honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe

The CB1000R elegantly combines more with less. It gives its rider a huge amount of usable engine performance, with the control of a cutting edge Supersports machine, while the innovative, minimalist styling injects it with a whole new attitude.

Its four-cylinder engine is tuned to make 16% more peak power than the previous CB1000R at just over 10,000rpm and 5% more torque right through the mid-range, where it’s most useful – and most fun. It is also 4% shorter geared, to extract even faster acceleration from the power-up.

With the increase in output comes Throttle By Wire (TBW) with 3 preset riding modes plus a USER setting. Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) work together across the presets to offer optimum benefit to the rider dependent on conditions. The exhaust transmits a raw-edged howl as revs rise.

The CB1000R is 12kg lighter than the previous street-fighter-focused design making for a 20% improvement in power to weight ratio. It’s also smaller, yet has a more relaxed riding position. And supporting the radical look is a box section mono backbone steel frame, with Showa Separate Function Fr Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD suspension up front and a Showa monoshock at the rear. Radial-mount front brakes, ABS and a 190-section rear tyre complete the chassis’ specification.

Engine Features

• Neo Sports Café minimalist design shows off the metal
• Ultra-compact, trapezoid silhouette
• A lightweight mono-backbone steel frame
• Adjustable Showa front and rear suspension
• Dual front radial-mount four-piston calipers
• New touches for 2020 include an all black triple clamp and stem and a new Metallic Matte Ballistic Black headlight surround
• Three new colour schemes