Honda just took the wraps off its newest retro, the CB1000F, with a hillclimb run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s drawing direct inspiration from the legendary CB750F that Freddie Spencer piloted through the American AMA championships in the 1980s, but updated for 2026 riders who want style without sacrificing tech.
Under the skin sits a 1000cc inline-four engine borrowed from the Fireblade and re-worked for real-world punch. The result: 122 horsepower at 9000rpm and 76 lb-ft of torque at 8000 rpm.
Honda tweaked the cam timing and stretched the intake funnel from 50mm to a full 140mm to create what they call a “pulsating” intake note. From the MCN test at Goodwood, it works, delivering that carb-fed sound without actual carburettors.
Price and Positioning
Pricing lands at £10,599 (roughly $13,400 USD equivalent), positioning it as a direct rival to Kawasaki’s Z900RS range. Like its competitor, it pairs retro aesthetics with modern electronics: TFT display, quickshifter, and all the rider aids you’d expect.
The CB1000F arrives in the UK this month, hitting showrooms alongside a CB1000GT sports tourer variant. American availability has yet to be confirmed.
The ergonomics aim for approachability. A wide seat sits just 795mm high, paired with an easy reach to tapered handlebars and a low-slung 16-litre fuel tank.
Curb weight is a claimed 214kg, making it manageable at a standstill. Steering feels neutral, and the suspension set on the softer side suggests Honda engineered this for comfortable distance rather than track duty.
The Fine Print
Honda used the same bottom-end from the CB1000 Hornet, which suffered a recall for excessive oil consumption tied to piston ring issues. The CB1000F reportedly ships with a permanent fix, but it’s worth noting if you’re considering both bikes.
One minor gripe from MCN’s test: keyless ignition fob, but the fuel cap still requires an actual key. It’s a small annoyance on an otherwise polished package.
Given Honda’s track record with A2-category bikes and retros, don’t expect the US market to wait long if the CB1000F doesn’t arrive in 2027. The specs and pricing suggest immediate appeal across both continents.
Source: Motorcycle News | See our Honda V3R 900 review
