2021 Honda CB1000R review | The gentlest super naked will be replaced in 2024 but we quite liked this one
Highlights
- The friendliest of super nakeds
- Solidly built and great to ride
- List price helps its appeal
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £1,150 |
| Power: | 144 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (470 lbs / 213 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThough more than fast enough and far from shy when it comes to rideability, the 2021 Honda CB1000R is the least super of the super naked options.
The 143bhp inline four looks a bit humdrum next to attention-grabbing loudmouths like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.
But for 2021 Honda have upped its appeal with tweaked fuel injection, sharper styling, cunning tech and new multi-spoke wheels. It replaces the 2018-2020 Honda CB1000R. In 2024 the Honda CB1000 Hornet replaces the CB1000R.
At £12,999 OTR, is the CB1000R Black Edition the naked we should all be buying?
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe CB has limited shuffle room, but the riding position has a pleasing mix of super-naked attitude and daily-use comfort. It’s designed for dissecting B-roads rather than chasing lap times and with a compact, light chassis with delicate steering and accurate handling it’s fun and easy to master but the shock still goes ‘boing’ if you’re going with gusto. The brakes are decent without being overly impressive.
Fast and fun but not overwhelming, light and accurate without sacrificing rideability, the Honda CB1000R might not be as rowdy or as focused as some of its sportier opposition but it delivers a polished and inspiring road ride.
The Black Edition does have a couple of issues, though. First, its capable chassis still deserves a better rear shock and the throttle is still too on-off…
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityMeasuring 75 x 56.5mm, the 998cc inline four can trace its ancestry back to the 2004 Fireblade. No wonder the exhaust has a Blade-like rasp. It’s the same unit as previously used in the CB1000R, with the same 77lb.ft at 8250rpm and 143bhp at 10,500rpm.
Yes, it’s plenty fast enough. The exhaust has new flow sensor gubbins and the injection settings are altered to give a more polished delivery and improve response; but, as before, the throttle is snatchy in Sport mode (or in Rider with full power selected), especially in the lower half of the revs.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe light-swallowing hue is everywhere, from the Honda’s bodywork, fork stanchions and subframe to every millimetre of the exhaust. I normally roll my eyes at blacked-out schemes, but there’s something appealing about how the CB is shrouded in utter darkness, yet its components and profile are clearly defined. The Black Edition bikes get ‘CB’ machined into the handlebar clamp and a slick-feeling two-way quickshifter.
It’s also fabulously well-made and presented, and now has more than enough attention-grabbing technology. I think the restyle has made it better looking.
It’s a typically solid chunk of motorcycle from Honda and feels sturdy and reliable.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt a quid under £13k, it’s significantly cheaper than a Ducati Streetfighter V4 (£17,595) or an Aprilia Tuono (£15,500). It also undercuts the new Triumph Speed Triple RS by a couple of grand, but these machines are at the top end of the super-naked league table with a lot more horses on offer.
When compared to more similar machines, let’s call them ‘softer’ nakeds, the Black Edition doesn’t look quite such good value for money. The faster, growlier, equally usable Yamaha MT-10 is £500 less and Suzuki’s Katana is £11,499. But you could just go for the base-model CB1000R Candy Chromosphere Red at eleven-and-a-half or so instead…
Weird that its main rival is, kind of… itself!
Equipment
There are four riding modes (Sport, Standard, and the customisable Rider mode) linked to three levels of traction, engine braking and engine power.
The updated CB also has a 5in colour TFT display. The same as used on the revised X-ADV and Forza 750, it has oodles of info available on four layout choices – and can be controlled with speech operation.
Download an app, connect an intercom, and you can use your voice to dictate messages, make phone calls, control music, ask about the weather forecast, or get navigation. A panel on the right-side of the display shows what’s going on and gives turn-by-turn directions.
The traction control allows graceful power wheelies in Sport mode, but just as you feel like a superhero it suddenly jumps in and cuts the power – BANG. It’s then a couple of seconds before the engine will pull or rev properly. The fastest starts actually come with the TC set to full, when the CB1000R just stays level and zips off.
