I’ve owned a 2015 CB1000R for 3 years now and it’s a well-rounded, stable bike to journey. It goes properly, it handles properly and it’s a large quantity of enjoyable to journey. so once I was provided the brand new 2022 Black Version on mortgage for a few weeks from Honda UK, I jumped on the probability. The proper alternative to have the ability to evaluate each bikes.
Don’t overlook to take a look at the opposite bikes in Honda’s 2023 mannequin yr lineup.
Evaluation Abstract
- 3 Using Modes is pointless as I discovered myself staying in Sport Mode most instances.
- For $12,999 USD, it’s an honest worth proposition in comparison with different bikes in the identical energy vary.
- Whereas barely lighter than earlier variations of the CB1000R, shorter riders could possibly inform the load distinction.
- It comes with OEM Michelin Energy tires which deal with nice in all climate situations.
- I want to see a extra thrilling vary of shade schemes.
Aspect by Aspect Specs Comparability
| 2022 Honda CB1000R Black Version | 2015 Honda CB1000R | |
| MSRP | $12,999 USD | $11,760 USD |
| Engine | 143 bhp / 77 lb ft of torque | 125 bhp / 74 lb ft of torque |
| Weight | 212kg | 217kg |
| Seat Top | 830mm | 828mm |
| Gas Tank | 16.2L | 17L |
| Suspension | Full Showa suspension | Inverted HMAS forks, totally adjustable |
| Brakes | Tokico brakes | Tokico brakes, ABS non-obligatory further |
| Swingarm | Single sided swingarm | Single sided swingarm |
Different additions to the Black Version embody LED lighting, self-cancelling indicators, USB socket underneath the seat, and three journey modes: Rain, Normal, and Sport.
You will note that the Black Version has 18 bhp greater than my CB however aside from that there actually isn’t a lot distinction within the bikes. On paper no less than.
Honda 2022 CB1000R Black Version & my 2015 CB1000R
Quickly after I purchased this bike, I made what I now know to be a mistake in letting my different half have a journey of the bike. I quickly seen that he was going out on the bike far more than I used to be and it has since migrated to the opposite facet of the storage!
My different half not solely makes use of the bike for basic driving but additionally for touring each within the UK and overseas. A tank bag and tail pack are strapped onto the bike and away he goes. Our final European journey was Italy for which he used the CB. It’s a versatile and comfy bike and he completely loves it.
First Impressions
When the Black Version arrived I did spend a while evaluating the variations I may see between the 2 bikes. The brand new CB1000R’s are available three totally different colours: bordeaux purple metallic, graphite black and mat denims blue metallic.
I had on mortgage the Black Version which is available in two colours: graphite black and mat denims blue metallic. Principally with the Black Version, the components that will be silver/chrome on the usual bike at the moment are black – for instance, the entire of the forks, sub body and headlight bezel. The black options on the bike actually add to the coolness of the bike.
I used to be fairly taken with the styling of the Black Version and once I first obtained on the bike I may really feel that it was lighter than my bike and though the Black Version is definitely 2 mm taller than my CB, it felt decrease and simpler to maneuver.
Engine
The engine within the CB1000R initially got here from Honda’s fireblade sports activities bike. The 998cc inline 4 was taken from the ‘07 fireblade (this was the ultimate yr of the underseat pipe technology, which in my view, they need to carry again this design as no fashionable bike actually seems to be as cool as bikes of this period and this design). The BHP of the ‘07 fireblade’s engine was roughly 177bhp.
The engines within the CB1000R had redesigned cylinder heads with new cams, inlet and exhaust ports and revised combustion chamber that diminished the motor’s compression ratio however had been solely placing out 123 bhp.
With the brand new Black Version nevertheless, we see an additional 18 bhp added to the engine, nonetheless in need of the unique fireblades however no less than it’s stepping into the appropriate route.
Trip by Wire Throttle & Modes
The brand new CB1000R has journey by wire in widespread with most fashionable bikes, so as a substitute of getting a throttle cable linked to butterflies within the inlet, it would all be managed by electronics and the twist grip simply sends an digital sign to the ECU.
TFT display in commonplace mode
With this addition, it additionally has three driving modes: commonplace, rain and sport plus a consumer mode which has three ranges of customisation for the engine energy, engine braking and torque management. You’ll be able to actually set the bike as much as go well with you and your driving type. The traction management could be deactivated.
A quick element of every of the modes:
Rain: a low energy setting for a softer energy supply with medium engine braking and excessive traction management.
Normal: a medium setting for energy, traction management and engine braking with a softer energy supply within the first two gears and decrease torque at half throttle.
Sport: most energy supply and lowest stage of engine braking and traction management, making torque in any respect throttle positions.
