Honda CBF1000 Review

[@LaLaObeRoT]

Bought a CBF 1000 a year ago. Mainly as a dependable long distance touring bike. But it is much more than that. It's the most universal Road Bike I've owned in 30 years of riding. Such a peach. Keeping it for good.

[@BibtheBoulder]

I thought it was just me who doesn't change exhaust's. Never have and never will.

[@victorway5503]

Must admit i have done so on previous bikes but i just love this bike the way it is, perhaps I'm just getting old 😁

[@richardrichard5409]

Great video points to watch on these, typical Honda issues. Regulator/rectifier, carry a spare. Stators can fail without warning. ABS units can give issues. The perennial Honda rattling camchains and failed camchain tensioner. Failed front wheel bearings.

[@johnborg472]

I had a 2006 CBF1000. Sold it last year for a new smaller CB500X. Wish i still had it. Lovely bike for touring, Smooth and powerfull bike. Very underrated. Lovely Video.

[@johna6968]

There is nothing like that new bike feeling. Particularly when it works for you.

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal 👍🏻

[@philwall5315]

Love your waxing here. I got a 2015, in black, had it since 2017, longest time i ever kept to just 1 bike. Simply amazing. Only i got the built in sat nav, priceless bit o kit. Hey from Wales!

[@victorway5503]

Hi there thanks for your comments. I've actually part exchanged this bike now for a Yamaha xjr1300. I had no reason to get rid because I loved the bike and had no problems, just really liked the idea of the XJR! I still miss the cbf though. Being half Welsh ( father from Swansea) Cymru Am Byth!

[@scottstevenson173]

Excellent video, no nonsense, No BS, Love the CBF very under-rated bike. Ride Safe and Enjoy.

[@victorway5503]

Agreed Scott cheers pal 👍

[@johnmcevoy3996]

Great video Vic, new bike looks in great condition and really nice colour, hope you have many happy miles on this girl 👍

[@victorway5503]

Cheers John just hope lockdown doesn't go on past March 👍

[@MrVintagecyclist]

Truly excellent video (watched it twice!!). A biker friend advised me to watch this, as I'm thinking of replacing my current Suzuki DL 1000. Hopefully, a CBF will be my next steed.

[@victorway5503]

Thanks for your comments, ride safe 👍

[@baconbiketours9166]

Great bikes, love CBFs. So smooth, comfy and a great tank range. You can also throw them around and that torque curve is so grunty. Looks in good nic to. Have fun, stay safe and hopefully see you out and about.

[@victorway5503]

Thanks pal agreed and yes be good to see you out there 👍🏻

[@kawasakiman8965]

This review is nicely done and nice low music your commentary is Cristal clear excellent job

[@Motourev]

Thanks Mr Kwak 👍🏻

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal thanks for your comment 👍

[@whoyou77]

Have owed my CBF 1000 ABS tourer (2009) for 3 years now still looks and rides like it did the first day I got it. I have no intention of selling it, it’s that good. Only thing that’s gone wrong in 30k miles was a new stator.

[@victorway5503]

Good to hear you're so happy with it having owned it for some time. Hope i get the same trouble free service from mine 😁👍

[@spaceboyroy]

Great video vic glad your happy with it she looks a good en can't wait till we're all out there having a blast 🏍

[@victorway5503]

Cheers Roy, me too mate can't wait 👍🏻

[@randomrides]

I recently bought a 2016 identical bike with 8000miles, and tbh I feel the same as you, a lovely small litre bike that's comfy and a pleasure to ride. Even in 2024.

[@cccenturion4480]

It's always going to be upto a standard as it's a Honda. But that motor is something else. Smoooooooooth.

[@Motourev]

He’s bought another one

[@rumien1383]

Thanks for this. I’ve just bought one of these this evening. Looking forward to it being delivered tomorrow.

