HONDA CBR1000F (1987 - 1997) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
| Power: | 135 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.7 in / 780 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (507 lbs / 230 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe sports-touring Honda CBR1000F was always in the shadow of more exciting motorcycles, yet had a decade long production run. It had its good points, such as a comfortable riding position, good build quality - except for early camchain tensioner problems - and respectable handling. But the Honda CBR1000F is so bland it makes Katie Melua look like a brazen rock chick.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Honda CBR1000F's suspension is slightly mushy, especially the non-adjustable front forks and the rear shock tends to get sloppy when the motorcycle is pushed hard, letting the back end bounce around. As a touring motorcycle, the Honda CBR1000F offers a nice, plush ride for two people. As a sports motorcycle it's just too soft, too vague.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityCompared to its contemporary rivals like the Kawasaki ZZ-R1100, or Suzuki GSX-R1100, the Honda CBR1000F lacks real kick-in-the-pants power. It is a deceptively fast motorcycle, but it feels a bit flat somehow and never really gets your pulse racing. Early Honda CBR1000Fs suffered camchain tensioner problems, but there was a Honda recall on them and most were fixed rapidly.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueHonda CBR1000Fs can rack up a huge mileage, 60-80K is typical before any serious signs of engine wear. Apart from the suspension getting soggy, the chassis also wears well, so the Honda CBR1000F makes a very good budget touring motorcycle. It's hard to go wrong with `em.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentMost bikers would rather buy a big 80s/90s motorcycle with some soul, some aggression, but there are those who like the sheer quality of the Honda CBR1000F and its understated ability in real world riding situations. If you want a big 1000cc bike, but don't actually want to ride very fast, the Honda CBR1000F is damn near perfect. Find a Honda CBR1000F for sale.
Equipment
The Honda CBR1000F has a comprehensive dashboard, excellent lights, brakes, comfy saddle, bungee hooks and passenger grab rail. It even has a centrestand - praise the Lord. The Honda CBR1000F is a well thought out package and the later models feel more durable and better finished than the early ones.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 998cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v, in line four, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Steel twin beam |
| Fuel capacity | 998 litres |
| Seat height | 780mm |
| Bike weight | 230kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
| Front brake | Twin 296mm disc |
| Rear brake | 255mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £120 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 135 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 66 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 11.3 secs |
| Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1987: Honda CBR1000F launched.
1989: Restyled Honda CBR1000F appears, with `bamper damper' crash protection, new bodywork, tweaked engine.
1993: Honda CBR1000F gains a linked braking system (CBS), plus more styling updates. 1997:Honda CBR1000F discontinued.
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR1000F (1987 - 1997)
18 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR1000F (1987 - 1997) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CBR1000F (1987 - 1997)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Version: 1999
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £150
Nice, simple, comfortable and reliable old sports bike. I've had 3 of them, a red 1999 model (the last batch made), a red/white 1991 model and a black/gold 1995 model. Never had any mechanical issues with any of them. They are fast enough to get you out of trouble, will run happily on mediocre regional fuel, aren't heavy on brakes or tyres and not too sporty that your back and wrists get sore. eg room is only average though (I'm 6'4).
Smooth and powerful describes it best. It will never out drag a comparable Blackbird or ZZR1100 and it won't keep up with smaller bikes in the twists but it can move when it has to.
Reliable if a little boring. Cam chain rattle starts around 50k and gets worse and worse but it's not always a problem and can be fixed if you have some basic mechanical skills.
A dead battery was on the only issue I ever had and that wasn't the bikes fault. Fuel gauge accuracy was sometimes poor.
Insurance was cheap and I did all the servicing myself. Fairing is easy to remove but can be tricky to reassemble.
Other than a rear rack and a bigger screen I never really bothered with any other bling.
Buying experience: 1 from a dealer, the other 2 were private buys.
