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HONDA CBF1000 (2010-on) Review

Published: 21 October 2010

Updated: 21 November 2014

Honda have given the CBF a new face, new clocks, lightened the frame and improved fuel economy

Honda CBF1000

Honda have given the CBF a new face, new clocks, lightened the frame and improved fuel economy

Overall Rating 5 out of 5

There wasn’t anything really wrong with the old bike apart from it appeared a little dated and it was more of an ugly duckling rather than a stunning swan. However, Honda have addressed that, given the CBF a new face, new clocks, lightened the frame and improved fuel economy. Great ergonomics, easy to ride, just enough power, relatively lightweight handling, a jack of all trades bike perfect for 98% of the time. 

Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5

It’s just as easy to ride at slow speeds through tight busy traffic as it is to have fun down an unfamiliar B road. The ride and comfort is excellent and the new linked ABS are very effective, like riding with a safety net, ideal in the wet. Its only when you ride out of the bike past its design parameters will you get any complaints as the pegs start to scrape and the rear is a little soft.

Engine 5 out of 5

Honda claim the newly fuelled engine is now 7% more efficient than the old bike; it’s easy to see fuel figures of 50mpg and more. The detuned 06 fireblade engine isn’t going to set the world on fire but its incredibly flexible, smooth power delivery and has enough grunt for two up touring and will send the new speedo past the 140mph mark.

Build Quality & Reliability 4 out of 5

The frame is now aluminium but the wheels and suspension remain rather basic considering the new higher price tag. However everything is put together with the usual high standard we expect from Honda. There is no reason to question the reliability of the detuned Blade engine and should last for ever.

Insurance, running costs & value 4 out of 5

The old CBF started at less than £6000 which made the old bike an absolute bargain and highly recommended bike. However now the price is pushing nearly £9000 and not much has changed to justify the price. Pricier than the Suzuki GSX1200FA, but lighter and more nimble with better build quality. Find a Honda CBF1000 for sale.

Insurance group: 14 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.

Equipment 4 out of 5

New clocks add the quality finish and the screen is now three way adjustable. ABS is excellent, one of the leaders in this class. The new top fairing and flush indicators have improved the looks of the front end, using CBR600 headlights. Luggage kits are available as optional extras if you want to turn your Honda CBF into a real tourer. Compare and buy parts for the CBF1000 in the MCN Shop.

By MCN Staff

Facts & Figures

Model info
Year introduced 2010
Year discontinued -
New price £9,499
Used price £2,800 to £7,500
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage
Running costs
Insurance group 14 of 17
Annual road tax £91
Annual service cost £180
Performance
Max power 106 bhp
Max torque 69 ft-lb
Top speed 145 mph
1/4-mile acceleration -
Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Tank range 185 miles
Specification
Engine size 998cc
Engine type 16v four-stroke inline 4
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 795mm
Bike weight 245kg
Front suspension preload only
Rear suspension single shock
Front brake 2 x 296mm 2piston radial caliper
Rear brake 240mm disc two piston
Front tyre size 120/70x17
Rear tyre size 160/60x17

History & Versions

Model history

2006: original CBF1000 introduced
2010: Model introduced
2011: CBF1000A [£7,925] CBF1000GT [£8775] CBF1000FA offered [£9275]

Other versions

None

Owners' Reviews

11 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBF1000 (2010-on) 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 CBF1000 (2010-on)
Summary of Owners' Reviews
Overall Rating 4.3 out of 5
Ride Quality & Brakes 4.3 out of 5
Engine 4.6 out of 5
Build Quality & Reliability 4.6 out of 5
Value & Running Costs 4.2 out of 5
Equipment 4.1 out of 5
5 out of 5

Easy rider

11 August 2016 by Drazen

Year : 2010
Annual servicing cost : £125

Easy to ride motorcycle.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
I bought this bike as new in December 2010. Bike have 45.000 km. So far I have only alternator problem (stator was burned). Since this is usual fault I gave verdict "4 out of 5".
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
4 out of 5

Mr

18 June 2016 by Alex

Version : FA
Year : 2014

Could do with a temp gauge and gear indicator. Traction control would be a bonus. Better quality suspension would get this bike 5 out of 5.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Suspension could be improved
Engine
5 out of 5
Gem of an engine
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Cannot Be faulted.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Could be more economical
Equipment
5 out of 5
Centre stand
Buying experience

Purchased from a dealer

4 out of 5

Much Better than you think.

16 June 2016 by Bigtwinthing

Year : 2010

Great Bike very often overlooked. Try one you will be impressed.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
much better that the parts would suggest. Great for A and B road blasting and Super comfy. Great for 2 Up in my Wifes opinion.
Engine
5 out of 5
Smooth enough power and creamy smooth.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Typically honda.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
Accurate Fuel gauge. Centre Stand Room under the seat. Superb with the Luggage.
Buying experience

Lots to see buy a good one.

3 out of 5

26 October 2015 by Bill

Year : 2013

the chrome rusts quickly

Ride Quality & Brakes
3 out of 5
not a comfy bike on long runs, handle bar risers help
Engine
4 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5
rust on all the chrome and hose clips, bolt heads etc
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
hight adjustable screen
Buying experience

dealer, advertised priced was £9,400, got for £9000 plus £300`s worth of any accessories

5 out of 5

09 October 2015 by Terry Harte

Version : AA
Year : 2013
Annual servicing cost : £140

This is the 3rd of these I have owned, very easy to ride 1 or 2 up and with luggage. The only minor fault with all 3 the front suspension needs to be stiffened up

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Brakes on my latest model ABS much improved over non ABS. The bike is good all rounder. 150 miles not stop not a problem.
Engine
5 out of 5
Bullet proof de-tuned Fireblade engine, plenty of grunt
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Typical Honda build 100% reliable all I have had have been totally reliable, Only part to fail was the battery on my last one, It was 4 years old.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
Givi Panniers and top box give loads of space for long trips or holidays
4 out of 5

07 October 2015 by Novamundial

Version : FAB
Year : 2012

Great commuter, tourer pretty much does everything you want it to do. Typical Honda build quality, typical useless screen

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Basic suspension gets found out when pushing hard
Engine
4 out of 5
Honda should have let it have more power
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
50+mpg, dependable Honda
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
2 out of 5
It has none, try to find a decent screen
4 out of 5

CBF1000GT Honda's hidden jewel

25 August 2015 by Gilmore

Version : GT
Year : 2015

Huge improvement to the very good MKI model in looks finish and especially performance. Fantastic all-rounder, but could do with an extra 30Hp just to top it all off. It's great for touring with all the extras, and fantastic for those knee-down country lane burns when you just need to let off some steam. Minor niggle is the frame around the heels scratches up easily, so look out for aftermarket covers/protectors when they become available.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Handles far better than a bike with a centre-stand has a right to. In fact, one problem I get is grinding away the foot rests and exhaust shroud when cranking it over too hard. Superb combined ABS package lets you get away with bad decisions that a standard setup wouldn't...i.e Hitting a corner too fast! Just apply the rear brake (braking is then split between front and rear calipers) to stay on line without the bike standing up out of the curve. Acceleration is incredible for a hefty bike with only(!) just over 100HP available at the throttle.
Engine
4 out of 5
Power delivery is flawless and extremely smooth, with an incredible amount of torque, even in 6th gear at low speeds. Gear ratios are just about perfect and she sounds raw and meaty at just the right times.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Excellent (but slightly expensive) build quality, good equipment and finish. Nice touch with the height adjustable seat and variable handlebar positions. I can't understand why this bike appears so overlooked, because if you want a bike that can tour and give you a saturday afternoon thrill but can't afford to buy both, then you would be hard pushed to find a better buy.
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Keeping broadly to speed limits and not yanking the throttle hard, I managed to turn in 260 miles on a full tank.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Could really do with a gear change indicator due to never knowing what gear I'm in because of the high torque. Nice touch with the adjustable screen, although a choice of clear and tinted would be nice.
Buying experience

Bought from Thunderroad Honda main dealership. Price was £10,299 but comes with excellent TOMTOM sat nav, full pannier and internal bag set and the dealer also chucked in a couple of freebies including a rear wheel hugger.

4 out of 5

03 July 2015 by Davy

Version : CBF1000GTFA
Year : 2015
Annual servicing cost : £400

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Linked brakes work well and inspire confidence
Engine
5 out of 5
Very smooth and effortless. More than enough for two-up touring
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Honda charging for first service is disgraceful
Equipment
5 out of 5
Full luggage kit comes as standard.
Buying experience

Bought from dealer for £10,000

5 out of 5

Best touring bike I have ever owned.

05 June 2015 by Alan Sh

Version : FAC
Year : 2012

It seems to have everything I need and is a vast improvement on the old one (which I also owned).

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Seat height is very adjustable and suits me with small legs. I can get both feet on the ground with it in the middle position. The screen can be a bit buffety, but I've put some spacers in to rake it back which improves it no end. Suspension is better than the old one with more adjustment as well.
Engine
5 out of 5
No issues anywhere, Powerful engine. I've put a 17t front sprocket on which makes the speedo 100% accurate and means cruising is that much easier. Engine is more economical and seems to have shade more power than the old one. The display is much better and displays more information.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
I've had mine for over 2 years now, it's got 10,000 miles on the clock and nothing has failed.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
I do all my own oil and filter changes. It hasn't needed anything else yet.
Equipment
4 out of 5
I've added a gear indicator, scottoiler and heated grips. Mine came with full luggage and is superb for touring.
Buying experience

Bought new from a dealer (Rochdale Honda) and got a good deal.

5 out of 5

Captain Sensible's Bike

28 May 2015 by Alan

Version : Naked version
Year : 2014
Annual servicing cost : £50

Having owned and loved the older 2006 version I was pleasantly surprised by how much better this one was all round. Smoother, much nimbler feeling and free of buzzes and minor fairing noises. MCN understates the difference between the two versions.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
I love the newer ABS but think if you are used to a sports bike will find the brakes needing a good squeeze at times.
Engine
5 out of 5
Great engine, pulls 6th gear from around 30mph (obviously not best practice) and on long twisty runs you seem to be able to stay in top everywhere! Smooth too and fast enough for any sensible person.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
I always do my own servicing and this is a very easy modern bike to work on. Be embarrassed if you put this in for what amounts to an oil change and quick check-over. (Annual/4000 mile service)
Equipment
4 out of 5
Adjustable seat as standard is great and being short, I love the sensible (range) of seat heights on this bike.I had mine fitted with Pilot Road 4's from new and they are wonderful tyres.
Buying experience

The old one was such an amazing bargain new, that people have been unable to stomach the present day list price. Shopping around works - I paid £7250 for a pre-reg bike with nominal mileage, full guarantee etc., from Castle Motorcycles. Winter deal but I still cannot believe the bargain I got and they changed the tyres!

4 out of 5

All rounder

28 January 2011 by Charterhouse

This is a great bike for those who need one bike for all year round commuting, touring and weekend rides. It is a smooth bike, easy to handle (though heavy), but during the snow and frosts I got caught a few days riding home in a few mm of snow and I had no surprises. Good low down power and MPG (around 50 for all riding) and has reasonable look. Mine came as a black GT version with full fairing and full luggage and new was £1000 less than the price quoted on MSN. Traded in my ST Sprint for this bike and not missing the Sprint (though a great bike) because of the better luggage capacity and now £1000's less than the new Sprint tourer. No vibes from mirrors! Many Deuville riders progress to these.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
-
Engine
4 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-

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