[@Motourev]

Good choice 👍🏻

[@victorway5503]

Nice one I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've had mine 10 months now and got no complaints at all. I must admit to changing the end can although I said I wouldn't and it's now got a lower fairing. Overall a great bike, hope you'll be as happy with yours 👍

[@davidrennicks2484]

Ah ! My local are. I sat on one of these in a showroom and I thought then what a lovely comfy machine and I could also put my 29" leg to the floor. Thinking of giving one a try Nice sensible review by the way.

[@Motourev]

Vic did a great review, honest and too the point, sometimes bike reviews go a bit over the top

[@victorway5503]

Thanks mate, yes you could do far worse than look at getting a cbf1000. Being short as i am the low seat height is great and the general ride position is brilliant. Thanks for your comment 👍🏻

[@MsDenver2]

Looks a great bike good to hear your pleased with it , I was looking at the same bike but blue in colour so as usual I go on KZbin to hear what other bikers say about. I’m going back on to bikes next year once I’ve bought all my gear. Have not rode since 1982 so thought I would have a bike for my retirement to tour. Thinking of Honda nc750 DCT next year but still open minded and looking at other bikes . I agree your exhaust is great you don’t need these noisy one’s , it’s good to just in joy the riding and scenery. Well will watch your more videos of your new bike enjoy and your right Honda are the best 👍🏍

[@victorway5503]

Thanks for your comments. I have now sold the Honda for a Yamaha xjr1300 but in truth there was nothing wrong with the cbf, just fancied the Yamaha! Good luck getting back on two wheels I'm sure you'll love it and wish you'd done it years ago same as I did! Ride safe 👍👍

[@pmgmotorcycles]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@HippoDrones]

Glad to see you are enjoying it mate :-)

[@victorway5503]

Yes thankyou 👍

[@MadOldBiker]

Nice bit of country side- I have been looking at the CBF as well..I think I have made my mind up now- thank you

[@victorway5503]

Good choice I'm sure you'll be very happy with it 👍

[@David_Gardener]

Great review Vic. Enjoy you new ride, the extra HP and Wind protection! Sounds great too. Ride Safe. Dave

[@victorway5503]

Cheers Dave you ride safe too 👊🏻

[@aaronmills7015]

I am enjoying your CBF1000 vids. I have just bought a 2009 CBF and collect end of the week. Is it really as comfy as people suggest? What hand-guards came on your cbf? Have you added any other aftermarket parts?

[@victorway5503]

Yes I find these bikes extremely comfy to ride. I actually sold this one and bought a Yamaha xjr1300 but have since bought another cbf on a 2014 plate as in my opinion it's a better bike. don't know what make the hand guards were but i just don't like them. on my latest cbf I've changed the exhaust can, the brake and clutch levers and fitted a rear hugger plus a lower fairing. Hope you enjoy your new bike, ride safe!

[@aaronmills7015]

@@victorway5503 they are a good bike, really disappointed with the suspension, especially rear shock. I have done a thousand miles in two months and agree they are a good bike.

[@allun13]

Lovely bike Vic. Like I said the other day I really contemplated getting a CBF before I got my Tiger. They are So smooth. Lovely vid by the way.

[@victorway5503]

Cheers Allun thanks for your comments 👍🏻

[@simonsaunders12]

fantastic review obviously love at first ride

[@victorway5503]

Yes but I made the mistake of selling it so I've just bought another one!

[@oldguyinshed1703]

Nice review, I use ACF 50 on my bikes it does help to keep the fasteners from rust. It looks like the bike for Euro tours, at least when we are allowed to do such things again.

[@Motourev]

That’s plan to get out in Europe 🤞🏻🙏🏻

[@victorway5503]

Thanks pal i use it too so it'll soon be done 👍🏻

[@iainelder4976]

Lovely looking bike and a stunning colour

[@shovelhead4558]

Great bikes comfort comes first for me and this bike does it all everything you need

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal 👍

[@roadwarrior8560]

Jes I nodded off watching that, I'll have to watch it again, very relaxing somehow!! Best of luck with the new bike, lovely machine. Keep an eye on the charging system.