Year: 1990
Annual servicing cost: £100
i bought one .mist used a lot of work but new if i got it right .cam adjuster bought from Germany .head a studs ground of . kymoca 125 head nuts 7m or vw 7m plain did the job. try not to damage the studs . stript the bike from back to front . was amazed the frame was in relay good .faring at to fix some lugs . age , lithium battery bought from halfods 3 years cover. it starts the engine great, heavy but still it holds the road do all my own work why pay 20.000 and get in to d e t
at my age 70 its ok. stop when my tubes get rat held you no Honda made a relay nice bike .in the 90 you just could not afforded one .
all good .
back foot hangers .easy sorted . frame good no brake down so fare
keep on top ones repaired
if your not a speed freak best fit good tyers that last hand not crack in time
Buying experience: privately . offed 1250 he if and hard must be 1500 . no thank i could have just past it but i all ways like the Honda cbr 1000 F. i ask him about the cam chain adjuster i have just had it mot . i check wear it was done at. i told him the bike was a mess. ok 1250 he even drove it to my garage . paid him big smiles i found he paid 1250 5 years before .so he did well out of it . the bike as done 51650 miles .no smock no engine problems past a proper MOT .
Year: 1996
who ever says this bike is flat needs there head tested ,it will pull you off the seat with the torque ,it handles beautifully ,it was not discontinued in 97 it carried on in the us until 1999-2000,owned mine for four years now ,when it came out it was one of the fastest sports bikes in the world ,.
comfortable ,you need long arms ,a lot of people put bar risers on them ,but it suits me perfect at 6ft 3".
bit of a cct rattle after 50,000 mile ,apart from that flawless.
27 yrs old no rust,good solid bike ,heavy bike but feels good
do it myself .new parts are expensive but they last ,not had to replace any major parts
i find she handles best with the rear suspension set hard ,but i am 18 st so it needs to be.i cant fault the bike ,brakes are superb with dual braking overall giving you plenty of stopping power.
Buying experience: 2000pounds second hand .
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £120
Cracking all rounder Heavy bike at 230kg but just butter smooth carb fed motor build quality is excellent. They do it all besides a track day you want to have forearms like popeye. Cracking twin pipes and good tank range 160-180 miles
Dual breaking takes time get use to
Peachy motor when you want to move
Honda build quality is fantastic
Easy to work on hey they even have latch to hold up tank to change your plugs
Buying experience: Swapped fir a clean zx10 good trade it was a 1989
Year: 1989
Comfy and reliable long distance workhorse. We toured Australia two up with a huge rack bag and a tank bag. Over 25,000km in 6 months, the bike ended up with over 100,000km on the clock. Never had a problem although the steering head bearings were giving up when we sold it.
We had a couple of 1,000km days, yes stiff and a bit sore at the end but doable when necessary.
Lower fairing clips were a bit fragile, apart from that all good.
Version: L Model
Year: 1990
its a Honda what can you say its bean around for years its a lump of lead. bickerer for 45years. compeer it to days bike its a proper motorbike not a skeleton like a £21.000 .todays bike. you downt dream when your on a CBR1000F 1990 BIKE YOU RIDE IT.
EVERY MAN AS IS OWN VIOUE .
NO PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE 51.000 MILES 13 OWNERS ADD ME TO THE LIST. IT HOLDS THE ROAD WELL FAST IF NEED TO BE .
I AFTER SAY THE ONE I JUST BOUGHT WAS A MESS .AFTER CLEANING ALL THE PARTS THAT I REMOVED .I FOUND THE FRAME WAS REAL GOOD.THE FARING ARE MADE WELL BUT SOME SCROWS CAN NAP OF WITH AGE BUT THERES GOOD GULE ON THE MARCKET TO FIX IT. THE PAINT IS REALY GOOD HONDA DID A GOOD JOB. THE BIKE KAME RUNNING .NOW ITS DESIDED NOT TO RUN. I FOUND A ITERMINTED SPARK THING BLUE. WOULD THINK ITS COILS .NEW ONES ON THERE WAY .
