Honda has officially pulled the covers off the all-new 2026 Honda CB1000F, a neo-retro naked machine that fuses the golden-age charm of the CB legacy with modern-day precision and performance. In a market filled with aggressive streetfighters and high-tech sport nakeds, Honda’s latest entry takes a different approach — one that celebrates simplicity, design purity, and mechanical honesty.
Table of Contents
What Does “CB” Stand For?
The CB name has been a big part of Honda's motorcycles since the late 50s.
People thought CB stood for City Bike or Clubman Bike. It was put on street bikes made for regular riders and fans.
Over time, CB became more than just a short name. It started to stand for Honda's roadster history – smooth inline-four engines, classic looks, easy daily use, and a real, honest feel.
From the famous CB750, which changed what a superbike was, to the current CB1000F, the CB name still shows Honda's idea of making bikes that mix performance, dependability, and feeling.
2026 Honda CB1000F
Styling & Heritage
Drawing clear influence from the legendary CB750F that Freddie Spencer once raced, the CB1000F combines classic lines with modern engineering precision.
It features a large circular LED headlamp, a sculpted flat fuel tank with retro pinstripes, and a sleek tail cowl that evokes Honda’s golden era of the 1980s.
large circular LED headlamp
a sculpted flat fuel tank with retro pinstripes
sleek tail cowl on Honda CB1000F
In contrast to the sharper, more aggressive CB1000 Hornet, the CB1000F emphasizes smooth, flowing surfaces with a flatter silhouette and rounded contours.
The handlebar is positioned higher and closer to the rider, while the footpegs sit slightly forward for a more relaxed upright riding position. The seat height is 795 mm (31.3 in) — about 14 mm lower than the Hornet — improving accessibility for a wider range of riders.
Honda also offers a color-matched headlight cowl, either as a standalone accessory or as part of the optional Sports Pack.
Color options include:
Wolf Silver Metallic with Blue Stripes
2026 Honda CB1000F Graphite Black with Blue Stripes
Wolf Silver Metallic with Grey Stripes
2026 Honda CB1000F Graphite Black with Grey Stripes
Graphite Black
2026 Honda CB1000F Graphite Black
Engine & Performance
The CB1000F's got a 999cc inline-four engine that's based on the 2017 CBR1000RR. It's the same as what's in the CB1000 Hornet, but it's been tweaked to give you more oomph in the middle range and make it easier to ride every day.
To get that extra low-end and mid-range punch, Honda's team made the intake funnels longer, going from 90 mm to 140 mm. They also made the intake diameter a bit smaller, down to 36 mm, and messed with the valve timing and exhaust system.
Here's a cool detail: the left side intake funnels are 50 mm wide, but the right side ones are 40 mm. This difference is on purpose and gives the bike a cool, throbbing sound when it sucks in air.
The CB1000F also has a 4-2-1 exhaust with a three-chamber muffler shaped like a megaphone, which is a nod to the classic CB bikes.
Performance figures:
Claimed Power: 122 hp at 9,000 rpm
Peak Torque: 76 lb-ft (103 Nm) at 8,000 rpm
Compared to the Hornet’s 149 hp, this setup prioritizes real-world flexibility over peak performance — giving riders smoother roll-on power, refined throttle response, and effortless overtaking without chasing redline revs.
Honda has also adjusted gear ratios for the CB1000F’s more “gentlemanly” character:
1st and 2nd gears are shorter for quick low-speed response, while gears 3–6 are taller for relaxed highway cruising.
An assist/slipper clutch and an optional bidirectional quickshifter round out the drivetrain package.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
The CB1000F features a steel diamond twin-spar frame
Built on a steel diamond twin-spar frame, the CB1000F retains the structural foundation of the Hornet but introduces a new subframe and flatter tail section to enhance pillion comfort and luggage compatibility.
The suspension setup is all Showa:
Front: 41 mm SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston), fully adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping.
Rear: Showa single-tube shock with Pro-Link system, adjustable for preload and rebound.
Braking duties are handled by:
Front: Dual 310 mm discs with radially-mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers.
Rear: Single 240 mm disc with a single-piston Nissin caliper.
Cornering ABS and IMU-based traction management come standard.
Electronics & Rider Aids
Despite its classic appearance, the CB1000F is thoroughly modern beneath the surface.
2026 Hongda CB1000F dashboard
It features ride-by-wire throttle control, a six-axis IMU, and five selectable riding modes . (Sport, Standard, Rain, plus two customizable user modes)
Each mode allows individual adjustment of:
Engine Power (3 levels)
Engine Braking (3 levels)
Honda Selectable Torque Control (3 levels)
The bike is equipped with a 5-inch full-color TFT display operated via backlit handlebar switches, supporting Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and calls.
A keyless ignition system adds convenience, while a traditional key is still used for seat and fuel-cap access.
Ergonomics & Everyday Comfort
2026 Honda CB1000F on road
Honda designed the CB1000F to be comfortable for long rides while maintaining sporty agility.
The seat and handlebar geometry provide a neutral posture, and the plush saddle enhances comfort for both rider and passenger.
Optional heated grips, a center stand, and soft luggage make it a capable tourer as well.
The Comfort Pack enhances wind protection with deflectors and fog lamps, while the Travel Pack adds soft saddlebags and a tank bag.
Price & Availability
2026 Honda CB1000F
In the UK market, Honda has set the MSRP at £10,599 for the early 2026 delivery timeframe.
For Japan, pricing begins at approximately ¥1,397,000 (roughly US $9,160 at current exchange rates).
While a U.S. release has not yet been confirmed, rollout across Europe is expected in early 2026.
2026 Honda CB1000F Specifications
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Engine Capacity
1,000 cc
Bore × Stroke
76.0 × 55.1 mm
Compression Ratio
11.7:1
Fuel System
EFI
Claimed Horsepower
122 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Claimed Torque
76.0 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Transmission / Final Drive
6-speed / Chain
Clutch
Wet, multiplate slip/assist
Frame
Steel, twin-spar
Front Suspension
41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP telescopic fork with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.1 inches of travel
Rear Suspension
Separate pressurized single-tube type cushion unit Pro Link; 140 mm (5.5 inches) of travel
Wolf Silver Metallic with Blue Stripe, Wolf Silver Metallic with Grey Stripe, or Graphite Black
Availability
Expected in early 2026
Conclusion
With its combination of retro styling and modern performance, the CB1000F slots into the growing "neo-classic liter-naked" segment. When compared with bikes like the XSR900, Z900 RS and Speed Twin 1200, Honda’s new offering appears competitive both in terms of price and spec.
Its focus on mid-range usability rather than top-end screaming revs makes it a compelling choice for riders who want liter-class hardware without the full-on track bias.
Motorcycle mechanic, writer. Interested in motorcycle gear for years. Like to stay up to date with the newest products and techniques of the motorcycle.
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