In the devious world of card playing a royal flush is hard to beat. In the world of motorcycling the same goes for the superb Honda CBF1000FA and then some.
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of riding just about everything I’ve wanted to ride, except for Halle Berry, even though I’ve called her on many occasions – witch. But fantasies of being licked and scratched by Catwoman aside, I return you back to bikes and the irritating question I get asked the most. “If you could only buy one bike at the moment what would it be?” Understandably people want to know because of my vast years of experience and knowledge and the accompanying head the size of an award winning pumpkin doesn’t seem to deter them, bless.
But it is a good question and today’s choice of machinery can become a bit confusing if not intimidating. No one wants to ride a bike that people think is crap, right? Unless you live on your own with three limp goldfish and your house smells of wee, then no body, including yourself, cares. Fortunately I don’t have three limp goldfish and only parts of my house smell of wee (canine induced honest) and I do care what people think about my ride. And therefore I was very proud to constantly instil the attributes of the Honda CBF1000FA to all and to answer the question; this is my choice if I could only have ‘one’ bike at the moment.
Now that’s quite a heavy statement because a lot of bikes out there are better in certain areas. But nothing I can currently think of does everything in such a pleasant manner for R92,900, and yes you read correctly R92,900. For that sum on money you get a 1,000cc Honda with a gorgeous engine, comfortable touring ability, economical, sporty nature if needed, good looks and it doesn’t smell of wee.
The 998cc four-cylinder DOHC engine, similar to the motor in the CB1000R naked bike, provides the excitement factor. Even though Honda only claim around 110hp@9,000rpm and 96Nm@6,500rpm if feels deceptively stronger than that. The engine pulls perfectly with its obligatory Honda PGM-Fi fuel injection at any rpm with a more pronounced rush towards the top end. And if you want top end the CBF1000FA will easily dispel the 260km/h mark tucked in behind the half fairing and cruise forever at a relaxed 200km/h. Normally I’ll run a bike on Noddy’s Dynojet dyno but in this case it just seemed to be unnecessary because it works so clinically perfectly.
The CBF1000FA will even wheelie easily, if that’s your beef!
To complement such a sweet engine you just have to have a sweet gearbox and the six-speed ‘box inside the satin black crankcases is, again, without fault. Even a person with terminal frostbite and no toes could snick through the ratios with no complaints and little effort but they might cry when trying to use the main stand. It’s nice to have a main stand but it is the only time you’ll feel the claimed 245kg (kerb weight), which means all fluids and a full tank of gas. Tank size, by the way, is a very useful 20 litres. Otherwise the CBF is an agile tool and encourages attack mode when a bend arrives.
Look the CBF isn’t a stiff Fireblade when the corners appear because it’s designed to be soft and comfortable for all conditions and this is exactly how it feels. The 41mm forks with preload adjustment and gas filled rear shock, probably from Showa, also with preload and rebound adjustment, can induce a slight wallow when pushed hard but while you’re in the thickly padded seat 795mm from the floor and behind the four-way manually adjusted screen with an upright reach to the ‘bars it all begins to make sense. I found any short journey just wasn’t far enough because I wanted to go further, which shows how satisfying the CBF1000FA is and I most certainly would love to have one permanently in my garage.
The CBF1000FA comes with ABS in the price and with combined or linked brakes. Basically this also activates one front calliper when you use the rear brake. Now I’ve never been a fan of this setup but on the CBF I came to revel in it. If you enter a corner too fast just dab the rear brake pedal and the CBF squats down and tightens its line in a civilised and confident manner. Once you get used to it, while threading through traffic as well, it becomes second nature and suits the CBF more than any other big Honda I’ve ridden.
As you’ve gathered by now I really, really like this bike and every trip left me smiling. If you’re old or young and contemplating, especially after reading this, buying one, then do so. If you’re not completely satisfied I’ll be surprised and want to see what’s inside your brain, probably nothing if you don’t like the CBF1000FA. What Honda has here is a complete package that will be hard to beat by any manufacturer and even Halle Berry might be enticed to get on the back, anyone know her number she deleted mine long ago?
