Not only is it arresting, the single-sided swingarm also allows for a more central placement of the pipe and various components. The 43-mm inverted forks are fully adjustable, while the single shock features preload and rebound damping adjustment. The CB1000RA tips the scales at 217 kg (on a full tank), in keeping with its take-no-prisoners attitude. What’s more, the CB1000RA uses a sophisticated ABS system that offers a comforting degree of security.

On the downside, the rear-view mirrors are too close together, and rear visibility isn’t perfect. But the CB1000RA does feature a comprehensive set of 100% digital instruments: Grand Prix-style rpm counter, speedometer, temperature and fuel gauges, a clock and two trip recorders.

Versatile sportsman
In typical Honda fashion, the CB1000RA is quickly tamed. At low speeds the generous dollop of torque from the 998-cc inline-4 is always appreciated, and on the highway it delivers the kind of performance you’d expect from a sportbike. The engine is beefy but manageable, and its voice is typical of big 4-cylinder machines with a massive engine brake. The transmission is marvellously precise and quick, another Honda strong suit.

The bike’s stability and the engine’s progressive grunt makes it easier to open the machine up on corner exit. (Photo: Kevin Wing)

To get a feel for the frame, there’s nothing better than burning up a tight track. The shock is progressive on braking and doesn’t cause too much pitch, and it absorbs a good part of the road’s irregularities. It’s not a model of accuracy, though. You have to have all your wits about you when entering corners, and the steering wobbles under full acceleration. You’d be better off installing an adjustable steering damper before setting out to discover the CB’s limits.

On the flip side, the bike’s stability when leaning into corners and the engine’s progressive grunt, which kicks in early on in the rpm range, makes it easier to open the machine up on corner exit, and the CB1000RA decisively propels you from one bend to the next. And mercifully, thanks to powerful brakes coupled with an ABS system, hard braking feels extremely safe and secure.

Far from a utilitarian or asthmatic naked bike, the CB1000RA combines everyday versatility and comfort with the thrills of a true sportbike. It showcases all the progress Honda’s engineers have made in the field as well as the competence derived from its CBR brethren. Sleek and provocative, it has enough personality and power to give its enthusiastic rider a fright – in other words, a real street fighter.

Pros
Street and track versatility
Powerful, progressive engine
Gorgeous street fighter looks

Cons
No steering damper