High on the highway: The CB1000R offers enormous levels of handling and control and is precise to pilot around high-speed corners

Indian motorcyclists have been introduced to new-age biking, with formidable models like the Yamaha YZF-R1 and MT-01, Suzuki Hayabusa and Intruder as well as Honda CBR1000RR and CB1000R, all available at local showrooms.

Yes, it takes big bucks to buy these big bikes but assuming you can afford one and are in the market for one, which one makes most sense among these dynamic rivals?

STYLE FILE

The raw, sharply sculpted Honda CB1000R exhibits traits of its European descent (namely, the Honda Hornet). As compact as a regular Indian-built 150cc motorcycle, the CB1000R visibly concentrates the bulk of its mass low, and in the proximity of its centre of gravity.

This muscular Honda deploys few decals other than a familiar pair of wings on its tank. Black is the predominant colour, with a number of nickel-plated Allen-key bolts that add a glimmering contrast around the engine bay.

Its diminutive front mudguard is sporty, and sits just ahead of a prominent ‘Z’-shaped radiator cowl. It also has a thoroughly modern, conical headlight with a blue-tinted circular lamp.

The CB1000R uses futuristic LCD instruments, backlit in blue in three adjustable states of dimness. These offer a bar-style rev counter and fuel gauge, digital speedometer, engine temperature and clock, an odometer and twin-trip functions apart from the usual gauges.

This bike is practically burglar-proof thanks to the HISS feature — Honda’s Ignition Security System, which prevents the engine from firing up without its original keys.

A wide, flat handlebar mounts palm-friendly grips, really top-of-the-line, reach-adjustable buffed alloy levers and switches that provide a hazard warning button and engine kill switch. As on most superbikes, riders cannot switch off the CB1000R’s headlight, which only toggles between low and high beams.

The fuel tank provides an aircraft-style fuel-filler and a well integrated tank pad leads smoothly into the riding saddle. You need to look hard to locate this bike’s neatly tucked grab recesses. The rear seat covers a tiny lockable storage cubby.

You can’t help but marvel at the CB’s stubby four-into-one silencer, which sits just ahead of an exposed rear wheel. There’s a massive single-side swingarm on the other side that provides a good view of the bike’s alloy rear wheel and section radial tyre.

A gravity die-cast aluminium alloy frame holds the CB1000R together, with top-class suspension at the front and rear. The bike’s engine is a stressed member of the frame and both its front and rear suspension are fully adjustable.

The CB1000R is available in two paint schemes — metallic green and black. It goes without saying that this big Honda comes with outstanding attention to every design detail.

ENGINE TALK

The CB1000R’s four-stroke engine is a modified version of the brilliant Fireblade unit. Its four liquid-cooled cylinders sit in an in-line-four configuration. The pistons, valves and dual overhead camshafts have been altered.

The CB comes with Honda’s renowned PGM-FI system (Programmed Fuel Injection system) — now with single injection for each cylinder, as opposed to dual injection in the Fireblade. The ignition system is computerised and magnesium alloy is used for its four-valve-per cylinder head. The CB1000R’s Intake Air Control Valve (IACV) keeps excess torque at bay, while an oxygen sensor and 300-cell catalytic converter keep engine emissions at a minimum.

BIKER’S DEAL

The CB1000R directs its power to the rear wheel with a hydraulic-assisted clutch and six-speed gearbox. The first three ratios in this gearbox are shorter than on the ’Blade, explaining the CB1000R’s furious acceleration. Shifts up or down this transmission are well weighted, with a positive feel accompanying each change.

This Honda is not as aggressive in note as a CBR. Idle is a quiet burble that builds into a typical in-line scream, as the revs shove smoothly towards a 10,500rpm limit.

The equator-size power band is creamy smooth, making the flexible Honda a truly rideable machine in crowded urban Indian conditions. Another CB highlight is flawless fuelling, which always sees the big power plant fire up and away without any hiccups.

But make no mistake. Cracking the whip on the CB1000R brings more than just a hint of litre-class brutality into its acceleration — the front wheel is always eager to leap off the ground with a strong low to mid-range.

The CB1000R rockets to 100kph in a blistering 3.39 seconds, makes the sprint to 160kph in 7.03 seconds and breaches the 190kph mark in 10.23 seconds. Top whack is in the vicinity of 230kph.

This superbike seems to have got its ergonomics spot-on. So perfect and stress-free is its riding position that you wouldn’t want to get off the hot seat. The riding saddle is decently padded, while its handlebar aids easy city manoeuvring.

Ride quality is fair and adjustable to wherever you’re riding. Incredibly easy to flick around in traffic, it’s still solidly planted and precise to pilot while carving up high-speed corners.

The CB1000R offers such prodigious levels of handling and control, it often feels like an extension of the rider’s body. This confidence-inspiring ride quality is backed by fantastic brakes — radial-mounted four-piston caliper floating discs up front and a single disc at the rear. The best stop from 60kph to rest was 15.6 metres and 1.8 seconds.

However, the lack of any front fairing makes riding the CB1000R at sustained speeds over 160kph a problem. But on the brighter side, it shouldn’t pose any issues in India, given that our roads seldom allow such a liberty.

A fair performer for its litre class of ultra-quick motorcycles, the CB1000R delivered 20.9kpl in the city and 22kpl on the highway.

FINAL VERDICT

The CB1000R’s looks are backed by its superbly refined engine that produces ferocious, yet novice-friendly performance. You also get a comfortable riding experience, nimble handling and amazing brakes at a cost significantly lower than most rivals.

All this means there’s no worthwhile competition to speak of that can challenge this superbike. The CB1000R scores full marks across almost every possible parameter, making it the most practical and easy-to-live-with big bike to be sold in India.

SPec check

honda CB1000R RT

Price: Rs 9.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine: Four-cylinders, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
Displacement: 998cc
Maximum power: 125bhp at 10,000rpm
Maximum torque: 10.2kgm at 8000rpm
Power to weight: 576bhp per tonne
Installation: In-line-four
Gearbox: 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up
Suspension (F/R): Upside-down, telescopic forks/ monoshock, single-side, swingarm
Wheel size (F/R): 17 inches
Tyre size (F/R): 120/70 x 17 and 180/55 x 17 inches
Brakes (F/R): 310mm discs/ 256mm disc