Person: a consumer customisable setting permitting you to decide on between three settings of every parameter.
Now my CB doesn’t have journey by wire or modes and after driving the black version for the final couple of weeks and making an attempt the bike within the totally different modes, I left it in sport, even within the moist. I didn’t like the opposite modes as I discovered it simply blunted the efficiency and throttle response which I discovered detracted from the enjoyment of driving the bike.
The most effective bits about this bike is its sharp sportiness and efficiency and it appears an awesome disgrace to take away among the finest bits about driving this bike. I personally have solely ever discovered that I must adapt my driving type to the situations.
The discount in engine braking for instance is slightly pointless on an inline 4 because it does not likely have an extreme quantity of engine braking anyway and with the discount in energy within the decrease modes, though nonetheless having loads of efficiency for overtaking, I want to have that bit further in reserve.
Talking with different riders, some positively agree with me that modes should not mandatory on bikes of this energy. Sure, it’s possible you’ll profit from sure modes and having the ability to set engine braking, traction management and so on in case you had been doing a observe day, say, however in all honesty you simply use your proper hand to regulate and journey the bike in accordance with the highway and climate situations.
Fast Shifter
The six pace guide gearbox on the Black Version comes outfitted with an up and down fast shifter which means you’ll be able to change the gears with out utilizing the clutch. This fast shifter is adjustable for 3 shifter ranges – delicate, medium and exhausting.
Fast Shifter
When going into first gear or popping out of first into second gear, I at all times use the clutch in any other case I simply depend on the short shifter. Having ridden just a few bikes now with a fast shifter, I personally suppose the one on the Black Version is the smoothest one I’ve skilled. The transition between gears seems seamless and it actually is sweet to make use of.
If this didn’t come as commonplace, I might add this to the bike if I used to be shopping for one. I actually can see why folks like a fast shifter.
Instrument Show
The 5” TFT instrument show is a pleasant addition from the previous mannequin. The display could be very clear to see particularly when glancing right down to have a fast look while driving. You might have all the fundamental mandatory data you want on the principle display – revs, pace, gear and gasoline gauge. It additionally reveals what mode you’re in and if you’re in impartial, ‘N’ seems in a prominently displayed inexperienced field. When the facet stand is down, within the prime left of the display slightly bike with a facet stand down will seem in an orange field. Good little touches.
You’ll be able to choose what data you want displayed on the backside of the display, for instance, mileage journey, common gasoline consumption, date and so on. A pleasant little contact is when it will get darkish, the display goes into darkish mode which seems to be significantly cool.
TFT display in darkish mode
To navigate your method across the display and modes, there’s a button on the left bar. Although the modes have three ranges to them, it’s nonetheless extremely straightforward to make use of and consumer pleasant which is a large plus in my guide.
Mode button management for the TFT display
When you’ve got an Android cellphone, you’ll be able to connect with the Honda Smartphone Voice Management system which hyperlinks your smartphone to the bike and by way of voice administration you’ll be able to management cellphone calls, e-mail, music and navigation.
You would wish a helmet mounted headset to regulate this in fact which is completed by way of Bluetooth. Sadly, I couldn’t check this as I’ve an iPhone.
Exhaust
Trying on the exhaust, this can be a 4 into one exhaust which means that the top pipe from every of the 4 cylinders result in a blacked out finish can. For the standard exhaust on a brand new bike, it’s truly fairly trendy and could be very in step with the bike.
The usual exhaust which I must change
I personally would change this for a smaller finish can and one which emits extra noise too however that’s in fact private selection.
There are a selection of very trendy, smaller finish cans obtainable aftermarket. You’d clearly be retaining the CAT and so though slightly louder, I might not anticipate them to be excessively so.
Tires
The tires on the Black Version are Michelin Energy. I used to be very impressed with these tires. On my private bikes I’ve Michelin Street 6’s which I discover to be an awesome all spherical, all yr tire which work very properly in all situations, scorching, chilly, moist and dry.
Michelin Energy rear tire
Michelin describe the Energy tires as ‘The sporty highway tire of selection’. This can be a twin compound tire providing good straight-line and cornering grip giving glorious grip on dry and moist surfaces. I’ve to say I used to be properly impressed with these tires they usually reside as much as Michelin’s claims.
In the course of the course of the 2 weeks I had the Black Version on mortgage, I did expertise stunning sunshine (albeit the temperature was on the cool facet) to heavy downpours of rain. The tires didn’t falter within the rain and I had full confidence in them when driving on very moist roads.
This isn’t one thing I typically expertise on among the tires that come as authentic tools on new bikes. I used to be actually taken with these Energy tires and suppose they’re a very good selection for an OEM tire.
