80s-inspired Honda CB1000F Rolls Back The Years
Honda has pulled the wraps off its much-anticipated nostalgic take on its latest 1000cc platform, the 2026 Honda CB1000F roadster.
The CB1000F is the second model to be spun off from Honda’s new four-cylinder base, which debuted with the launch of the HondaCB1000 Hornet roadster earlier this year.
Whereas that is a thoroughly modern naked in its positioning, the CB1000F adopts a contemporary classic look that borrows inspiration from a litany of iconic Honda motorcycles from over the decades.
Chief among these is the 1979 Honda CB750F – as made famous on track by motorcycle racing legend Freddie Spencer – but also the much-missed Honda CB1300SF of the 1990s/2000s.
Look closely and you’ll also see elements of the Honda CB1000R, which the HondaHornet replaced earlier as a more conventional sportsbike-turned-naked than its neo-retro predecessor.
With the Hornet fulfilling the more sporting side of the CB1000-platform brief in line with other offerings in the roadster class, the CB1000F therefore acts as a more natural successor to the CB1000R, while dialling up that nostalgic charm through its vintage Wolf Silver Metallic (with blue or grey stripe) and Graphite Black colourways, not to mention its slabbed-sides, optional cowl cover and polished chrome.
Indeed, the 1980s-flavoured look is no coincidence with Honda describing the decade’s ‘influence on clothing, music, style and more’ as tapping into the CB1000F’s more laid-back demographic, at least compared with the more dynamic-orientated HondaHornet.
However, while the styling goes in a different direction, the CB1000F still benefits from the use of the Hornet’s critically acclaimed underpinnings. Retaining the same lightweight ‘diamond’ steel frame, the CB1000F has the same wheelbase length, suspension and brakes.
It makes use of its 1000cc engine, albeit retuned to generate 122bhp at 9,000rpm, with 103Nm of torque at 8,000rpm in line with the CB1000F’s modern classic set-up.
While not as powerful as the sister HondaHornet (155bhp), the revised camshafts and longer intake funnels are designed to give the CB1000F a ‘big bike feel’ but with the handling of a middleweight, according to Honda.
Features to be found on the CB1000F include wheelie control and cornering ABS, with three riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain) and two customisable modes for riders to configure.
The Honda CB1000F is set to make its public bow at this year’s EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan (November) before hitting UK roads in early 2026.
Discover the full Honda Motorcycles range at Vertu Motorcycles