DO MY OWN WORK
THE LOOKS
Buying experience: ALL GOOD FOR ME £1500 MADE HIME A OFFER £1250 as the bike was scruffy
Version: F-L
Year: 1990
Annual servicing cost: £80
Lots of return trips Killarney County Kerry to Coventry and back, really comfortable ride.
Cam chain tensioner is not a very good design,
30 year old bike is yet to let me down
New rear Tyre every 3 years, front every 5.
Dunlop Sport Max tyres run great (Bridgestone don't)
Buying experience: Bought privately (recommended by my Brother) Paid the asking price no quibbles.
Year: 1987
Annual servicing cost: £100
Very comfy perfect riding position for someone over 6ft 5in only problem is a very spongy rear shock.
Brakes very keen, perfect braking.
Still plenty of power easily accelerate past 100mph.
All rebuilt as a project, very well built.
Seems to drink lots of fuel, only getting 30 mpg and not the claimed 46mpg.
Bridgestones front and rear. The rear could do with being a bit wider especially for someone my height and weight.
Buying experience: Private, the last owner rebuilt it as a project bike and did a very good job.
Year: 1990
Annual servicing cost: £250
I would absolutely recommend this bike to a friend. I would then show them the advantages to gear ratios. Zero to a hundred in the city is all you need. It's much easier to talk your way out of an 80 mile an hour ticket then a160 mile an hour ticket. Sprockets and ratios are just a way of discipline. This bike by new standards is very heavy at about 560 pounds. Seat height can be a plus for short legged people that are wanting a 1,000 CC bike.
When you take away some of the speed from the top end as I have 0 to 80 will impress anyone. Corners extremely well. Suggest not to be your first bike. Take time to learn the way the bike responds it is a bit different than other sports bikes. Because of the positioning of the handlebars and the seat a comfortable ride was not more than an hour.
28 years old and still going extremely strong. At Bike Week in Florida you can definitely keep up with the more expensive bikes with the gear reduction in sprockets. Let's face it, no one's doing a 160 mph or 180 mph, the police are everywhere during Bike Week. But light to light this bike will take almost anything.
The engine is extremely well-built. The downfall is the alternator is not capable of turning the RPMs that the engine is. So if you over rev you will be buying an alternator. Alternators are getting hard to find and when you do find them they are $600 to $800.
It is now a 28-year-old bike. I have ridden it for four years and replaced the alternator, voltage regulator and front forks with tyres front and rear. Replaced sprockets taking away top end and giving me a 0 to 60 mile an hour that will kick you in the seat of the pants. Top end is now 100 mph. With sprocket reduction wheelies and loss of traction in corners when advancing throttle become very easy. I have only had one other bike of this size which was the XXR 1100 and I would rate them almost equal for road performance but the XXR was easier on my back for long distance. The XXR costs more by far, and the maintenance per year is higher. I broke two overhead valve change on the XXR and have had no problems with the 1000F. It is a classic bike and maintenance is part of the game of owning this age of bike. The advantage is the price on the older bike. Half as much as a new bike or less. Disadvantages finding parts. If you take it to a big dealer they will tell you that they cannot get parts on anything 7 to 10 years old. That leaves you doing the work on your bike yourself and buying parts through retailers or online.
The way the seat is built it is very comfortable for two people. Just be aware the girl on the back is going to be complaining that her butt is showing to the world.
Buying experience: I bought from an individual, it this was the love of his life. He was very meticulous at keeping it absolutely original. It would never sit in the sun more than an hour if not being ridden.
