The one fault I found is too-soft damping at both ends, as well as bottoming too easily on bad surfaces, which can be remedied somewhat by adding rear preload - the fork is not adjustable, so you live with it or bring it to an expert for "doctoring". I also admit that I never felt really comfortable on dirt on the CBF, as I rode it at the same time as the better tired Varadero - perhaps an unfair comparison. One thing that stood out is the excellent ABS brakes; inspiring confidence over that silent menace - debris on the road. From that point of view, I'll admit the CBF can be ridden safely on dirt - something you learn to do with experience.

Straddling the bike is easy, even with the impressively wide optional bags in place.

For my money, the CBF1000A is a highly effective, well priced standard, an all round machine with an excellent engine, comfortable room for two, a complete line of effective accessories from Honda, and adequate protection from the elements - the ideal urban and touring bike as per the equipment you add, with a reserve of kick-butt power when you simply have to have it. Oh, and it is a Honda, so it really well put together.



Great engine torque and power, smooth gearbox
Light to handle, in the city as well as when going for it
Everything works well
Attractive price
Complete set of optional accessories from Honda



Too short suspension travel, limp damping
Just a little too plain dashboard




Really shakes you around bad roads


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert