Riding off on the CB, it feels small, light and
yet roomy enough to be very comfortable
for my tall 6’ 2” frame. My knees fit nicely
in to the large tank scallops giving the CBR
a narrow feel. The handle bars are straight,
reasonably high and wide enough to be
quite commanding. The pegs are high, but
not too high to be uncomfortable, except
perhaps for the very tall on longer rides.
The seat is great, in general it’s a very
nice riding position, the only drawback is
the lack of a screen for wind and weather
protection – but this is the price to pay if
you desire the styling of a naked bike.
The 998cc inline four engine is a real
beauty. At only 143hp, it is not in the
modern-day superbike category from a
horsepower persepctive, but the headline
power number doesn’t tell the whole story.
This is utterly delightful motor, and it’s in
something of a stunt/fun bike when you
select User mode. This mode allows the
rider to disable traction control completely
and have full power. There are three rider
modes for Rain, Standard and Sport. Each
mode has three levels of adjustment for
power, traction control and engine braking
control. This excellent adjustable sensitivity,
plus the option to turn the TC completely
off in User mode, means the Honda has a
very wide range of engine options, basically
a setting for everyone and all weathers.
The ABS cannot be turned off, which is
fine by me for a road bike, but will limit
stoppies for those inclined. In all modes the
engine is smooth with virtually no vibration.
Obviously the power delivery ramps up in
aggression from Rain to User mode, but
it’s always quite linear in progression and
very accessible for road use. It has a lovely
bottom end to doddle along with, which
is so nice around town. In Sport mode the
revs climb in a responsive linear fashion,
low-ish TC controlled wheelies come easily
in first and second with third gear ones only
requiring a little more intent. In User mode
it just plain loves to wheelie. I wouldn’t say
it’s a low rpm monster though, more of
a midrange beast, with a not too shabby
top end either. On the road the CB just
surges along in an effortless, flexible and
responsive manner.