New multi-spoke wheels add a touch of class to the new CB1000R and give the understated CB a little something to boast about.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 998cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC In-line 4 cylinder |
| Frame type | Steel mono backbone |
| Fuel capacity | 16.2 litres |
| Seat height | 830mm |
| Bike weight | 213kg |
| Front suspension | Showa SFF-BP USD fork with 120 mm stroke |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step pre-load and stepless rebound damping adjustment with 131mm stroke |
| Front brake | 310mm double disc 2-channel ABS |
| Rear brake | 256mm single disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 47.7 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £1,150 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,200 - £8,700 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 144 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 76.7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2008: CB1000R launched. Features retuned ’06 Blade motor producing 130bhp, a single sided swingarm and funky styling. A fine machine, but lacked soul and performance compared to its rivals.
- 2018: Revised CB1000R with more power, electronic rider aids, a new chassis, bigger back wheel, new styling and as step up in build quality.
- 2021: Revised CB1000R with Euro5 complaint engine, redesigned headlight and radiator shrouds. It also got a new cast aluminium subframe and seven-spoke wheels.
Other versions
- CB1000R Plus (or +) Has a quickshifter, heated grips, brushed aluminium front mudguard and rear hugger panels, a fly screen, single seat cowl and radiator grill with CB1000R logo.
- CB1000R Black Edition (as tested here)…
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024)
6 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £1,150 |
Version: Black
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £260
For me, the perfect all around motorcycle. I love the handling, confort, engine and although a cliche how superbly 'Honda' it feels. It is perfect for commuting, touring and hurtling around with my pants on fire. It could do with cruise and an outude temp guage but I wouldn't add anything else.Previous bikes have been European - I've been missing out on the Honda experience and won't be buying any other brand from here on in.
Not the plusest sus[ension but adequate for the price. I've had many eight hour days whilst touring and it's very comfy.
Fabulous
No faults at all.
Circa mpg, relatively kind to tyres compared to a twin and doesn't feel like it will ever thow a fault
Apart from Cruise and exterior temperature it has everything needed.
Buying experience: Smiths Honda - great experience.
Version: Black Edition
Year: 2023
I can’t stop recommending this bike to everyone that’s the problem. I’ve customised the exhaust, seat, tail tidy, removed the swing arm and rizoma mirrors. No end of appreciation when I take it out even from non motorcyclists. Best feature - the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the bike. Under 5k Revs you could close your eyes and think you’re on a small commuter bike. Punch it - and it won’t take long - over 5k Revs and you’ll be grinning and chuckling inside your helmet like a teenager! I always come home safely, and grinning like I’ve been thrilled. My best buddy swooped his Trident after a run out to Bangor with me, now he can’t stop customising his too…they are niché and so understated.
Ride is effortless, the bike feels so light for its power which was most surprising as I felt like I was on a 660 not 1000. The bike is forgiving and you always feel safe even when you push beyond your capabilities, the bike gives you supreme confidence in bends and straights. I know the brakes aren’t Brembo’s but they respond fast and I’ve never felt a squeaky bum moment like a did on a Trident once. I think most riders appreciate top range brakes so I do feel Honda could have bumped them up - like they have on the new Hornet SP (they obviously learnt from the feedback)
My only gripe is the slight lag effect when you open the throttle, I have read many reviews of people experiencing the same and it can be changed by tinkering with ECU etc. Under 5k you can pass for any boring rider and then above 5k the motorbike shifts into a possessed beast that leaves you grinning from ear to ear like you’re on a rollercoaster - thrilling fun and more than enough for UK roads and then some!
No issues and reliability as you’d expect from Honda. By the numbers, clockwork and coming after some other bikes that’s a welcome relief. The only complaint is the cheap front bumper, it ruins the aesthetic and looks cheap afterthought from Honda styling on that one.
Winter Service at Honda dealership seems fair, they go up in bundles so works out equitable to other manufacturer's. Urban travelling is surprisingly good value for money, although when you get to play the bike is thirsty - the fuel gauge actually reflects your usage so no need to panic.
