Honda CB1000R

Betty, my 2009 CB1000R, replaced a much loved (stolen) Hornet, and it’s a mark of my respect for Honda that it was a default choice. The newer bike is smoother, usefully torquier and (even) quicker than her predecessor. My Hornet’s suspension had been nicely fettled by the previous owner, but the CB1000R is pretty much perfect out of the box - more agile, composed and smoother riding. She can really fly but the engine is so smooth, tractable and brisk that town riding is a breeze, helped by a flawless gearchange, solid brakes and a smooth, progressive clutch. Great (Italian) styling as well. Three things can be improved: the gearing is a little short for my ‘mature’ riding style, something I’ve partially fixed by changing the rear sprocket when the chain needed replacing. The seat is a bit hard, so mine now has a softer cover, and the digital instruments can be hard to read when the sun falls on them (what’s wrong with dials?!). So not perfect then, but I’ve not ridden a bike that is. The five stars reflect my overall satisfaction with the bike for the price I paid, and how quickly I want to get back in the saddle!