Version: FL
Year: 1989
Annual servicing cost: £100
Over the last twenty years I've read many overly-pained reviews about the CBR1000F. Back in the day when the first GSXR1100 came out, the CBR thou was overshadowed, yes. I remember the day very clearly. But at 23 years old I bought my first '90 FL - unknowingly at the time, the quite rare colour version of red and white straight stripy decal with a black seat and gold rims. As it turned out, the '89 FL evolved into the standard White and Blue with Black seat, White and Red with Blue seat, and Red and Black with Black seat versions. These were the 'sorted' FL, FM and FN versions Before the later ABS version came out in 97/98. I now own four Hondas, six including the Accord and the lawnmower. Having ridden many other makes and models, I can't shake the sheer engineering and finish of this particular Honda. More than once I have read about the 'sloppy rear handling' and I just don't agree. Bumpy 80-mph exits are where this beast excels, not fails! My '98 Blade cannot compete with the planted feel of the thou - even now. Before people start to think I don't know what I'm talking about, I've covered the bridge to gantry in just over one minute slower than the fastest lap ever on a motorcycle - 8:25 - on my '98 Blade - in 1998!. 25 years ago at 23 years old, my first 1990 CBR1000FL was the nicest bike I'd ever ridden. but now, my second and latest, 1989 one-previous-(collector)-owner, 4,294-mile museum piece, now concours example (white & red with blue seat), is still my favourite bike of all time. Don't ride it much as keeping it pristine. I don't think it's long before it'll be worth £20k. I love it more now than my first one. Will take it to the grave. I truly believe it's the best example in the world today purely as it's like looking at a brand new '89 F plate bike in the shop, and I guess there isn't another one out there detailed as well as mine. Probably the world's most underrated (and in my view undeservedly slated) motorcycle of all time?
In 1993 went to South of France in TWO days from Zeebrugge. Comfort wise, could have turned round and come back the same day, no probs. 100% perfect comfort.
Smooth-to-the-point-of-boring - until you notice the speedo! 30mph to 160mph in top, and flawless, beautifully carbureted power delivery - only comparable now to fuel injected bikes - ahead of its time!
Beautifully engineered parts - they simply don't make motorcycles like this anymore. Heat-reflecting side panels, a car-bonnet like tank stay for holding up the tank while doing your plugs, the way all the fairing panels slot together with millimetric precision. The headlamp drain hole on the side-stand side (bet no one knows that)! The massive front indicators - just lovely. The awesome 130bhp, magic carpet -like swoosh. The silence of the (standard) exhaust. Many friends have joked how weird it is that on full-bore overtaking when racing along, they cannot hear my bike when it passes them. No camchain tensioner rattles - Silkolene Pro-4, say no more.
Low costs!
Fat seat and tank for long time in the saddle. Michelins back then nice, but now only use Conti Sport Attacks for all my bikes. Those are utterly fabulous for dry weather (for wet weather, don't ride fast or stay at home - simples!)
Buying experience: Unridden for 5 years and complete fuel system damaged from old tarred petrol. Bought as non-runner, without a key (owner recently deceased, probate, etc), from Lings Honda. Ordered them not to touch it. A steal at £2,700!
Year: 1995
Annual servicing cost: £20
Reliable, fast and relatively comfortable even for pillion. Able to make 300 km out of a full tank. Bad points are that it's heavy and the weight distribution too much on the front. Not a lot of character also.
It's not made for small people and it takes a little experience at slow speeds. Stop for half an hour every empty tank. Linked brakes are a good point.
Good power across the rpm range. Can take it from 1000rpm in 6th without a problem. Only weakness is that it has not a lot of character.
The helmet clamp is nice to have, good protection against wind, can take almost every tyre and still be capable at a fast-paced ride. I dont feel like I needs more equipment... maybe a clock?
