2021 Honda CB1000R review | The gentlest super naked will be replaced in 2024 but we quite liked this one

Highlights

  • The friendliest of super nakeds
  • Solidly built and great to ride
  • List price helps its appeal

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £1,600
Power: 144 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm)
Weight: Medium (470 lbs / 213 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £6,500 - £10,700

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Though more than fast enough and far from shy when it comes to rideability, the 2021 Honda CB1000R is the least super of the super naked options.

The 143bhp inline four looks a bit humdrum next to attention-grabbing loudmouths like the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

But for 2021 Honda have upped its appeal with tweaked fuel injection, sharper styling, cunning tech and new multi-spoke wheels. It replaces the 2018-2020 Honda CB1000R. In 2024 the Honda CB1000 Hornet replaces the CB1000R.

At £12,999 OTR, is the CB1000R Black Edition the naked we should all be buying?

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The CB has limited shuffle room, but the riding position has a pleasing mix of super-naked attitude and daily-use comfort. It’s designed for dissecting B-roads rather than chasing lap times and with a compact, light chassis with delicate steering and accurate handling it’s fun and easy to master but the shock still goes ‘boing’ if you’re going with gusto. The brakes are decent without being overly impressive.

Front brakes on the Honda CB1000R are impressive

Fast and fun but not overwhelming, light and accurate without sacrificing rideability, the Honda CB1000R might not be as rowdy or as focused as some of its sportier opposition but it delivers a polished and inspiring road ride.

The Black Edition does have a couple of issues, though. First, its capable chassis still deserves a better rear shock and the throttle is still too on-off…

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Measuring 75 x 56.5mm, the 998cc inline four can trace its ancestry back to the 2004 Fireblade. No wonder the exhaust has a Blade-like rasp. It’s the same unit as previously used in the CB1000R, with the same 77lb.ft at 8250rpm and 143bhp at 10,500rpm.

You may think 143bhp isn't much for a modern super naked, but it's ample for us...

Yes, it’s plenty fast enough. The exhaust has new flow sensor gubbins and the injection settings are altered to give a more polished delivery and improve response; but, as before, the throttle is snatchy in Sport mode (or in Rider with full power selected), especially in the lower half of the revs.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The light-swallowing hue is everywhere, from the Honda’s bodywork, fork stanchions and subframe to every millimetre of the exhaust. I normally roll my eyes at blacked-out schemes, but there’s something appealing about how the CB is shrouded in utter darkness, yet its components and profile are clearly defined. The Black Edition bikes get ‘CB’ machined into the handlebar clamp and a slick-feeling two-way quickshifter.

There is beautiful detailing on the Honda CB1000R

It’s also fabulously well-made and presented, and now has more than enough attention-grabbing technology. I think the restyle has made it better looking.

It’s a typically solid chunk of motorcycle from Honda and feels sturdy and reliable.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

At a quid under £13k, it’s significantly cheaper than a Ducati Streetfighter V4 (£17,595) or an Aprilia Tuono (£15,500). It also undercuts the new Triumph Speed Triple RS by a couple of grand, but these machines are at the top end of the super-naked league table with a lot more horses on offer.

The Honda CB1000R's main rival is probably itself

When compared to more similar machines, let’s call them ‘softer’ nakeds, the Black Edition doesn’t look quite such good value for money. The faster, growlier, equally usable Yamaha MT-10 is £500 less and Suzuki’s Katana is £11,499. But you could just go for the base-model CB1000R Candy Chromosphere Red at eleven-and-a-half or so instead…

Weird that its main rival is, kind of… itself!

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There are four riding modes (Sport, Standard, and the customisable Rider mode) linked to three levels of traction, engine braking and engine power.

The updated CB also has a 5in colour TFT display. The same as used on the revised X-ADV and Forza 750, it has oodles of info available on four layout choices – and can be controlled with speech operation.

Download an app, connect an intercom, and you can use your voice to dictate messages, make phone calls, control music, ask about the weather forecast, or get navigation. A panel on the right-side of the display shows what’s going on and gives turn-by-turn directions.

Honda CB1000R clocks

The traction control allows graceful power wheelies in Sport mode, but just as you feel like a superhero it suddenly jumps in and cuts the power – BANG. It’s then a couple of seconds before the engine will pull or rev properly. The fastest starts actually come with the TC set to full, when the CB1000R just stays level and zips off.

New multi-spoke wheels add a touch of class to the new CB1000R and give the understated CB a little something to boast about.

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled DOHC In-line 4 cylinder
Frame type Steel mono backbone
Fuel capacity 16.2 litres
Seat height 830mm
Bike weight 213kg
Front suspension Showa SFF-BP USD fork with 120 mm stroke
Rear suspension Monoshock with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step pre-load and stepless rebound damping adjustment with 131mm stroke
Front brake 310mm double disc 2-channel ABS
Rear brake 256mm single disc
Front tyre size 120/70 ZR17
Rear tyre size 190/55 ZR17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 47.7 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £1,600
New price -
Used price £6,500 - £10,700
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term -

Top speed & performance

Max power 144 bhp
Max torque 76.7 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 170 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2008: CB1000R launched. Features retuned ’06 Blade motor producing 130bhp, a single sided swingarm and funky styling. A fine machine, but lacked soul and performance compared to its rivals.
  • 2018: Revised CB1000R with more power, electronic rider aids, a new chassis, bigger back wheel, new styling and as step up in build quality.
  • 2021: Revised CB1000R with Euro5 complaint engine, redesigned headlight and radiator shrouds. It also got a new cast aluminium subframe and seven-spoke wheels.

