2018 Honda CB1000R
While the Gold Wing is Honda?s flagship motorcycle, the roots of its success in the U.S. and abroad reside in the CB series of bikes that were launched in the 1960s, primarily the 1969 CB750, which was heralded by many as the first superbike. Today the CB prefix is carried by Honda?s retro CB1100EX and its naked sports machines, and at the top of that heap is the CB1000R. Although designed primarily for the European market, the light and minimalist bike has proven equally good at commuting, slicing up back roads and even riding track days here in the U.S.
Read our review of the 2011 Honda CB1000R
For 2018 the CB1000R gets a radical restyling inspired by the Neo-Sports Café Concept machine showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show last month. Engine changes offer more performance, and electronic enhancements like throttle by wire open the door to four riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain and User), as well as adjustable engine braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, or traction control). 2018 Honda CB1000R
New all-LED lighting is capped off by the bike?s spacey horseshoe-shaped light ring inside the round headlight, which has 3.5-inch shorter overhang, while a swingarm-mounted rear mudguard (a first for Honda) contributes to a more compact silhouette. A burnished-aluminum radiator shroud and airbox cover plus machined engine cases, cylinder head and sprocket hub are new, and Honda says the flangeless tank provides plenty of knee room through cutaways. T...