2018 Honda CB1000R Neo | First Ride Review

[@davidozburn1155]

Adjusting the suspension settings to your weight and application will make a big difference.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you. I've been reading up a lot about suspension recently.

[@QuincyPoaches]

Solid review. I agree. It was buzzier than I expected. Especially in the foot pegs.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks. Shame though, four cylinders aren't normally as buzzy as that.

[@jonweaver6794]

Test rode one recently and found that the FBW throttle is very snatchy - especially in Sport, less obvious in Standard and ok in Rain modes. It could do with an ECU update to sort this issue. Other than that I agree that it looks fantastic, handles fantastically and the 190/55 rear tyre helps grip in the bends. Wish they would bin the Candy Red paint though and offer it in a bright Red or Blue.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah it can be snatchy, I was politely calling it 'immediate' but I think you're right it could do with an ECU upgrade.

[@jamesfawcett442]

Why bin the candy red? You don't have to buy it do you?

[@michaellilley6725]

Well done!! The most important thing about a review is down to earth Honesty!! Many reviewers are a bit wary of being critical for fear of limiting future access to test drives. To take a possible hit on the chin yourself, regarding it's flighty front end was admirable, but unnecessary, as other reviewers have noted the same issue. Still you were prepared to admit that your riding style was aggressive and when correctedz the problem was less evident. I will certainly be watching more of your bike reviews, and catch up on those I have missed already. 👏🏍️👍

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks Michael

[@RobertMacCready]

Great looking bike and interesting review. Your video editing was good too. Will have to test ride one to see what the front end "thing" is that you mentioned. I might just buy one.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks. It is a nice looking bike, and it does perform well. I'll be interested to hear your take on the light front end. It only really happens when you're being aggressive with it, and I only pick it up on it because I rode the MT10 just as hard and got nowhere near the same kind of wobble out of it.

[@jacobrippens9638]

great review, big fan from LA. what jacket are you wearing in this video. also, as another 4 cylinder naked, how would you compare this bike as a package to the z900 and z900 rs?

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you. The Jacket is a Bering Tyler and it's brilliant for a hot day, which obviously you get a few of in LA (not jealous at all) only negative is the small pocket for back armour. As for the comparison they're pretty evenly matched, there's only 50cc in it for engine size and they're about the same weight. The Kawasaki felt a little more immediate on the throttle but only by a fraction and much sportier in riding position so I feel like I would be quicker on the Kawasaki even despite the Honda's extra power. They shortened the gearing on the Honda's first 3 gears but you still need to hand on to build up the revs. I really don't think there's a lot in it for performance though. The Honda to me looked a little nicer for the shiny bits, they tend to tart up their bikes well so the fit and finish was impressive. It will really come down to taste.

[@fyorbane]

@@RarefiedRoad Tested one of these along with the Z900. I thought I would be more impressed with the more expensive and more powerful Honda but strangely I was not. In fact I had more fun on the Kawasaki. Seat of the pants performance wise there did not feel a lot in it. The Honda maybe felt a smidge quicker but really they are both bloody quick. Steering wise I prefered the Z900. It felt sporty, precise and very agile whilst the Honda steers just as quick but felt less sure footed and, like you mentioned a bit flighty while nailing it. The cheaper suspension on the Z900 felt good and controlled while again the Honda [with it's more expensive fully adjustable set up] felt a bit harsh but I'm sure you could dial that out. I loved the dash on the Honda while the kawasaki's is ok [ but could be better]. Styling is subjective but both to me are nice looking machines but the Z900 is the more aggressive and sporty looking bike. The Z900 I found to be smoother and less buzzier than the CB1000R with a lovely throttle connection and a nicer smoother gearbox. The Honda's was a bit notchy which surprised me. Riding position goes to the Kawa. You sit in the machine which makes you feel more at one with it instead of being perched on top. Overall they are 2 great bikes but if it was my money I would buy the Z900. It's a lot cheaper but feels more thrilling to ride and it doesn't need those riding modes at all.

[@RarefiedRoad]

@@fyorbane Yep, I can't fault one bit of that. I agree with you completely for performance and feel, the only thing I think I differ on would be that I prefer the look of the Honda but I wouldn't buy it based on looks alone so I'd pick the Kawasaki as well.

