[Delivery] Pushing those hesitating about the CB1000F. Your time of hesitation is over.

stonemaker003 ✕ CB1000F

When the CB1000F was announced, I felt a definite sense of destiny: "My big bike debut will be with this one..." HONDA's flagship CB, poured with passion! I placed my reservation on the day of the announcement, and it has finally arrived! Today, I want to share my impressions after riding it for about 500km, the custom parts I've installed, and the status of the recall measures.

Calmly Thinking About It, It's the Best: CB1000F, The Time for Hesitation is Over

HONDA 【 CB1000F 】 It's still fresh in my memory how extraordinary the effort was from the promotional materials at the time of its announcement. Until that incident occurred, it was a symbol of "promised great victory," and I never doubted it would be the star of 2026.

The CB1000F, which has been called a "legendary name of tragedy" due to the recall issue. However, recall measures are gradually being accepted, and the vehicles being delivered this month are all safe, so it's no exaggeration to say that the signal for its comeback has finally been lit.
(What to do? Buy it? Don't buy it?)
I'm sure many of you are wondering, but if I were to give my personal opinion, it's simply this: "The time for hesitation is over." As someone who is already enjoying it, I'll give you a push! It's definitely a bike worth buying.

Best Point ①: Sound

My wife's XSR155 has a Yoshimura exhaust that produces a pleasant, deep bass sound despite its small displacement, but the CB1000F's stock muffler produces a four-cylinder sound that resonates even more deeply in the chest! I fall in love with it over and over again.

Above all, "sound" is the number one enjoyment of a motorcycle. The CB1000F's four-cylinder engine, while having a refined rhythm, has a unique "catch" to it. This distinctive engine sound, somewhat similar to a three-cylinder rhythm, even to a novice like me who isn't very knowledgeable about motorcycles, evokes a sense of tension and a violent surge of "riding adrenaline" in my brain.

Best Point ②: Acceleration

Around the announcement of the CB1000F, numerous events were held. Among them, the event in Shibuya, which I also attended, was overwhelming with its location and atmosphere, symbolizing that this bike's concept was aimed at a "new era."

Nowadays, with many medium and small-scale motorcycle events being held, not only by manufacturers but also by individuals, there have been many opportunities to "sit on" the CB1000F. However, the hurdle to experience this bike's "acceleration" is not low. I bought it on impulse without even test riding it, and I've only ridden it for about 500km, so it's not even broken in yet, but honestly, I feel a tremendous sense of urgency.

This bike is dangerous.

It has a mode switching function that allows for a certain degree of "mental restraint," but lately, I've become completely addicted to this acceleration, which is a bad sign. Without realizing it, I switch from RAIN mode to SPORT mode, and then twist the throttle... Ah... how sinful... Even with the 6-axis IMU, if you open it up fully, the front wheel loses ground contact in an instant, and the bike "flies." Honestly, SPORT mode is terrifying. But then again, that's what makes it... the best.

Best Point ③: Unity

I've test ridden the Z900RS and XSR900, but "foot grounding" is still an important factor for enjoying touring. The 795mm seat height lowered the barrier to entry for those trying a large motorcycle for the first time.

With its wide handlebars, perhaps as a commitment to its "F" designation, the riding position is a forward-leaning naked style. While it's a comfortable position for relaxed touring, the sense of unity when you can unleash its performance on highways or winding roads is tremendous. Furthermore, the seat is high quality, reducing fatigue on long rides, and the 795mm seat height allows for relaxed maneuvering at traffic lights or during convenience store stops, making it feel less intimidating than a "liter-class four-cylinder" battleship. The position of the footpegs when stopped is a slight concern, but with the ideal sound, performance, and unity. HONDA's new model, despite the rising prices, is a generous offering at ¥1,397,000 including tax. What is there to hesitate about?

Oh Right, There Was That CB1000F Recall Issue

I waited for spring without wavering, thinking, "If I cancel this, I might not be able to get it," due to the recall announcement concerning the most sensitive part: the "engine."

