Test riding CB1000R

[Big Dave]

Really? So steering head angle/rake/trail and road surface make no difference?

Even the most relaxed geometry will shake its head occasionally, depending on road condition. A damper is cheap insurance to ensure things don't get wildly out of shape. Dampers can be used to mask poor design (try riding a TLS / TLR without one).

My GSXR1000 will tend to wiggle occasionally on the road, running across overbanding, poor surfaces, even diesel. I'm pretty sure that I've got a relaxed grip...

Hmmm, interesting - I don't test the litre sprotsbikes - so leaving them and their geometry out of the equation - I do test the standards often and I haven't ridden a road bike in the past 3 years where the notion of a steering damper has even entered my head. CB1000R included.

I considered one for my Buell but it turned out it was a faulty tyre and unneccesary.

[Gremlin]

time for an update, after getting up at some ridiculous time that started with a 5 (and I thought it only existed as I was going to sleep at times).

All the previous info from my other post holds true, but after some country riding, you can definitely feel the difference from the 07 cbr engine. While the way it accelerates (building power, restrained feeling etc) are the same as the hornet, the 1000r certainly has more punch throughout the rev range.

The lightness of the bike has all the pros and cons that you would expect. Easy to tip into and out of corners, easy to flick about, but then, it can also feel unsettled and nervous at times.

Who the hell needs a gear indicator? Trundling along at 60 in 6th, it is quite capable of pulling away, no need to chop down a gear unless you want acceleration in spades. You don't need to know what gear you are in, and I didn't find myself hunting for a 7th at any point. Damper... mmm not sure, may or may not need it, depending on how you ride.

Bike certainly looks good standing still, but Honda have sacrificed some of the practicality of the hornet to give a sportier experience. Good luck fitting givi panniers to it... there isn't an arse to speak of, for attaching the racks.

Zapf summed it up best. Evolution rather than Revolution.

The problem for Honda now is, they don't have a large capacity bike in the 10-12k market. Returning bikers have no issue plonking down that kind of cash for a bike, but start thinking twice at 16k (the 600) or 19k (the 1000). Coupled with that, Honda no longer has the vtr and blackbird (obviously no hornet either). The bikes were very capable of selling themselves. Also, shipment of the cb1000r has been cut to NZ, so Honda dealers here aren't going to have a fun christmas holiday period.

[Big Dave]

>>Good luck fitting givi panniers to it...<<

That doesn't need luck - it needs bad taste.

[Big Dave]

http://web.me.com/david_cohen_design...A_CB1000R.html

[Gremlin]

>>Good luck fitting givi panniers to it...<<

That doesn't need luck - it needs bad taste.

Some of us like bikes that have a multi-role functionality (that sounded cool... can I be in government?). Whether people love or hate luggage, the hornet could do a lot of things, not all of which the "predator" can do. Since the hornet doesn't exist, and the "predator" is the replacement (whether honda admits that or not) its a factor that should be pointed out, as it could be a crucial element in buying one or not.

And why the hell did some twat try to tag it with the name predator?

edit: nice write up BD... and I know of one for sale, in stock should you plonk down the dough The only one I know of for this year, until more stock arrives.

[Big Dave]

Some of us like bikes that have a multi-role functionality (that sounded cool... can I be in government?). Whether people love or hate luggage, the hornet could do a lot of things, not all of which the "predator" can do. Since the hornet doesn't exist, and the "predator" is the replacement (whether honda admits that or not) its a factor that should be pointed out, as it could be a crucial element in buying one of not.

And why the hell did some twat try to tag it with the name predator?

I don't mind the name. And I agree about versatility - that is why I have my tractor - supremely versatile.

This vehicle however will be enhanced by how it is stripped down and sportified and streetied. Bottom pic on the KR link.

[Big Dave]

That's also a valid point about the price gap in the range.

Bandit 1250?

[Swoop]

Also, shipment of the cb1000r has been cut to NZ, so Honda dealers here aren't going to have a fun christmas holiday period.

Exactly the same problem as last year then... Heaps of customers and bugger all sitting on the floor to sell them.

[Gremlin]

That's also a valid point about the price gap in the range.

Bandit 1250?

Last time I checked, thats a Suzuki... I was talking about the Honda range?

[madbikeboy]

The Blandit is nice enough, and a mate has a shiny new black one, but the CB1000R is so much more...

I'd take the CB over the Hornetto (which are great bikes) and the Blandit.

Of course, when I get old and more senile, I might reconsider. Tui.

[vifferman]

I don't reckon it.
But the red mildly warmed over one in Big the Dave's review looks a bit less naff.

[Big Dave]

Last time I checked, thats a Suzuki... I was talking about the Honda range?

Extrapolate bwoy, extrapolate.

[discotex]

My GSXR1000 will tend to wiggle occasionally on the road, running across overbanding, poor surfaces, even diesel. I'm pretty sure that I've got a relaxed grip...

Perhaps your relaxed grip is exactly why it doesn't turn into a slapper?

A little head wiggle is normal and to be expected on any bike that can lift the front on the power - steering damper or not.

Geometry/tyres/frame/rider grip will determine how quickly shake dissipates or escalates. If the design is not prone to getting into a slapper and the frame and suspension damp the shake quickly an aftermarket damper won't do much.

Given Honda have added HESD (electronic steering damper) to the blade and the 600rr I can't see them skipping it if it's really needed on the CB1000R. It's not like it's a budget bike where they've trimmed cost is it....

[AllanB]

The problem for Honda now is, they don't have a large capacity bike in the 10-12k market. Returning bikers have no issue plonking down that kind of cash for a bike, but start thinking twice at 16k (the 600) or 19k (the 1000). Coupled with that, Honda no longer has the vtr and blackbird (obviously no hornet either). The bikes were very capable of selling themselves. Also, shipment of the cb1000r has been cut to NZ, so Honda dealers here aren't going to have a fun christmas holiday period.

I agree 100% re price range - my Honda dealer just said we have had it too good in NZ and are now getting realistic prices! Maybe if I wait 4 years or so the new one will have dropped 6-7k!

They are still not in CHCH - bastards in the North Island must have got them all! - I saw a silver one on Trademe last night - looked good in that colour.

Honda do sell the CB1300 - this is the bike they recommend sticking panniers etc on.

[short-circuit]

I agree 100% re price range - my Honda dealer just said we have had it too good in NZ and are now getting realistic prices!

Nah, not buying that old patter, our prices are in line with the rest of the world. He's just trying to soften you up.

Tell your honda dealer "he's dream'n" -and furthermore point out to him that the Predatron is one overpriced piece of crap