All new Honda CB1000R 2018

The new look of the 2018 Honda CB1000R has even been given a name by its manufacturer - Honda has called it ’Neo-Sports Cafe’.

But it isn’t only the style of the Honda’s latest naked bike that has been updated. The 2018 model of the motorcycle includes a number of updates to its electronics, as well as its performance. 

It is a massive departure from the last generation, say bike commentators. The Honda CB1000R is now more street-friendly than when it first appeared on the scene in 2007 and says Honda it is built on solid foundation of performance. 

All New Style

The paint scheme of the 2018 Honda CB1000R, is “elegantly understated” says Ultimate Motorcycling magazine. Its sleek lines combined with the horseshoe-shaped LED headlights help to reinforce its “cafésque design” they say, and both are further complemented by the bike’s radiator and airbox covers in brushed-aluminum. The motorcycle’s new alloy wheels also match its revamped look.

Body & Frame

The Honda CB1000R 2018’s has a new mono-backbone steel frame which reduces the weight of the bike’s predecessor by over 5 and a half pounds. While the single-sided aluminum swingarm is more than half an inch shorter than before, the CB1000R’s wheelbase has increased by half an inch to the length of 57.3 inches. The bike’s handlebar width and height have also been increased by half an inch, adjusting drivers into a more upright position that gives that greater leverage and more comfort while riding. 

There are only 6 exterior parts made out of plastic, the most prominent of which is the motorcycle’s front mudguard. In keeping with the cafe-racer tradition, almost everything else has a premium metal finish.

The Engine 

There have been significant changes to the CB1000R’s engine although Honda retained some of the features of previous generation’s 998cc engine. Changes include an increased compassion ratio, forged pistons, and a valve inlet and exhaust that have been raised to improve engine flow. The Honda CB1000R’s range of 6000 to 8000 rpm is supported by a throttle bottle size that has grown by as much as 8mm.

The performance of the 4-cylinder engine has been optimised and focuses on delivering torque and mid-range power. The engine has been tuned to give 16 percent more peak power excelling to just over 10,000 rpm, as well as 5 percent more torque through the mid-range.

Between the changes to the frame and engine, the 2018 Honda CB1000R is 8 kilograms lighter.

Updated Electronics 

Almost all the performance characteristics of the Honda CB1000R 2018 can now be adjusted to preferences. Owners can alter the motorcycle’s engine power, braking, and traction control and decide whether to operate the vehicle in one of 4 main riding modes. There is Standard, Sport, Rain, and User, the customizable option.

The Accessories

There is also a range of accessories that can be purchased to customize the 2018 CB1000R. These include heated grips, an ACC socket, seat cowl, wheel rim decals and engine case protectors, among others.