MEET MR VERSATILEHonda has along history of producing decent all rounder road bikes, though the range had been somewhat short of them of late. The CBF1000 has just arrived to plug that hole and does a pretty decent job of it...
OVERVIEW
The loss of both the 900 Hornet and CBR1100XX Blackbird from the local Honda range has left a massive hole in the line-up and, unlikely as it may seem, one bike has gone a long way towards filling the gap - meet the CBF1000. Based on the Fireblade engine, it's a jack of all trades, fitted with ABS and stacks up as a great package.
PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
While motorcycle sales in this country are booming, there is also little doubt that competition for the customer's dollar is fierce and the margins tend to be low - particularly in the price area that the CBF1000 plays in, which is $15,000.
For that money, Honda is offering quite a toy. Essentially you get a Fireblade-based litre bike with decent suspension, civilized powerplant and a mix of the company's combined brakes (the foot pedal operates brakes at both ends, while the hand lever operates front only) plus the safety net of ABS.
Anti-lock braking has suddenly moved well down the price scale for many brands. Once the preserve of expensive kit (mostly from BMW), it's now common to see it in this price range.
All-up, you get the general feeling that Honda has tried hard to pack a lot into this machine and it feels it.
DRIVETRAIN
This is probably the highlight of the machine. With 98 horses, the sports-based engine is certainly not stressed and should last forever. That said, close to 100 horses is more than enough to make the bike feel very lively and whip it past 200km/h without trouble.
Honda's in-house PGM-F1 fuel injection has long been among the best available. The low-end performance is not fantastic, but adequate, while there's very broad and strong midrange plus a top that is ample.
In terms of character, the powerplant comes across as willing to tackle just about anything - a nice match for the chassis.
The six-speed gearbox and light clutch gave no cause for complaint - quite seamless even on a low-mileage example.
Fuel consumption is generally around the 16km/lt mark.
CHASSIS
The CBF1000 is one of those bikes which really disguises its weight. I was a little shocked to read a 240 kilo figure after having ridden the thing, because from the saddle it comes across as being light, admirably narrow, and very nimble.
In reality it's a breeze to fling through peak-hour traffic, while feeling capable and comfortable on the open road.
In tight stuff, it's willing to turn in and the steering comes across as medium speed with a good degree of accuracy.
The front suspension on our test bike tended not to respond to small ripples in the road - riding over rather than across them - but with more substantial challenges, the suspension response came across as good. It's not surprisingly set for the road, which means it will swallow some pretty decent-sized bumps without complaint.
Adjustment is basic: none on the front and preload on the rear.
Braking is three-piston calipers up front and a single rear, with the connection for the rear pedal. All up they come across as being reasonably sharp without being exceptional - certainly up to the job of the odd fang into the countryside. The ABS cuts in without any surprises and is a nice bonus on something in this price range.
PACKAGING
Finish comes across as good and there are numerous nice touches, such as the adjustment for the seat height, windscreen and handlebars. Frustratingly, the manual advises to get it set up at a dealer, rather than explaining how to do it yourself. It doesn't look particularly difficult (except the windscreen could be a tad fiddly).
There are some nice touches for the owner, such as a centrestand - hardly essential, but definitely useful at times - twin trip meters and a clock. While there's a fuel gauge, there's no warning light of switch.
You can fit it out with colour-matched hard-luggage that actually looks as though it belongs. Panniers cost $1865 while a topbox starts at $740.
COMPETITORS
Without question the closest match out there is Triumph's Sprint ST which is about $1500 more expensive in ABS form but boasts panniers as standard (effectively making it a little cheaper once bags are in the picture) and a significantly more powerful engine.
Less direct competitors are numerous, such as SV1000 from Suzuki and Yamaha's FZ1 range. Perhaps most challenging is the Suzuki 1250 Bandit, priced at $12,490 with ABS. For some, the Honda badge alone will have some value.
ON THE ROAD
This is one of those bikes that feels pretty right from the minute you settle into the saddle, and gives every impression that it will tackle almost anything you ask of it. High praise - but accurate. It's not the sharpest sports bike out there, but it's nevertheless great fun to throw through a set of curves. At the other end of the scale, it will tackle a reasonable dirt road without drama and acts as a decent commuter.
If you need one bike that does a bit of everything, the CBF is a must to have on the list of potentials.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Lively & versatile motorcycle
- Very user-friendly
- Value
NOT SO MUCH
- Fuel range could be more
- Rider adjustments could be more accessible
RATINGS
- Overall rating: 4.0/5.0c
- Engine/Drivetrain: 4.5/5.0
- Chassis: 3.5/5.0
- Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.5/5.0
- In the saddle: 4.0/5.0
- X-factor: 3.5/5.0
| BASIC STATS |
| Engine: Fireblade-based 998cc inline four, injected |
| Power/torque:98hp @8000rpm/9.5kg-m @6500rpm |
| Weight: 242kg |
| Fuel tank: 19 litres |
| Seat height: 780-810mm (adjustable) |
| Price: $14,990 + ORC with ABS |
Source:
http://www.bikepoint.com.au