The Current Situation and Real Story of the Recall

I'll be honest. I think this is the point that potential buyers are most concerned about.

My friend opened a motorcycle shop, so I have an environment where I can mostly leave maintenance to him. Ah, thank goodness for Serigaya Base.

This recall concerns the "engine internals," the most crucial part of a motorcycle. Various opinions were flying around on social media and YouTube, and it's true that I felt anxious at one point. However, judging from the explanations from dealerships and the manufacturer's response, the situation seems to be clearing up considerably at the moment.

• Shipments of corrected vehicles have begun
• A schedule for addressing already delivered vehicles has been clarified
• Dealership explanations are quite specific

With these points in place, I feel we've moved from a "wait-and-see" phase to an "action" phase.

In fact, I confirmed the precautions for my own vehicle at the time of delivery. It's running without any problems currently, and the recall notice arrived by mail at home, with clear information on the maintenance schedule and the duration of the service.
I haven't requested the corrective maintenance yet, but there's no need to stir up unnecessary anxiety; my honest impression is that it's a manufacturer that "faces the issue properly."
After all, if you're not riding on a circuit, doing extreme acceleration and then heavy engine braking, wouldn't the oil level not decrease... that's the gist of it.

Reasons Why I Still Decided to Purchase

While a recall might not be a good thing, it's precisely because it's a HONDA, a company that announces and takes measures, that we can ride this dangerous, risky, and thrilling vehicle at 100 km/h.

This is purely subjective, but this bike has the power to make you think, "I want to ride it, despite everything."
Does it have enough appeal to outweigh the negative factor of the recall?
For me, the answer was "YES."

"I want to ride a four-cylinder motorcycle with a good foot grounding!"

After experiencing the joy of a single-cylinder with the Rebel 250, being impressed by the stability of a twin-cylinder with the Eliminator 400, and being captivated by the three-cylinder XSR900GP, the CB1000F is my first four-cylinder after seven years.
Approaching 50, I felt a sense of destiny, similar to meeting my wife, that it was released at the perfect time.

Custom Parts Installed

Since I'm at it, I'll also introduce the parts I've installed so far. It's basically a light custom focusing on "balance between appearance and practicality."

① Shark Mirror (TANAX)

【 TANAX Shark Mirror C NA-028 】 The latest in the Shark Mirror series, which I liked from the Eliminator days! Round!

② Engine Guard (DAYTONA)

It's practically essential for preventing tip-overs. Its understated appearance doesn't detract from the bike's design, which is key. The peace of mind when maneuvering is vastly improved, so this should be installed from the start.

③ Smart Monitor (DAYTONA)

Smart Monitor 551
A high-performance monitor that solves the smartphone navigation problem. Excellent visibility and operability reduce stress during touring. The number of times I have to stop to check the navigation has decreased, and comfort has dramatically improved.

④ Quick Shifter (HONDA)

I debated whether to get it or not, but getting it was more than just a good decision; it was the best decision. You absolutely must get it.

What I Learned After Riding 500km

CB1000F at my favorite spot on the Izu Skyline.

• It's not "fast," it's "dangerously fast."
• But the control is solid.
• It's the type of bike that shows its fangs depending on the rider.

Even with this big bike, I'm weaving through traffic, getting passed by others.

But no one complains.

That's why I love HONDA bikes; the CB1000F is accommodating even to riders like me who prefer a relaxed pace.

If you have time, I'd love to share my CB1000F delivery experience and the sound of my first exhaust, to give you that final push!

Thank you for reading to the end.
I might have been overly praising this time due to the "delivery high."
Of course, I'm aiming to be a HONDA Friends Official Motorcycle Ambassador around 2028, but as always, this is a genuine review, so rest assured!
If this article has added even a little bit of enjoyment to your motorcycle life, it would be encouraging, so please give the good button a click down below. This is stonemaker003!