Honda’s CB1000R naked literbike gets a face-lift.

By Byron Wilson, motorcyclistonline.com

Honda gives its CB1000R naked some love for 2021 with a sophisticated blacked-out look and a few choice upgrades. The bike will be available this May starting at $12,999.

Editor’s Note: We test rode the liter-sized CB during the 2018 Honda CB1000R Pairs Elegance And Performance and 2018 Honda CB1000R MC Commute Review articles/videos.

The new styling gives the machine its 2021 moniker, the CB1000R Black Edition, and touches just about every visible part of the bike. Honda used black plating and black anodizing techniques on the subframe, swingarm pivot plates, exhaust system, front suspension, and handlebar clamp among numerous other places.

In addition to the bold new colorway, the CB1000R gets a new three-level quickshifter for clutchless upshifts. A slip/assist clutch smooths out wheel hop on hard downshifts.

Honda fitted a new 5-inch TFT instrument panel to the bike also.

The CB1000R Black Edition is powered by a 998cc inline-four fit with ride-by-wire and four ride modes. Honda Selectable Torque Control is included to help dial performance in a variety of conditions. It utilizes a steel backbone frame suspended by a Showa SFF Big Piston fork, fully adjustable, and a Showa shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability. Four-piston radial-mount calipers grip two full-floating 310mm discs at the front while a single-piston caliper and 256mm disc handle braking duties at the back.

Honda utilizes LED lighting throughout, highlighted by a classic round headlight that emphasizes the brand’s Neo-Sports Café aesthetic, of which the CB1000R is a hallmark example. Other premium design features include a flangeless fuel tank, aluminum alloy detailing, a new rear splash guard that mounts directly to the swingarm, and a passenger seat cover.

The only available colorway for 2021 will be, you guessed it, Graphite Black.

2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition Technical Specifications and Price

Price:	$12,999
Engine:	998cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	75.0 x 56.5mm
Compression Ratio:	11.6:1
Fuel Delivery:	PGM-FI w/ 44mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, slip/assist and quickshifter
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Frame:	Steel backbone
Front Suspension:	Showa 43mm SFF-BP USD fork, fully adjustable; 5.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 5.2 in. travel.
Front Brake:	Radial-mounted 4-piston calipers, 310mm floating discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 256mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	17 in./17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70-17 / 190/55-17
Rake/Trail:	24.7°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase:	57.3 in.
Seat Height:	32.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.3 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight:	467 lb.
Warranty:	12-month, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Available:	May 2021
Contact:	powersports.honda.com