MotorBikes:Honda CBF 1000 F/ABS
One of the best value additions to Honda's stable is the CBF 1000F/ABS. It is the result of a well-tried formula. Take a tried and tested, high-tech engine well able to produce 152bhp, re-tune it to provide less power and more torque. Fit this into a thoroughly up-to-date chassis and give it a more orthodox configuration and the result is the CBF 1000F.
By using the already well-proven Fireblade engine, whose basic design and tooling costs must have been covered long ago, and by using sound, modern components and eschewing the over-complexity of the likes of electrically adjustable screens, cruise control, heated seats and broadcast-standard sound systems, and the result is an excellent, long-legged machine, of excellent pedigree and legendary reliability which represents excellent value-for-money.
We've just completed the first Irish road test on this new ABS model. Our test coincided with those damp drizzly days. The roads were covered with the usual crud, silt and grease that Irish motorcyclists are expected to enjoy. A far cry from those dry, summer Sundays which are often about as demanding a scenario as many bikes experience.
First impression of the CBF1000F/ABS is that it looks small in size and might be a tight fit. However once on the bike it felt as comfortable as a well-made suit. The CBF1000F/ABS comes with a stylish half-fairing, with integrated clear-lens, multi-reflector indicators.
The handlebars seemed placed at just the right distance. They are adjustable to allow for a comfortable fit. The instrument console is very easy to read. The saddle height feels just right. I could put my foot firmly on the ground with ease. The position of the foot pegs once riding felt natural, due to a comfortable distance between the saddle and foot pegs. On long journeys this bike should still feel comfortable. The hand levers are adjustable. It adds up to a genuine sports touring machine.
Honda claims the CBF1000F's is one dedicated to superb all-round riding comfort. It is hard not to argue with them. This bike fits like a glove. We found the riders saddle to be firm but comfortable.
There are three seat adjustment positions, you have to unbolt the saddle, move it up or down into a new position and then bolt it back down again. We thought the pillion seat a bit too firm and narrow but it has well-placed, open-end grab rails.
The windscreen has two adjustment but you have to unbolt it, move it to the next position and then bolt it back into position again. Having to resort to tools to effect adjustments which on some machines are electrically operated is a small price to pay when you consider the price differential. The screen appears low in height, yet is very effective in protecting the rider from the weather and directs the wind over the top of the rider. The mirrors are mounted on long stalks and allow good visibility with little distortion or vibration. I tried to brake hard and trigger the ABS on a very loose road surface (private property) and it worked fine with the front brake. Trying again with the rear brake I could not get the ABS to trigger, nor could I get the rear wheel to lock or skid. The brakes are really responsive and effective.
The CBF1000F/ABS uses the CBR1000RR Fireblade engine. This generates prodigious thrusts of linear, progressive torque with negligible vibration.
When you roll on the throttle this bike digs in its heels and with very little effort and accelerates impressively. So well mannered is this engine that you know the machine is powered by a thoroughbred. The bike corners with the greatest of ease and always feels secure and stable. It is designed with a Mono-backbone frame in which the engine is in a diamond configuration, for superior strength and rigidity to withstand super sports levels of performance. Sporting a pair of large capacity canister-style stainless steel exhaust silencers, the bike sounds smooth.
Roll on the throttle and you will enjoy the powerful purring noise it emits.
The HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalytic converter system reduces exhaust emissions to far below EURO-3 regulated emission standard. At slow speed in dense volumes of traffic, the clutch is extremely light and smooth. There are plenty of extras available, amongst them heated grips, panniers and a topbox, so for a modest additional expenditure you can turn this one-litre machine into a trans-continental tourer. At €11,800 on the road it represents good value.
Factfile
ENGINE:In-line four- cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke, 16-valve DOHC,998cc, compression 11:1, PGM-FI electronic fuel injection. 6-speed gearbox. Max power 72Kw @ 8,000rpm (96bhp), max torque 97Nm@ 6,500rpm.
CHASSIS:Mono-backbone, rectangular-section steel tube frame, 41mm cartridge-type telescopic fork, 120mm travel. Pro-link with gas charged HMAS damper rear shock, 120mm travel. Wheels, front 17´3.5 hollow six-spoke cast aluminum, dual 296 ´ 4.5mm floating rotor discs with combined three-piston calipers and sintered pads. Rear 17´5 6 spoke cast aluminum, single 240 ´6mm with three-piston caliper and sintered pads.
DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 1,483mm. Seat height: 795mm(±15mm). Dry weight 228kg. Fuel: 19 litres.
PRICE:€11,800 on the road.