CB1000, retro riding for the larger than average bear (Honda CB1000)

Name: Ian Jay

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Product:	Honda CB1000
Date:	07.02.08 (274 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's a Honda and it will be cheap right now

Disadvantages: Heavy: not for those with a lower than average body mass index score

I owned one for about a year. As I am a tad over 6' 3" and a 19 stone weakling, it suited me well. Yes, it is heavy to pick up and potter on, so best not to drop it really! Not recommended as your first big bike unless you can match the above vital statistics! Bike has a detuned CBR1000 motor which makes a euro friendly 98 bhp-ish. CBR parts can boost this, but fiddling with the sprockets and exhaust are easier and will give it more off the mark oomph. (Don't forget to book your wheelie course!) If you are going to fit CBR parts, you'll also need the carbs. Handling is stodgy by sports bike standards, so if you want ZXCBRR1 performance go and get one. Bike is a good looker and has loads of street presence. Not for the short of stature or faint of heart as even standard it does have some attitude.... and some weight. Two weak points that you should check for carefully, a la CBR: the starter clutch and the good ole cam chain tensoiner. The starter clutch is very expensive to repair as it is buried deep down in the domain of the sump monster, so requires a complete engine out and strip down, unless of course you can weild a spanner yer-sen. If the camchain is quiet and it starts without any dramas it should be okay (let it warm up and listen carefully). Lack of screen, as with all naked bikes, limits long term high speed crusing but hey, this is motorcycling not tourcruisedustbinfairinggirlie land. Tyre type makes a big difference to handling. The old Bridgestone BT20's were good, not sure if you can still get them though and don't be tempted to put a bigger profile tyre on the back. You have been warned! Riding style also makes a difference, back off the speed and ride the torque, hanging in third gear for corners will see it more stable and willing to go where you point it. Steady and careful with the throttle going in but pile on the power coming out will surprise the plastic rocket crowd nicely. (If you've fiddled, make sure you keep some weight over the front!) Too many revs will only get the bike complaining! All in all, a good all round naked bike that took some bits from the vastly underrated (and now very cheap!) CBR1000 and made a solid battleship of a ride. It looks good and has enough attitude to suit the larger than average bear. It will not rust before your very eyes and will cope with most things swimmingly (For those in sunny England). Enjoy

Summary: Big One by name,Big one by nature. Buy if you want a big one. (groan)

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Driving comfort:
on skiddy terrain:
on dry terrain: