HONDA CBF1000 (2010 - on) Review

This is a touring bike that can be ridden sportily at times. The Z1000SX was the opposite and as such the CBF is way more usable and therefore enjoyable for me to own. I can do up to 1.5 hours before needing a stop. Mainly I find the leg position a bit cramped for longer periods, whereas the Kawasaki was the same on legs, the seat was horrible and I couldn't do an hour on that. The CBF has plenty of power for easy overtakes even in top gear. The brakes I find very good, although the Z1000Sx brakes were better. I find the CBFs more than good enough for any situation, and the ABS gives that bit extra confidence to squeeze harder if needed. The suspension is on standard settings as far as I know. I haven't adjusted it since I bought it. It absorbs road irregularities comfortably and although it wallows slightly in fast corners it's more than manageable and is a fair trade off versus ride comfort.

There is plenty of power for road use. The power delivery gets a little bit more peppy once you get over 5000 rpm and it will click through the gear box smoothly, including clutchless changes if I'm getting a move on. Like another owner I get the flat spot at about 2500 rpm, which is more pronounced when the engines cold, but is still there a bit when warm too. Also the other slight bugbear is that the sweet spot when you feather the throttle to cruise is very tight. The slightest movement of the throttle means it either accelerates or goes on overrun. Maybe it needs some time on a dyno to sort this out.

I've owned mine for a year and apart from needing to charge the battery once after lockdown started it's run faultlessly. I've covered just over 3000 miles in the year and it's due for service and MOT in August. I don't find it an attractive bike, but the paint work and metal surfaces are in great condition after 11 years.

On average I am getting just over 50mpg from this. Slightly more on longer trips, which equates to about 200 miles on a full tank. The Bridgestone BT021 already fitted are about half way through. I had a couple of unexpected rear slides in the damp early on, but I think that was because the tyres are old (2013) and hadn't been used much since fitted in 2015. After that they've settled in well and are confidence inspiring in both wet and dry.

My favourite bit of equipment is the centre stand. So few bikes now have them and they're so useful!! The mirrors are great; vibration free and with a good rear view. The instruments are basic analogue dials, but perfectly legible day or night. The fuel gauge isn't accurate, being pessimistic on my machine. After a while I got to know what the reality is and it's better than nothing. I would have liked a temperature gauge for reassurance as the cooling fan does come a lot at times, but I can't tell if the engines over heating or just hot. The switch gear is simple and easy to use and there's the useful addition of hazard warning lights too. As I said the standard screen was awful for me with horrible buffeting and the standard horn is very feeble.

I like to take a little walk when I stop for fuel about every 150 miles

Plenty of low down power

Some rust on central stand

Serviced by myself every year

Completely standard just get on and ride the bike is one of the last twin silencer models

short trips or touring it will do it all ..petrol stops ideal time for a break if you want or press on regardless..its up to you..been to scotland on it and various parts of peak district..

very smooth power delivery from a lovely torquey engine..nothing to dislike.low seat makes bike easy for shorties, a real plus point

this one is very good quality..have changed a few fastners.to titaniumit makes a big difference nothing now appears to corrode!! or is that me.. my other one was a 2012 model not as good quality as this one..

serviced at a honda dealer in nottingham..and m.o.t could do it myself but have not got the time..

mine has a hugger radiator guard ,heated grips ,bar risers givi rack, have fitted puig pro frame sliders,these are mounted further forward on the frame not engine mounts would recomend if you can get them now

Ride quality is ok, maybe Bridgestone T31's make it a little harsh.My wife can do 2 hours before we have a break

So smooth,oodles of torque,light clutch

Excellent build quality, very reliable

Honda panniers and top box are great,no panniers frames either I'm 5ft 8 and got a screen extension to prevent buffetting, It works. Bridgestone BT31's give me 10000 miles before replacement

Great all round bike, 2 hours maximum before needing a break with or without a pillion

Smooth ride, no noticeable vibration and plenty of torque (no dislikes)

Radiator failed at 39,000 miles due to leak from water channel at rear of radiator (not stone damage)

Home serviced from new by myself, spare parts from Honda, no high costs (except radiator)

Good handling, neutral stance, accessories fitted, Honda Topbox and panniers plus Honda fairing lowers, Ermax Hugger all great items Tyres, Michelin Road 5 are brilliant for both wet and dry riding, all Pilot Road tyres last 10-11K with or without a pillion

Great all round bike. Although the suspension is too soft for really fast riding, it's a great compromise for the bikes' purpose and price.

Lots of low and midrange power, it makes for an easy time when spending the whole day riding. I just wish it had the same power as CB1000R!

Despite an intermittent engine management light (which local Honda Dealer couldn't trace), it's been very reliable. 22k miles and despite having 3 new batteries, it's not let me down. Quality of the paintwork is excellent, the rest of the bike is awful. Think 1970's Suzuki quality.

No standard power or USB points. Centre stand was an optional extra. Luggage was an optional extra. Advised to go for the Oxford heated grips (excellent) as the Honda ones were expensive and rubbish (as I was told..). Best tyres so far are the Michelin PR5's.

Great bike for most occasions. Brakes excellent. Fitted bar risers and extra padding to the seats. Stock seat s little hard on long runs. Taller screen also....

Sublime.....

No major faults except HISS wiring cracked, so done a DIY fix. Sorted.

Value for money? Oh YES!! Easy to work on. Do all my own servicing.

Every bike needs some customisation, but, this is one of the best stock set-ups you'll find.

Some people may like a little more top end rush but its perfect for me.

Never had a problem - with the MK 2.

I don't record the actual costs but I just fit new oil filter with every oil change. 20,000 miles & I have fitted a new sir filter.

I prefer an alternative screen to the Honda original.

Brakes..fantastic. I am glad to get off the thing after my commute (ten miles).

It is snappy but a bit gutless, lack of protection means a joyless ride for me, needs a sixth gear.

it's thirstyish, not impressed for such a wee bike.

plush on a long distance, ABS an absolute boon!!!!

Smooth, torquey and just enough power

Thermostat and housing needed replacing!!

Got all the honda luggage, plenty of dials and lights on the dash, fitted heated grips and a scottoiler and its is spot on!!

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".

Suspension could be improved

Gem of an engine

Cannot Be faulted.

Could be more economical

Centre stand

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.

Smooth enough power and creamy smooth.

Typically honda.

Accurate Fuel gauge. Centre Stand Room under the seat. Superb with the Luggage.

not a comfy bike on long runs, handle bar risers help

rust on all the chrome and hose clips, bolt heads etc

hight adjustable screen

Brakes on my latest model ABS much improved over non ABS. The bike is good all rounder. 150 miles not stop not a problem.

Bullet proof de-tuned Fireblade engine, plenty of grunt

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.

Givi Panniers and top box give loads of space for long trips or holidays

Basic suspension gets found out when pushing hard

Honda should have let it have more power

50+mpg, dependable Honda

It has none, try to find a decent screen

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.

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.

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.

Keeping broadly to speed limits and not yanking the throttle hard, I managed to turn in 260 miles on a full tank.

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.

Linked brakes work well and inspire confidence

Very smooth and effortless. More than enough for two-up touring

Honda charging for first service is disgraceful

Full luggage kit comes as standard.

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.

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.

I've had mine for over 2 years now, it's got 10,000 miles on the clock and nothing has failed.

I do all my own oil and filter changes. It hasn't needed anything else yet.

I've added a gear indicator, scottoiler and heated grips. Mine came with full luggage and is superb for touring.

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.

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.

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)

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.