A Retro-Styled Concept That We’re Hoping Will Come Stateside
We recently caught a glimpse of a new model that Honda has been developing for production this coming year. This retro styled CB1000F arrested our attention, so we dug a little deeper. Unveiled back in the spring as a concept, it seems clear now that the motorcycle will definitely be built and sold. Whether or not it will come stateside is anyone’s guess right now, however.
We’re guessing it will.
How beautiful is that? So many 70s-era styling cues.
Recalling the CB750F that made its debut in 1979, the new model especially hearkens back to the 1981 version that Freddie Spencer raced in the AMA Superbike class that year. This is a gorgeous bike, and if it comes to the states, we definitely want to get our hands on one.
From the squared headlight cowling on the faired model to the ducktail rear, this drips nostalgia.
This new retro borrows the 2025 CB1000 Hornet engine and chassis we sampled back this summer out in Sacramento, and absolutely enjoyed. Sporting the same steel twin-spar frame, a dual-side swingarm, and making 150 hp, the new CB1000F will also run the Showa SFF-BP inverted forks and adjustable rear monoshock as the liter Hornet.
This bike is production ready, it would appear.
There will be several color schemes, but this is the only other one we found so far. Again, beautiful.
We love the vintage-looking ducktail rear end, very 1970s-ish, that rectangle tail light like the old days, a period-correct squared tank shape, and the round headlight with twin horns up front. We’re reliving our adolescent moto-lust, just looking at early photos of this machine. It’s going to haunt our dreams for awhile now.
The unfaired version. Still superb looking.
We reached out to our friends at Honda Powersports USA, and their response was, “Gorgeous, isn’t it?! No confirmation yet that it will make its way to the States, but with the popularity of the CB1000 Hornet, we’d love to have it in the North American lineup at some point in the future!” We can’t image Honda not bringing it to America, with the love that riders here have for all things retro, young and older riders.
That tried-and-true CB1000 mill we have come to love so much in recent years.
What do you think about this bike? Would you consider one for your garage if Honda brought them stateside? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Road Dirt Crew
*All photos by Honda.
WOW!
I purchased mine in the spring of “81”, silver/blue, joined the CRA, raced it at Brainard International Raceway. Rebuilt the engine that winter, Yosh full exhaust, 29mm Mikuni smooth bore carbs, milled head, dyno tuned………..needed more power to keep up with the Kaw GPZ1100’s. 🙂
For the times, it was a great handling bike, for as much as I knew at the time. Still remember it with fond memories of all the things that I learned for the 30k that we road together.
Honda is doing the history of the bike justice with what looks to be a great comeback. Always loved the look of the superbikes of that era. Elbows out, knee on the pavement…..It was the early “Golden Days” of sport bike riding in the U.S.
Well done!
We’re hoping to be among the first to sample it, if/when it comes stateside. Thanks for sharing your early experiences that Honda classic!