2012 Honda Motorcycle

Last year, Honda introduced the CB1000R stateside, a machine that was quickly categorized into the naked sportbike/street fighter genre.

Although naked sportbikes are not as popular in America as they are overseas, the CB 1000 R became a popular model, mostly due to its streetability and bold looks.

Due to its popularity, Honda returns with the CB1000 R for 2012 with the only upgrade being a new matte gray metallic color. All else remains the same, which will likely please CB fans.

The 2012 CB1000R has its roots in the 1969 Honda CB750 KO, which was the first mass-market inline four sportbike. The 2012 model arrives with fuel-injected four-cylinder 998cc powerplant tuned for torque, making acceleration a priority.

Gravity Die-Cast technology is responsible for the mono-backbone aluminum frame that Honda claims "is strong yet features thin-wall construction for light weight."

The sleek single-sided aluminum swingarm features a single rear shock with spring preload and rebound-damping adjustability and there's a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork. Up front, you get radial-mounted dual 310mm disc brakes.

The CB1000R is the only true naked sportbike offered in Honda's 2012 lineup, embodying the classic and proven Honda formula of offering a high-performance inline four in an unfaired motorcycle.

The MSRP hasn't been released as of this writing, but it should be around $11,000, a price that will surely not be frowned upon.

2012 Honda CB1000 R Specs:

• Engine Type: 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
• Bore and Stroke: 75mm x 56.5mm
• Compression ratio: 11.2:1
• Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
• Induction: PGM-FI Fuel Injection with automaticenrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodies
• Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
• Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
• Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain
• Suspension Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
• Rear: Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 5.0 inches travel
• Brakes Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs
• Rear: Single 256mm disc
• Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
• Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
• Wheelbase: 56.9 inches
• Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
• Trail: 99mm (3.9 inches)
• Seat Height: 32.1 inches
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve
• Estimated Fuel Economy: 37 mpg
• Curb Weight*: 485 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride.

2012 Honda CB1000 R Color Option/MSRP:

• Matte Grey Metallic / NA