[Ayahuasca]

My name is Kostas Gazis and I for the last 7,5 years I've been a Greek motorcycle journalist.

I've just come back from the CB1000R launch in Milan, and I am SO excited, it's a first. I am usually quite cynical, and aim to find all the flaws I can in a new bike. I was also sceptical from the start because 1st) Honda's conservative profile, 2nd) Honda marketeers that gave a pretty awful performance prior to the riding, talking about the CB1000R like it's a... fashion accesory.

And then we rode it. And we were shocked. ALL OF US. This is one of the rare bikes that got away from the complex mechanisms of a big multi-national company, that's famous for some really boring (though quite practical otherwise) bikes.

THIS IS NOT BORING. This is stuntman material. The torque of this 07 CBR1000RR engine is immense. Better than a speed triple. And while a Triple (great bike) feels dated, this feels like it came from another planet. It's that good.

Enough for now, with all that wild praise you'd think that I am a Honda spokeperson, but I am not. I just believe in the essence of motorcycling which for me is RIDING PLEASURE.

Go, go go CB1000R! Better than anyone could have imagined, can't wait to do a comparo test with the SuperDuke and the rest. Soon. :lick

PS. Check this page (last bike): http://www.bikepics.com/members/voldemort/
I just put up some CB1000R action pics.

 

[JJON]

Nice pics Kostas, lI take it you're impressed with the bike then :thumbup

This is the 2008 Honda CB1000R. Just came back from Milan, where I attended the European launch of the 1000cc streetfighter. Ok, this is THE ONE! The CB1000R is the first ever REAL Stretfighter that uses an inline 4 cylinder engine. FORGET about the (weak at the knees) FZ-1. FORGET about the wobbly Z1000. FORGET about the old Hornet 900. The CB1000R ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An incredibly potent engine delivers brutal power from VERY low revs, unlike all other 4cylinder bikes, culminating to a crazy rush on the upper level. The bike is a gem to ride, a wheelie king, a brute force, a great scratcher, a great all-rounder, wonderfully able in all departments, f*ck, f*ck, I can't find a single flaw... This is the ULTIMATE SURPRISE from the conservative big H. Suffice to say that if you are not having fun on this saddle, then you must be dead! I WANT ONE AND I WANT IT NOW!

 

[Ayahuasca]

Yep Jjon, I am VERY impressed.

I never thought they could detune/retune an inline four engine -initially designed for a SuperBike package- in such a way.

This engine rocks. Immediate punch, lot of power with an extra surge on top.

The suspension works beautifully 2, gearbox is super, clutch is accurate, town jams are not a prob, you can crawl around EASY, scratching is delightfull 2, and the bike is agile enough to draw a big smile on your face.

Brakes are powerful, but not 2 powerful. Pitty about the poor Honda accesory line. Alkantara seat? What for? It'll get dirty in no time.

If I compare it to the... FZ-1, well... there's NO comparison. The Yamaha is a straightliner, no power below the middle range, terrible injection, 2 much power on top, ah, NO COMPARISON.

I also happened to ride a 08 speed triple 2 days later, in Greece. It felt dated, tall, a truck. Still lovely engine, INCREDIBLE brakes. :flame

 

[RobyGE]

Hi Kostas

I wish to thank you for your pictures and your report.

Actually I feel very much relieved after reading your impressions. I am a quiet owner of an old (10 y.o) VFR800, old myself (46). In the mood of buying a modern naked, I chose a Honda for its quality, ready to accept shortcomings (the 600 Hornet doesn't feel very exciting indeed, af first sight). I liked it in the brochures and decided to wait for delivery.

Your report makes me proud for a lucky choice!

:taunt2

 

[Fordzoid]

Welcome Kostas :welcome Great review and photos.Safe to say that you're no novice!! :thumbup

However I have to disagree with you.Although I have never ridden the CB1000R the Hornet 900 still remains a far superior 'bike in all departments.







(This has nothing to do with me owning a CB900 and NOT being able to afford a new 'bike,however much a want it,at the moment!!)

 

[Antnee]

Hi Kostas, :welcome !

It's great to read such a passionate account of the new bike and suffice to say you've got me dribbling. Love the photos too. You don't spend much time on both wheels right? :lol

I can't wait to read the reviews when you guys get your own time with the bike and can really test it out, that should be sweet. Keep us up to date eh? :thumbup

 

[DAN]

:welcome Kostas

Thank you for find us and taking the time to post here, after months of waiting for information about the bike it is all flowing through now and it seems to be extremely positive all over.

Your pictures are fantastic!! would you mind if I copy them to one of our CB1000R specific forums (if they are not already there) with a link back to your review?

You seem to be absolutely smitten :love with the bike, have you already paid your deposit for one?

I hope you'll be able to hang around here, I'm sure well all appreciate hearing you on going thoughts about biking generally. :respekt

 

[Ayahuasca]

Hi there Dan.

No problem with using my pics, go ahead.

Well, I am not going to buy the bike, not because it's not good enough, but for several completely different reasons. Reasons like...

1) I already got a cheap 2nd hand FMX. It's good for riding in Athens, cheap service, light, nimble, pulls wheelies, did I mention the cheap service?

2) Motorcycle journalists don't get paid much in Greece. So, we always think twice about how to spend our wage.

3) One of the job's requiremenes isthat you ride test bikes for a long time, covering many km (we get test bikes for at least a week, and long term ones for 6 months or more), so most of the times... you don't have time to ride yours! It would be a pitty to have a lovely big bike that would mostly sit on my garage.

I'd also love to sit here more and chat, and I am really curious to know what other journalists and riders who rode the bike think. One BIG minus of the presentation was the rainy weather that ruined most of the riding. So we all had only limited time in order to get a first feeling out of the bike. From what I read online, most journalists liked the bike, though I was dissapointed in McKenzie's idea that "while the speed triple brings out the hooligan in you, the CB calms you down". Ah well, Brits love to praise brit bikes.

 

[Antnee]

One of the job's requiremenes isthat you ride test bikes for a long time, covering many km (we get test bikes for at least a week, and long term ones for 6 months or more)

And you've got your name down for a long term CB1000R right? ray

 

[Ayahuasca]

Hahaha Antnee!

Well, I'd love one, yes please!

Only problem is that as always it's quite complicated.

Sometimes companies don't want to give out long term bikes. Or sometimes, they give you what THEY want to showcase more... eg. a Transalp, a Fazer 600, a YBR 250, etc.

But I am keeping my fingers crossed. :lick

 

[Antnee]

:lol I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too, and for me :thumbup

Oh, BTW, I was looking at the Honda Hornet Riders group on Facebook and I noticed a guy who has your 900 Hornet photo as his profile pic (you know, the one where you're stood on the bike). I'm pretty sure he's not you as his name is Bill, but he obviously likes your pic

 

[DAN]

Hi there Dan.

No problem with using my pics, go ahead.

Many thanks.. I'll add them as soon as I have a spare moment :thumbup