in 1st gear made it jerky. Ive only been riding for about 8 months but i notice it in 1st on my r3 as well. jerky at a certain rev range which i assume is where they do the emissions test.

It was over ten years ago so who knows? Back than there was a KBer, Lou, working at AMPS at the time and who was very helpful. He's long gone.

Emissions testing is too complicated, and continually changing, so beware uninformed comment. In your case I'd just ride the bike and live with the shortcomings. When you are up for big money on a big bike then maybe look at changing things. Genarally though, upgrades don't come cheap.

[AllanB]

Thanks for that, what sort of cash would that be? My dad did similar with his bmw - the emissions stuff in 1st gear made it jerky. Ive only been riding for about 8 months but i notice it in 1st on my r3 as well. jerky at a certain rev range which i assume is where they do the emissions test.

A power commander around $400 USD - if you want a custom map done it's on top. And really you want the custom map. Buy the Commander in NZ, have it fitted and mapped on a dyno - last time I asked (a few years back on a different bike) it was shy of a grand.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dynojet-power-commander-v-fuel-and-ignition-yamaha-r3-2015-2017

[Delerium]

Thanks for the info. Appreciated. Apologies for the thread derail.

[Coldrider]

Thanks for that, what sort of cash would that be? My dad did similar with his bmw - the emissions stuff in 1st gear made it jerky. Ive only been riding for about 8 months but i notice it in 1st on my r3 as well. jerky at a certain rev range which i assume is where they do the emissions test.
Sounds like the fueling/throttle problem sames as Gsx1000-s, google and you may find a cheaper fix.

[Mirage]

bettter name than the Predator which was the name they called the second iteration after the HOrnet. That they wanted $20+ k for.

Yeah, you marvel at the train of thought that got them to the $20K+ price bracket, 10 years ago.


Then ran them out for a excellent value $15k......

You'd think this new one would be priced smack on the Suzuki thou equivalent ($17-18). But that would presume that Blue Wing did some research ....

Honda NEED a good naked like this in NZ to get some sales back. I'd say F-it, and market it at a killer price to get buyers back in the doors.

You'd think that, I'd think that, anyone else in touch with reality would think that....however, this is Blue Wing we are talking about

This bike:

Way overdue....typical.

Will have less technology/bells and whistles than it's competitors.

Will be more expensive than it's competitors.

1L Naked Sports market....just a quick search pricing in the UK is £13K, so already more expensive than the BMW S1000R in the same market. I know which one I'd rather buy. Being Honda NZ with their head in the sand, they will come up with a laughable price tag and wonder why it doesn't sell. Like the Predator (ridiculous name) that was double the Hornet's price tag with virtually negligible real-world performance difference.

[Gremlin]

Being Honda NZ with their head in the sand, they will come up with a laughable price tag and wonder why it doesn't sell. Like the Predator (ridiculous name) that was double the Hornet's price tag with virtually negligible real-world performance difference.
At the end, the CB919 was selling for $10-11k, but when it first went on sale, I think it was more like $14-15k. Then towards the end of life it became a bargain... like most Hondas ;)

[AllanB]

At the end, the CB919 was selling for $10-11k, but when it first went on sale, I think it was more like $14-15k. Then towards the end of life it became a bargain... like most Hondas ;)

Spot on. I picked my 919 new in 07 for $9999. Previously $15!

The Predator was the same - $20 down to $14something in the end.

Honda had huge discounts off random year brand new CBR1000's some years back - basically stock that was sitting and a next gen was due. They were so cheap. I considered getting one and making it naked - they went faster than I could commit :lol:



Suzuki do the Summerfest every year and if you don;t have to have the latest year model you'll pick up some good buying.

[AllanB]

Looking at a Aussie bike mag at lunchtime today I see the CB is within a few hundred dollars of the GSX-s 1000 Suzuki in Aussie.

Mid $16k if I remember, the Z1000 was about $500 dearer.

Meanwhile in New Zealand

Suzuki is $17k

Z900 $15,800

Z1000 $17k

Honda $20k


Bluewing do it again - take a great bike and apply a 'Honda' tax :no:

[MD]

Saw the new 'old' retro Z900. Very nice on the eyes. Still a bit pricey though.

[AllanB]

Saw the new 'old' retro Z900. Very nice on the eyes. Still a bit pricey though.

Yeah, nice bikes, - $20 & $21,500 for the cafe.

Root-beer and orange would have to be the colour pick.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Saw the new 'old' retro Z900. Very nice on the eyes. Still a bit pricey though.

Theres a green one with a white stripe that I lust after.

But honestly I am really liking my 1974 CB750 and thinking if I want something else one of those CB1100s at the right price might be the go

[nzspokes]

It is a hornet with a bigger motor and upside down forks. Still has the same silly frame design.

And my opinion stands after seeing one in the flesh. Its a hornet 900 with a silly headlight. For 20k.....

[Mike.Gayner]

Looking at a Aussie bike mag at lunchtime today I see the CB is within a few hundred dollars of the GSX-s 1000 Suzuki in Aussie.

Mid $16k if I remember, the Z1000 was about $500 dearer.

Meanwhile in New Zealand

Suzuki is $17k

Z900 $15,800

Z1000 $17k

Honda $20k


Bluewing do it again - take a great bike and apply a 'Honda' tax :no:

Pathetic. Like with any Honda in this country there's just no reason to buy this bike.

[Navy Boy]

Yep - That price difference does appear to be rather odd. Especially given that the competition in that sector of the market is really rather capable.

As for the Honda's styling - Let's just say I think it's an acquired taste... I rode the previous generation CB1000R and rather enjoyed it. Looked good to IMHO. I'm not sure this one represents much of a step forward in any respect. :confused:

[AllanB]

I really like the look of the new Honda, and to be fair the quality of castings and attention to detail is up there. But boy are they expecting you to pay for it. They will be dropping the price next Christmas no doubt .......

I feel sorry for the dealers - it's been a lean few years from Honda with nothing really interesting being released and the Euro brands and Yamaha churning our some lovely bikes. Bringing this bike onto the market at a competitive price would have been sensible.

[Navy Boy]

I really like the look of the new Honda, and to be fair the quality of castings and attention to detail is up there. But boy are they expecting you to pay for it. They will be dropping the price next Christmas no doubt .......

I feel sorry for the dealers - it's been a lean few years from Honda with nothing really interesting being released and the Euro brands and Yamaha churning our some lovely bikes. Bringing this bike onto the market at a competitive price would have been sensible.

Absolutely - The bike itself may well be the next best thing since.... But it's up against some strong competition. There needs to be a selling point other than 'It's a Honda' to make many of us (Me included) take any real interest in it. Personally I'd be looking at a T120 Bonneville at that sort of price or my Thruxton (Also $20k) if your needs err on the sportier side. Just what are Honda going to do to get people buying it I wonder? :confused: