2011 Honda CB1000RA

Introduction

The stunning CB1000R packs exhilarating litre-class sports performance into a compact and muscular-looking form that looks fast, even standing still. It delivers outstanding acceleration, light, responsive handling and great riding enjoyment at every twist of its throttle. This is combined with smooth, easy control and nimble handling that’s just as enjoyable along winding roads as it is on city streets.

For 2011 the CB1000R has been refreshed and updated to enhance its image as one of the most exciting and well designed Performance Naked machines on the road. It receives a new thicker aluminium handlebar that gives an improved feel. Treated with a gold alumite surface, it also adds to the bike’s focused looks. A new LED position light updates the distinctive front lighting array, and a new Tricolour version with gold wheels projects a sporty image.

Main features

- New Tricolour version. New!
- Thicker aluminium handlebar improves look and feel. New!
- Unique front light array features a triangular multi-reflector headlight integrated into a compact bikini cowl, and a new 7-bulb LED position light. New!
- Compact, lightweight 998cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-4 engine is tuned for dynamic low-to midrange performance.
- Magnesium cylinder head and ACG covers reduce engine weight.
- Angular, ‘mass forward’ design is emphasised by a short compact tail and positions rider forward for a sporty ride.
- Advanced gravity die-cast aluminium Mono-Backbone frame contributes to agile, sporty handling.
- Semi-underslung stainless steel exhaust system lowers centre of gravity and adds to light, responsive handling as well as delivering an exhilarating sound.
- Attractive 17" wheels feature eye-catching swept 4-spoke design.
- Swift-handling, fully adjustable 43mm inverted front fork and cast aluminium Monoshock Pro-Arm swingarm contribute to precise control.
- Wide, high-performance Super Sports-class radial tyres deliver responsive high-speed cornering control.
- Lightweight 310mm floating front disc brakes with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and 256mm dual-piston caliper rear disc brake create a powerful stopping force.
- Combined-ABS version features 3-piston front brake calipers and advanced Antilock Brake System for extra assurance in all braking situations.

Styling

The CB1000R has a compact and dynamic form with a distinctive ‘mass-forward’ orientation that projects a ‘ready to pounce’ stance. Its frontal design is characterised by a compact bikini cowl surrounding a brilliant three-corner shaped multi-reflector headlight. Underneath, a distinctive LED position lamp gives it an unmistakable presence on the road. For 2011 this has been updated from a 5-bulb to a 7-bulb layout. Behind the cowl a high-tech, fully digital meter panel provides three large LCD readouts of all operating information. The tachometer features an instant multi-segment readout of engine speed, displayed in a wide, sweeping bar that extends across the top of the display.

The short, slim seat and tail cowl take obvious design cues from the CBR1000RR Fireblade and the powerful RC212V MotoGP racer. The seat is roomy and tapers towards the front, integrating smoothly with the side covers for a compact profile and comfortable riding position. The sleek, upswept tail cowl, supported by a strong and rigid cast aluminium rail, provides room for a passenger and integrates an attention-attracting LED tail-light.

The lightweight form is matched by sharply sculpted bodywork. Mechanical parts like its magnesium head and ACG covers and natural finish aluminium pivot plates create a high-tech look of purposeful performance, accentuated by the eye-catching array of nickel-plated bolts that surround the engine’s side covers. Stylish 17" swept 4-spoke wheels place a strong accent on the CB1000R’s exciting performance potential.

Remarkably, the CB1000R looks and feels more like a compact mid-sized sportsbike than the full-bodied litre-class performer it really is. Its compact dimensions and easy reach to both the ground and its controls are outstanding in this class of Naked road machines. Its form locates the rider closer to the steering head for a riding position that shifts the CB1000R’s balance of weight slightly forward onto its front tyre, achieving a greater feeling of crisply responsive control.

Colours

For 2011, the CB1000R comes in three colour versions that emphasise its mix of cool urban style and powerful performance. These include a stunning new Tricolour version with gold wheels.

- Tricolour New!
- Pearl Nightstar Black
- Pearl Cool White

Engine

The CB1000R features a compact 998cm3 liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-four engine originally derived from the World Superbike Championship-winning 2007 CBR1000RR Fireblade. It is tuned to deliver sharp acceleration and full-bodied torque from the lower reaches of its rev range as well as smoothly linear power further up the powerband. Features such as an IACV (intake air control valve) keep excessive torque reaction and jerky low-speed performance to a minimum, ensuring smooth, enjoyable operation. The light-action hydraulic clutch takes full advantage of the engine’s strong low-end torque and can be engaged at engine speeds of less than 2,000rpm without concern of engine stalling. The combination of optimised power-to-weight ratio and a wide powerband means that the CB1000R is capable of dynamic and satisfying thrusts of acceleration from anywhere in its powerband.

Optimised mass centralisation is key to the CB1000R’s quick, neutral handling, and is greatly enhanced by a low-slung system that concentrates most of its weight directly under the engine.

This results in significantly quicker response to steering inputs. The exhaust design also allows maximum cornering clearance. It includes a built-in oxygen sensor and 300-cell catalyser element that combine with the engine’s advanced fuel injection system to ensure low emissions while maintaining strong and smooth performance.

Chassis

The CB1000R is built on a Mono-Backbone gravity die-cast (GDC) aluminium frame that holds the engine as a stressed member in a rigid diamond configuration. Strong, rigid and lightweight it adds to the motorcycle’s sharp, smooth handling and instant response to changes of direction.

The overall design places a strong emphasis on optimal mass centralisation. Heavier components, notably the engine, main frame sections and exhaust system, are positioned as close as possible to the machine’s rolling centre of mass while those sections located farther away from its centre are designed to be as lightweight as possible.

Like the CBR1000RR Fireblade, the CB1000R features a sturdy and responsive 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork that delivers superbly responsive handling through tight corners. Providing 120mm of smoothly damped wheel travel, its fork tubes are also fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping, allowing customised control over riding performance. At the rear, an adjustable Monoshock damper and single-sided cast aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm provide 128mm of smoothly damped travel for assured handling balanced with compliant comfort.

Super Sports-class wheels, tyres and brakes enhance the bike’s agile control and easy handling. The standard version combines a pair of radial-mount four-piston front calipers with a compact dual-piston caliper slowing a 256mm disc at the rear, creating smooth, responsive braking control. The CB1000R is also available in a Combined-ABS configuration that couples the balanced braking control of a Combined Brake System with the extra reassurance of an ABS.

Optional equipment

Honda Access Europe has created an extensive range of accessories, specially designed to match the stunning styling and performance of the CB1000R. These include:

- Averto alarm kit
- Stylish titanium-look accessories including:
- Aide cover set
- Undertray kit
- Meter visor kit
- Oil filter cover kit
- Rdiator shroud kit
- Rear brake air guide kit
- Colour-matched clutch cover ornament kits
- Colour-matched crankcase cover ornament sets
- Colour-matched seat cowls
- Wheel sticker sets
- Crankcase ring set
- Matt black meter visor kit
- Matt black radiator shroud kit
- Carbon-fibre hugger
- Carbon-fibre swingarm protector
- Carbon-fibre front mudguard
- Colour coordinated Alcantara rider and passenger seats
- 3D CB1000R logo sets
- Magnetic tank bag
- Cargo net
- Maintenance stand
- U-lock
- Indoor and outdoor motorcycle covers
- Fuel filler pad kit
- Heated grips