Other versions

  • CB1000R Plus (or +) Has a quickshifter, heated grips, brushed aluminium front mudguard and rear hugger panels, a fly screen, single seat cowl and radiator grill with CB1000R logo.
  • CB1000R Black Edition (as tested here)…

Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024)

4 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA CB1000R (2021 - 2024)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £1,600
5 out of 5 Fantastic "do it all" bike.
11 October 2023 by Honda fan

Version: Chromosphere Red

Year: 2022

Instant torque/power in any gear, at any speed, this thing is great. Ok, it's not the most powerful but on public roads do you really need more? It's well made, nearly two years on and there's no corrosion or any issues, though I do look after it. Worst thing, it's a small bike. I'm 5'10" and if it were any smaller I'd start to feel cramped. Having said that I like the small feeling, it's like a moped with a dragster engine!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It's a bit bouncy when you push it on some of the rough roads. I should try to dial it in a bit. Though day to day, it's spot on comfortable. I'd happily ride it to the other end of the country, though after a tank full of fuel you'll need to stretch your legs.

Engine 5 out of 5

can't fault it, torque and power everywhere. 30mph in top gear, just roll it on, no bogging just seamless. I'm sure there are faster bikes, but I can't fault it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No problems so far. An occaisional missed shift with the quickshifter but nothing to bother me. 18 months on, the paint looks good, no corrosion on fasteners. It's a Honda, I don't expect any issues.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

As part of my deal on buying I got three year free servicing. Can't complain at that.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I got heated grips fitted, they work great. Quickshifter is new to me but I love it now.

Buying experience: I bought from Hunts in Manchester, sadly they aren't a Honda dealer anymore. They had a fantastic deal for me. Absolutely fantastic service.

5 out of 5 Cb1000r black edition stunning bike
18 July 2022 by Anthony Izzard

Version: Black edition

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £3,000

Easy to ride lots of power Fantastic handling and brakes Deal wasn’t as good as it could be

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Excellent ride quality and brakes amazeing Would like more time riding

Engine 5 out of 5

Lots of power need to run in properly Only on normal power it’s fast know It’s going to be crazy fast on sport mode

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very good quality very well built and equipment very well made Nothing failed yet But running in clutch a bit harsh if rushed

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Expensive but worth it build quality is value

Equipment 5 out of 5

Excellent Would have liked I phone connect on screen tft Only analogue avalible ? For an advanced bike this is old tech

Buying experience: Started off ok could have been better offers weren’t as good as they seamed as they didn’t match expectations and the finance was difficult to understand as it was more expensive than what was explained on paying off agreement early

5 out of 5 Real world big naked with Honda's typical build quality
11 July 2022 by SIMON B

Version: Black Edition

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £200

Well mannered at any time and a hooligan when you ask. A super naked for the real world, with the build quality we all have come to expect from Honda.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are effective. Rear shock does not behave well on bumps and when the bike is pushed. Will have to meddle with the settings to seek some improvements.Can with Michelin Power 5 tyres which are very stickyGood for the city commute or a weekend blast. Not so enjoyable on long high speed journeys as the the engine noise and wind become draining.

Engine 5 out of 5

More than enough power for the real world I ride in. Emits a nice rasp when you push it. Enough torque for low speed manoeuvres/city commute.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Its a Honda! Fantastic detailing and paint finish. My 5th Honda and is it me or are they getting better each time.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

First service was about £165 but covered within the Honda finance service pack deal.Getting circa 44 mpg on a mixed 22 mile commute which I thinks is good for the size/type of bike.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Quick shifter smooth enough. Dash display ticks all the boxes in want to see. Self cancelling indicators always welcome. Shame it does not have an IMU for wheelie control etc. unlike most of its large Honda peers.

Buying experience: Bought new in March 2022 from John Banks in Bury St Edmunds - great Honda Finance deal at the time £11,649 with Tracker (and years subscription), 3 free services and extended warranty thrown in.

5 out of 5 Brilliant...just...Brilliant
23 May 2022 by Andyb999

Version: Black Edition

Year: 2022

I love this bike far more than i ever thought i would

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes incredible. lots say the ride can be bumpy and the rear shock could be better....not really found that yet but its new so i'm sure it will show its head in future

Engine 5 out of 5

i love this inline 4 engine...had it in a fireblade a few years ago and it feels like an old friend. for the road its pretty much perfect (i wont ride track) with loads of grunt and a really predictable delivery.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

my 3rd honda..each one better than the last

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

1000CC bikes are premium...and that comes with a cost..its expected i suppose

Equipment 4 out of 5

great tftp dash...let down for me by a lack of iphone support.

Buying experience: bought from a main delaer...blackpool honda. they are brilliant!

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