[@TheDfelan]

Good informative review. I'll have to check out your other stuff.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you, hope the others don't disappoint.

[@menotyou4186]

The day Honda releases a classic tri-colour Red/White/Blue I'll be at the local dealer with with a fistful of cash. Until then, I wait...

[@lucaelka2864]

I got it

[@Kodreanu23]

Power nakeds! Way to go, Rary :) Great video, insightful info... And we now want to see you on the Speeeed Triplee!!! :D

[@RarefiedRoad]

So would I. I'm really curious to see what a big triple is like. Thanks for the support.

[@prndownload]

Speed triple = tractor, cb1000r = race car

[@karlosh9286]

I think this Honda looks a lot better than the Vitpilen. It's obviously similar to my CB125R that now needs a new home, which I thought was one of the better looking 125s . I'm guessing the Honda is a bit beyond my current riding skill, 148 BHP would probably currently scare the life out of me. I've currently only had that much horsepower in a 1400Kg Car ! Maybe one of these next year :)

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

Compare this to the Yamaha MT 10 if you ever ridden it that is. How would you compare them and what would you pick and why?

[@RarefiedRoad]

In all honesty I'd go with the Yamaha. The MT10 feels a little more solid, it's got more power and because of the crossplane crankshaft it's spread a little more evenly. It's also a more stable machine and it will outperform the Honda in practically every field. If your budget is tight then the Honda is still a very good bike but I think as far as value goes it is very hard to beat Yamaha for the money. Hope that helps.

[@motonirvana6861]

Nice bike. I would love to see a CB650 variant.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I was surprised not to see a 600 version of this when they announced them. I'd guess there will be one in the near future if these do well.

[@1990-t1j]

They have one in Thailand.

[@ritfloyd]

What would you choose between this and the z900rs?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I'd buy the Z900rs

[@88sknuutila]

excellent review ! 👍🤗

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you.

[@1990-t1j]

Would you buy one?

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah I think I actually would

[@1990-t1j]

@@RarefiedRoad I have it on my mind. There is a Honda Big Wing in Chiang Rai, where I am 9 months a year. Maybe a bit unnecessary for our roads but so what? It is cheaper than the other litre inline fours because it's cobbled together here. Good channel.

[@nigelfisher6896]

What's the seat like for longer rides ?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I was on it for just over an hour and it was absolutely fine for me, couldn't tell you for a tour but Honda tend to be quite comfortable.

[@Barnesm72]

Doesn't the bike have to be stopped to change the modes? Are you sure the mode was actually switching? Other reviews I have watched have indicated a noticeable difference in the riding modes.

[@RarefiedRoad]

It definitely appeared to change the rider modes. On most other bikes I've ridden recently you have to close the throttle for the bike to switch, and on the Triumphs I've tried recently you need to actually stop the bike before it will let you lock in the sport setting but the Honda had the mode highlighted and selected properly on the screen when changing. It made some difference and certain on rain mode you could feel the effects, just not so much on the engine breaking which they claim does change depending on the mode you're in, really minor thing and it's not like it changes my opinion on it, I was just curious to see if I could tell the difference.

[@jamesfawcett442]

You can change between modes on the fly but you can't configure the User mode unless you're stationary.

[@jamesfawcett442]

I own one of these and I love it. I agree on anything but standard mode the throttleis snatchy. I also agree the front end can get flighty but you should expect that from a powerful bike. What I will say however is that if you cannot tell the difference between the modes then perhaps you should not review bikes. The difference if obvious.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Im sure it is when you own it and get the chance to live with it for longer but within an hours ride it's not immediately obvious I'm afraid, or at least not as obvious as it can be with other bikes. Ride safe.

[@JorgeAsapche]

This is a bike I would have liked to test before buying my street triple 765, although I do not think it would have done enough to change my mind. Love how it looks though. Guns n roses rock!

[@RarefiedRoad]

They do rock. It's a nice bike but I think you've got it right, I reckon you'd still have gone for the Street Triple after testing, good choice :)

[@ryanplatts6361]

Why cover the speedometer? Cops got bigger fish to fry