LED Lights
The headlights on the Black Version & 2015 mannequin
The LED lights on the Black Version are a step up from the lights on my CB. The horseshoe formed entrance gentle is fashionable and trendy and I feel fits the bike far more than the headlight on my CB.
Entrance headlight – you’ll be able to see the horseshoe design
The LED lights themselves supply rather more gentle particularly when driving within the rain or darkish. They provide crisp white gentle with good unfold and depth.
See additionally
Rear headlight and indicators
Rear Fender
So whereas we’re on the rear of the bike, let’s discuss concerning the rear fender housing the quantity plate which is mounted off the only sided swingarm.
Rear fender with quantity plate mount – positively a controversial level!
When parked up I had plenty of feedback, some good and a few actually not good about this quantity plate housing so I posted an image on social media and requested for opinions. Effectively, I can let you know there’s a particular divide on love/hate. What do you suppose?
Personally, I prefer it when a producer steps out of the field and tries one thing totally different or radical. I prefer it as a result of it’s totally different. It’s purely private selection in fact and if it isn’t to your liking, you should purchase an aftermarket tail tidy and mount this and the quantity plate underneath the seat in a extra typical place.
Gas Tank
One factor that’s regarding to me is the scale of the gasoline tank. My CB has a 17 liter tank and the Black Version comes with a 16.2 liter one.
With my CB I can get roughly 120 miles from a tank. I’m on the lookout for my subsequent fuel cease at 100 miles and if I’ve obtained to 130 miles, I’m on vapors.
Though for basic each day driving this doesn’t essentially pose an issue, however for touring this will show fairly irritating as you’re at all times acutely aware of on the lookout for a gasoline station. For my part the tank of the Black Version must be larger, not smaller, because the tank vary is unquestionably no higher and probably even worse.
What’s the Honda CB1000R Black Version prefer to journey?
What’s the Black Version prefer to journey, I hear you ask? By the point I obtained to the tip of my highway, I knew I used to be going to like this bike. The engine and throttle response is nice.
In comparison with my CB, it’s lighter, not by a lot I do know, however I may really feel the distinction. Maybe in case you had been a taller, bigger individual than my 5’6” you wouldn’t be capable to inform.
Love the Honda badge, not caught on graphics as with plenty of producers
I may positively inform it had extra energy than my CB. When overtaking, I didn’t need to knock it down a gear, you’ll be able to simply open the throttle and away it goes, and away it goes it does! You’ll be able to really feel that the Black Version has plenty of low down torque. You’ll be able to actually nip previous a car on an overtake and be again in.
With 143 bhp in a comparatively gentle bike, this retains the spirit of the unique mannequin as it’s a actual enjoyable, fast bare bike that may also be good and simple going if you need it to be. A terrific all rounder and one which actually places a smile on my face.
The Black Version feels gentle and nimble within the corners with very impartial dealing with which proved to be vice free. The bike additionally has that stable really feel to it, it’s properly put collectively and looks like a high quality bike very very similar to my CB, this aspect to the bikes haven’t modified over time.
Utilizing the short shifter particularly when urgent on a bit and going up/down the gears actually is a pleasure to make use of. I actually can see the enchantment of getting one in every of these, it does make for a smoother, faster gear change. This does come as commonplace on the Black Version but when this had been an non-obligatory further, I might add this.
The brakes are extremely responsive and underneath heavy braking the hazard lights routinely come on. Honda calls this Emergency Cease Sign (ESS) perform whereby underneath exhausting braking, the hazard lights flash to warn different highway customers.
I suppose this can be a helpful characteristic, nevertheless, I do really feel it’s a little pointless and possibly too delicate because it was triggered underneath exhausting however not, in my view, an emergency stage of braking.
What’s a mandatory characteristic in my view and one which ought to be on each bike are the auto canceling indicators. Reasonably than a timer, the system compares entrance and rear wheel pace distinction and calculates when to cancel the indication. They’re good and in the event that they didn’t come as commonplace, I might positively add these to the bike.
I did take pleasure in my time with the Black Version and located it an awesome alternative to have the ability to evaluate this mannequin to an older one and see the variations – thanks Honda UK.
I do think about the Black Version an improve from my CB (I simply hope my CB isn’t studying this as it might be most upset listening to this as we’ve got had some wonderful adventures collectively and it actually is a superb bike).
So in reply to my query on the very starting, is it as cool because it sounds? Ohhh sure, in each seems to be and enjoyable.
2022 Honda CB1000R Black Version Video Evaluation
Execs:
- Very straightforward to journey
- Gentle
- Extra highly effective than the earlier mannequin
- Slick fast shifter
- Seems to be – the Black Version in black
Cons:
- Smaller gasoline tank to the earlier mannequin
- No radiator guard
- Shade schemes are fairly plain
- Honda Smartphone Voice Management system solely works for android