[@Motourev]

😂😂😴

[@victorway5503]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@goose3973]

Just read your charging issue comment. Have that issue with mine at present 🤔🤔.... Looks like probkem lies in Regulator/Rectifier. Have checked Stator, ok. Battery ok. New Part arrives this week. Hopefully will solve the issue. Clue for me lay in the Oxford grips. Battery saver light came on & off while bike was doing 80kms. This light only comes on when engine is not running.....hence inadequate charge going to batttery from Regulator.

[@Beemer_Steve]

Very nice Vic! There is something about a Honda, build quality second to none, my blackbirds coming up to 14 years and still feels silky smooth to ride 👍🏻. Enjoy

[@Motourev]

Honda are built to last 🤘🏻

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal sounds like a great bike you've got 👍

[@KidCurry666]

Nice looking steed, that will do pretty much anything you ask. Roll on spring and the end of all this lockdown malarky. You can probably get a stainless bolt replacement set for her to smarten things up. All the best 👍

[@victorway5503]

Cheers Steve and as you say roll on the spring 👍

[@norriemasson4080]

She’s a comfortable bike then ! Health to enjoy.

[@victorway5503]

Yes i think i may have mentioned it 😂

[@richierichardson5333]

Very good video man... well done 👏 music is also calming and enjoyable.

[@Motourev]

Thank you

[@ezdkoper1072]

beautiful your Honda Same as mine only my blue ... welcome to me

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal 👊

[@MRTPR]

Looks great

[@DadDoesOutdoors]

Looks pretty decent for 10 years old. And we all have a few rusty bolts, I think it's endearing.

[@victorway5503]

Thanks that's how I'll think of it 😁

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

Great looking bike mate, youll have cobs of fun on that, and the long journeys will be a lot more comfy.

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal that's what I'm really looking forward to when the weather is better and we're allowed out! 👍

[@goose3973]

I have this exact Bike 😀👍 Same year, ssme colour!! Been all over Ireland on it and it's a great, reliable bike. Good 2up touring all over Ireland. You look same age as me aswell!! 😀😀😀 58yrs. Enjoy man 👍👍👍🏍🏍🏍

[@victorway5503]

That's strange same bike same colour and you're spot on, 58! Had the bike three months now and gotta say i just love it. Got a lower fairing coming for it tomorrow, fitted a rear hugger and although i kept saying i wouldn't change the can i had a change of mind and have just put a blackwidow one on! Thanks for your comments pal and ride safe 👊🏻👍🏻

[@goose3973]

@@victorway5503 Well Victor, another coincidence.... my best nate and I call each other Goose & Maverick TOOO!!! 😳...... We used to fly together you see... 😀...I'm Goose part of that 👍 Will stay tuned Mucker.... Stay safe ❤

[@goose3973]

By the way, my bike's done 86,000kms. Done the valves myself last Summer. 3 of the intakes needed adjustment. Idles much better now. Was 39,000kms on it 3yrs ago when purchased. Can see you like it, but it becomes hard to think about changing it?? I think I'm too comfortable. The bike was made for guys like us....😊😊😊🏍

[@victorway5503]

@@goose3973 yeah like you say we have goose and maverick and i ended up with motourway! You're also right that these bikes are just so damn comfy. Yours is obviously a very reliable bike being you've done so many miles, hope mine proves to be the same. Speak again take care pal 👍🏻

[@fhtrucker62]

@@victorway5503 How did you get on with the new screen Vic? What make did you get? Did it improve the wind noise as i have read that can be an issue with them. Thinking of getting a cbf, so trying to find out what i can.

[@lambo2817]

Nice decent bike that mate well done! Now time to get some bits added on!

[@Motourev]

Too true 🤘🏻

[@victorway5503]

Cheers, not going to do too much to this one. Radiator guard, levers, and a gear indicator for sure though 👍🏻

[@lambo2817]

Maybe a tinted taller screen? Would look good too! 🤟

[@Motourev]

@@lambo2817 yeah deffo black screen that would look mint 😍👌🏻

[@DieselsHOGVlog]

Boy it looks in great shape! That’s basically something I would consider for a second bike! 🥓✌🏼

[@victorway5503]

Thanks pal, i can't recommend it enough!