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £170
I bought this bike two years ago as a none runner. Did full strip and clean of carbs. And she fired up, felt a heavy bike to corner with Bridgestone tyres on. So fitted Metzler Z6 tyres what made it feel light in the corners. Then fitted a none baffle stainless steel exhaust system and a K&N air filter. With a shim in the carb needles. Now she is a beast
Brakes I love, took a while as first bike with linked braking system Let down No adjustment on front forks. That said she handles her self very well in the corners. No more than 5mm chicken strip on rear
Ok standard maybe 4 rating Change air filter to K&N and exhaust system you will get a great performing 1000cc at a budget price. Also a couple shims under to lift carb needles is advised if running none baffled. Then will be lifting the front wheel nicely up to 3rd gear
Totally reliable bike. Not one issue in over 10'000 miles since rebuild
I ride the bike hard and it loves it. I do tend to go through rear tyre every 3-4k front not much longer
The braking system, some hate it. But find it makes a 610lb bike feel a lot lighter when you are pushing her through the Sss
Buying experience: I bought Bike very cheap as none runner with low miles. Carb clean and charge of battery and she was ready for Mot
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £80
Drop forks in yokes 20mm + increase rear preload + add a better single sided can and place 1 thin washer under each Keihini carb needle to rick mid range + K&N Filter and you have a different bike. Just awesome. mine has 110 at the wheel standard and keeps up with anything on the road today,
Road Pilot 4s are the best and go 180 wide at rear
linear but needs a bit of fuel low down
just oil pads and filters
heated grips and bob heath screen extender
Buying experience: private ebay
Version: CBR1000FV 30 Thousand miles
Year: 1997
Annual servicing cost: £150
This is the 4 the CBR1000F i have owned and is near identical to my last, yet it is some how a better machine. It has so subtle mods which have greatly improved the overall ride. Handle bar risers, K&N air filter and a pair of Delickivic end cans all set up to run at the optimum. It is super comfortable and has amazing lights for those wishing to venture out after dark. 2 niggles on this the Dual linked brake model. 1st the Dual linked brakes can sometimes dive the front end when using the rear only and 2nd could really do with a back lit clock for touring.
Ride is plush and i have done 400 miles in a day comfortably on the bike. Pillion comfort is also very good. Brakes are very strong if a little intrusive (dual linked system).
Smooth silky power delivery with loads of useable power and torque throughout the range. Deceptively fast three figure speeds will appear with ease.
Its amazing looks like a nearly new bike in comparison to the competition from the era
Fuel economy is ok and will do around 150-160 mile before reserve on a run, round town around 120-130 before reserve.
Clear clocks and good switchgear, could really do with a built in clock to be perfect.
I own 6 bikes and have been riding for over 30 years so I have ridden a few in my time. I bought my CBR1000F last year with 56K on the clock. It is in amazing condition for its mileage and could easily pass for one with 40K less, such is the build quality. The engine has extremely linear power which for a sports tourer is just perfect in my book, particularly if you carry a pillion. Its natural home is on sweeping a roads and motorways as its high speed stability is teh best I have ever experienced and somehow what appears to be quite a low screen results in the best aerodynamics I have experienced with no buffeting to my helmet. I will not be getting a flip screen as it could only make it worse as it is perfect as it is, almost like sitting on a magic carpet. It reminds me very much of a bigger, longer VFR750, which is a good thing!
I rode one of these a few years ago and always dreamt of owning one , well that day came true on the 28th of April 09 , I SOLD MY ZXR750 due to wanting something more upright but still with a bit of power , what a dream to ride , I hope to own this for years to come .
Got this bike last year and i have covered over 3000 miles on it in all weathers without any complaints from. OK this is not an out and out sports bike but it makes an excellent all rounder, riding position is good, suspension is ok if set up properly and will stay with the majority of sports bike if you learn how to ride it properly even 2 up. Will def recommend this for someone who wants a large capacity sports touring motorcycle.
Ok, review probably seems a bit high (verging on favouritism)but as the title says, I dont know any better. It seems too good a bike not to have a review so thought I'd put in my tuppence worth. I only passed in March 07 and I'm now on my second one. I find it very comfortable for my size (6ft2) with a ride position that suits me. The 2 I've had have never let me down, were/was cheap and cheerful, handle fine for my experience and the engines Japanese so bullet proof. Again, I haven't the knowledge or experience to know any better, but I'd highly recommend them as a first bike. My 1994 is a lot better than my old 1989 one, lighter (but with less power), it seems to handle better and is building my confidence nicely.
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Instruments
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Instruments
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Front view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Rear view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Brakes
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR1000F motorcycle review - Side view