Tyres are top notch, electronics and dash with separate modes for rain, power and standard. Quickshifter glides in Honda fashion and is a dream even in low speeds.I changed the exhaust to a SC Black Edition/ smaller system for the aesthetics - it wasn’t needed but I love the roar!
Version: Chromosphere Red
Year: 2022
Instant torque/power in any gear, at any speed, this thing is great. Ok, it's not the most powerful but on public roads do you really need more? It's well made, nearly two years on and there's no corrosion or any issues, though I do look after it. Worst thing, it's a small bike. I'm 5'10" and if it were any smaller I'd start to feel cramped. Having said that I like the small feeling, it's like a moped with a dragster engine!
It's a bit bouncy when you push it on some of the rough roads. I should try to dial it in a bit. Though day to day, it's spot on comfortable. I'd happily ride it to the other end of the country, though after a tank full of fuel you'll need to stretch your legs.
can't fault it, torque and power everywhere. 30mph in top gear, just roll it on, no bogging just seamless. I'm sure there are faster bikes, but I can't fault it.
No problems so far. An occaisional missed shift with the quickshifter but nothing to bother me. 18 months on, the paint looks good, no corrosion on fasteners. It's a Honda, I don't expect any issues.
As part of my deal on buying I got three year free servicing. Can't complain at that.
I got heated grips fitted, they work great. Quickshifter is new to me but I love it now.
Buying experience: I bought from Hunts in Manchester, sadly they aren't a Honda dealer anymore. They had a fantastic deal for me. Absolutely fantastic service.
Version: Black edition
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £3,000
Easy to ride lots of power Fantastic handling and brakes Deal wasn’t as good as it could be
Excellent ride quality and brakes amazeing Would like more time riding
Lots of power need to run in properly Only on normal power it’s fast know It’s going to be crazy fast on sport mode
Very good quality very well built and equipment very well made Nothing failed yet But running in clutch a bit harsh if rushed
Expensive but worth it build quality is value
Excellent Would have liked I phone connect on screen tft Only analogue avalible ? For an advanced bike this is old tech
Buying experience: Started off ok could have been better offers weren’t as good as they seamed as they didn’t match expectations and the finance was difficult to understand as it was more expensive than what was explained on paying off agreement early
Version: Black Edition
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £200
Well mannered at any time and a hooligan when you ask. A super naked for the real world, with the build quality we all have come to expect from Honda.
Brakes are effective. Rear shock does not behave well on bumps and when the bike is pushed. Will have to meddle with the settings to seek some improvements.Can with Michelin Power 5 tyres which are very stickyGood for the city commute or a weekend blast. Not so enjoyable on long high speed journeys as the the engine noise and wind become draining.
More than enough power for the real world I ride in. Emits a nice rasp when you push it. Enough torque for low speed manoeuvres/city commute.
Its a Honda! Fantastic detailing and paint finish. My 5th Honda and is it me or are they getting better each time.
First service was about £165 but covered within the Honda finance service pack deal.Getting circa 44 mpg on a mixed 22 mile commute which I thinks is good for the size/type of bike.
Quick shifter smooth enough. Dash display ticks all the boxes in want to see. Self cancelling indicators always welcome. Shame it does not have an IMU for wheelie control etc. unlike most of its large Honda peers.
Buying experience: Bought new in March 2022 from John Banks in Bury St Edmunds - great Honda Finance deal at the time £11,649 with Tracker (and years subscription), 3 free services and extended warranty thrown in.
Version: Black Edition
Year: 2022
I love this bike far more than i ever thought i would
Brakes incredible. lots say the ride can be bumpy and the rear shock could be better....not really found that yet but its new so i'm sure it will show its head in future
i love this inline 4 engine...had it in a fireblade a few years ago and it feels like an old friend. for the road its pretty much perfect (i wont ride track) with loads of grunt and a really predictable delivery.
my 3rd honda..each one better than the last
1000CC bikes are premium...and that comes with a cost..its expected i suppose
great tftp dash...let down for me by a lack of iphone support.
Buying experience: bought from a main delaer...blackpool honda. they are brilliant!
