Not Just Nostalgia, Honda CB1000F is Prepared for New Riders of Large Motorcycles

The latest Honda CB1000F. (Photo: MCN)

JAKARTA - Honda presents a different approach with the latest CB1000F. Although it carries a retro naked design that is full of the feel of motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s, this model is actually prepared to capture new consumers in the large motorcycle segment.

This was conveyed by the Project Leader (LPL) of the Honda CB1000F Takayuki Haramoto. CB1000F is not really a new name, this motorcycle was first introduced as the CB-F Concept at the 2020 Osaka Motorcycle Show.

After a long wait, the production version is finally confirmed to be present in the British showroom starting February 2026, with a price tag of 10,599 pounds, or equivalent to Rp. 237 million. With this price, the CB1000F is positioned as a serious challenger in the modern retro class.

This motorcycle will face off directly with the Kawasaki Z900RS which sells for 11,499 pounds, the BMW R12 nineT for 14,420 pounds, and the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 for 12,695 pounds. This pricing strategy makes the CB1000F appear more competitive than its rivals.

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The CB1000F is developed from the CB1000 Hornet platform that was launched for the 2025 model year. This motorcycle is equipped with a 998 cc inline four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 122 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 76 lb.ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.

All of these performances are packaged in a minimalist design that is directly inspired by Honda's legendary CB750F and CB900F more than four decades ago. However, Takayuki Haramoto said that this motorcycle is expected to create a new standard for naked motorcycles.

"Although the CB1000F is inspired by the 750 and 900, we want to create a new standard for naked bikes. The Hornet is light, but at the same time has power and is affordable for people," said Takayuki Haramoto to MCN, which was reported on Tuesday, December 16.

"This is a bike for everyone. I took this essence from the Hornet, but at the same time we have changed its style on this new model," he continued.

According to Haramoto, even though they share a base with the CB1000 Hornet, there are a number of important differences between the two. One of the most noticeable is the sound and engine response.

The CB1000F is claimed to have a smoother character, thanks to the use of a longer and not the same length intake funnel, resulting in a more pulsating engine tone. The motor is claimed to have more acceleration and is easy to drive.

The character is not without reason. Honda consciously designed the CB1000F to be easy to control, as part of a strategy to attract new riders to the large motorcycle segment.

"The main target is young people, but at the same time we also want people who know the history and heritage of this motorcycle to feel happy. This motorcycle is dedicated to people who buy their first big motorcycle," he said.

"As you know, Honda has a long history. That's why we want everyone to enjoy this motorcycle, and this legacy will also be used to introduce Honda's history to the younger generation," he explained.

In addition to the CB1000F, Honda is also highlighted regarding the potential development of other models. MCN asked about the opportunity for the presence of the four-cylinder CB500SF, which was previously exhibited at the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMA). The model was hoped to appear at EICMA Milan, but has not materialized.

"I can't say whether we will expand this to the European market or not," Haramoto concluded.