2022 Honda CB1000R Claimed Specifications
Engine: 998cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves
Bore x Stroke: 75.0 x 56.5mm
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower: 121.8 hp @ 9,800 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque: 68.8 lb.-ft. @ 8,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Clutch: Wet, multiplate slipper/assist; cable-actuated
Engine Management/Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized w/ electronic advance
Frame: Steel backbone
Front Suspension: 43mm Showa SFF-BP fork, spring preload, rebound, and compression damping adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Showa shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 5.2 in. travel
Front Brake: Dual radial-mounted 4-piston calipers, full-floating 310mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake: 1-caliper, 256mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Cast aluminum; 17 in. / 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: 120/70-17 / 190/55-17
Rake/Trail: 24.7°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase: 57.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight: 467 lb.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The heart of the CB1000R is an updated and retuned version of the powerplant that first appeared in the 2004 CBR1000RR. It’s a short-stroke (75mm bore by 56.5mm stroke) four-cylinder screamer that’s been reworked for torque and equipped with the latest two-way slipper clutch for a light pull at the lever. Even so, the engine redlines at 11,500 rpm. On the dyno, it peaks at 121.8 hp, with a noticeable jump in the torque curve at 6,500 rpm. The gearing is substantially shorter than on the original CBR race replica, so that first gear tops out at about 72 mph.
Short gearing and 1,000cc of displacement launch the bike hard with the front wheel effortlessly skimming the ground. Similarly, measured performance is strong, though far from exceptional for a literbike: The CB sprints the quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds, traveling 128 mph at the end. A dash from a stop to 60 mph takes just 3.3 seconds, a time that’s as much wheelie- as power-limited. That quarter-mile time and trap speed are a little quicker and faster than that of a Yamaha MT-09 SP, but behind that of the fire-breathing end of the liter-class streetfighter spectrum.
Fueling is smooth and predictable, with the engine producing a nice steady stream of power through the midrange. It’s this characteristic that makes the CB1000R such an enjoyable bike for both commuting and the occasional ride through the twisties.
Handling
On winding roads, the CB’s 25 degrees of rake and 3.8 inches of trail work with big Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires (120/70ZR-17 front, 190/55ZR-17 rear) to produce stable, competent, reassuring handling.
The not-exactly-long 57.3-inch wheelbase and relatively conservative steering geometry add up to a machine that simply goes where you want without either twitchiness or less-than-responsive steering. Instead, the big CB quickly gives you the impression of being on your side, unlikely to surprise riders with unexpected behavior.
Part of that predictability comes from the compliant, well-damped Showa suspension. The Big Piston fork simply absorbs even the big bumps without a hint of harshness.
Brakes
Radial-mount four-piston Tokico calipers bite into a pair of 310mm floating discs up front and a single piston/265mm setup are out back. The ABS system will, of course, eventually intrude as the bike brakes harder, but the pulsing through the brake lever or the pedal is reasonably minimal, enough to warn the rider they’re on the limit without distracting. Stopping distances are good, if not exceptional: 34 and 135 feet from 30 and 60 mph, respectively.