For the 2021 model year, we are happy to say that the Honda CB1000R is getting a bit of a makeover.
Not a new motorcycle per se, but the 2021 Honda CB1000R does get some refinements in areas where it was lacking before, not to mention the roadster is now ready for the Euro5 homologation.
It should be noted that while the bike remains mostly the same, the first thing you notice about the 2021 Honda CB1000R is that the bike has new bodywork, which gives it a more aggressive style.
The updated motor goes without saying, as we are in the window now of Euro5 homologation, but Honda has managed to coax 143hp (107 kW) out of the 999cc inline-four engine, which is a few more ponies than the Euro4 lump. Peak torque is 77 lbs•ft (104Nm) at 8,250 rpm, which is where the fun begins until the 12,000 rpm redline.
Honda says that the only substantive change made to the 2021 edition of the CB1000R engine is the programming for the fuel injection system, which is perhaps why the roadster gets away without losing any power or torque.
There is also now a color TFT dash, which replaces the Casio watch design that detracted from the previous model year’s look. Unfortunately, that’s where the electronic upgrades end, as the electronics are still fairly bare bones for what the sector has to offer.
Accordingly, there are three power maps, three engine brake maps, and three levels of traction control (plus the ability to disable the TC). The ABS package is of the conventional variety – there are no IMUs here.
There is a USB charging port though, and the 2021 Honda CB1000R includes the new Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC) package, which uses a helmet-mounted headset to control (if you have one).
Suspension is again handled by Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) units, with a matching Showa shock (pre-load and rebound adjustable). Braking is handle by 310mm rotors at the front, with a 256mm rear disc.
When it is fully fueled and ready to go, the 2021 Honda CB1000R tips the scales at 467 lbs (212 kg), which is slung low in the chassis.
All in all, the 2021 edition isn’t quite the upgrade we have been hoping for the Honda CB1000R, but these changes are a step in the right direction.
The big question though will be pricing on the 2021 Honda CB1000R, as Big Red has asked a premium for its “streetfighter” offering, while falling short by many standards to bike’s similarly priced in the segment.
Will we see Honda change this tune, or will the Japanese brand think that today’s upgrades will better position them in this space. Time will tell.
Source: Honda Motor Europe
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