[@BillyBigBalls770]

CBF was kinda a unsung hero, gorgeous colour. If it hasn't been done already change the fork oil. 😃

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal thanks for the tip

[@richowen9078]

Great video you did say you won’t ache but you will definitely get ear ache from us and also you loved the bike that much you forgot your shopping 😂😂

[@Motourev]

😂😂

[@victorway5503]

Ha ha Goose you kill me you do 😂😂👍🏻

[@bernardridesagain5722]

She looks clean enough for 10yr old. Nice vid and nice looking bike.

[@victorway5503]

Thanks pal 👍🏻

[@raymondconnor5346]

Nothing quite like a new bike.....Enjoy !!!!

[@billheaton1780]

nice one buddy , great bike

[@NeilTiger800xc]

great video got a SV650s and looking for something bigger and upright a do have Renthal bars fitted but still bent over a wee bit a love the style of these as still sporty looking when boxes are off, drove a CB500x and loved it but dont think a can go down in cc. looking at vstorms 1000 and cbf1000 looking nicer to me so far

[@Motourev]

Most comfiest bike I’ve ever been on

[@victorway5503]

Good luck with your search for a new bike. Having had the cbf for a few weeks now i can tell you I'm totally happy with it and wish I'd bought one sooner!

[@IrelandRider]

Good milage for 10 years old, now 11. I'm sure it's still going strong if you don't have it anymore, nice review 👍

[@Motourev]

He sold it, bought another bike, sold that and bought another CBF1000 on Saturday 😂😂

[@IrelandRider]

@@Motourev oh cool, it must of been the bike for him a year ago now he has another this year 😀 🤙👍🤟

[@victorway5503]

@@IrelandRider yes you're right there i made a mistake getting rid of that bike but now i have another i fully intend to keep it! They really are great bikes in my opinion😊

[@IrelandRider]

@@victorway5503 when i spoke to Craig a couple/few weeks ago, he did say you picked another up on the Saturday, glad you're happy now bud 👍

[@victorway5503]

@@IrelandRider yeah I part exchanged it for a xjr1300 and I loved the look of the bike but found it's just too uncomfortable over longer distance. It wasn't very forgiving on rough roads and took a bit of handling. Now back on the CBF it's like I've got my comfy slippers back 🤗👍

[@thetaleof2wheels.947]

Same colour and model as mine. The seat is hard, gets uncomfortable after a few hours. Nothing a few extra photo and coffee stops wouldn't sort out. The standard screen benefits from a Palmer Products windscreen bracket, which also adds an extra 3 height and tilt settings. Doesn't totally do away with airflow to your helmet, but it makes it clean smooth air. Also makes the front of the bike easier to clean. The exhaust has a valve and extra catalytic convertor in it ( the bike has 2 Cats), and the valve can seize and knacker the valves servo motor. I've fitted a 350mm delkevic oval to mine, does away with the exhaust valve but leaves the servo on the bike. Also gives the bike a deeper base note without being obnoxiously loud, baffle left in as well. Honda recommends valve checks every 16000 miles, but even the main Honda dealer I bought mine from said leave them till 32000 ( same time as iridium plug change) as they've never had any out of spec before 32000, and even at 32000 it's only been 1 or 2 valves at most. It is a fantastic understressed engine. Very capable 2 up and loaded top box, doesn't even feel like there's anybody on the back of the bike. The combined braking brings the front right caliper ( sat on the bike) middle piston into action when the rear brake is used, keeps the bike very stable on slow manoeuvres. There is a specific way to bleed the brakes due to this. I've just replaced all pads and rear wheel bearings on mine at 16300 miles, pads weren't too bad, but brake disc side bearing was shot. Not a bad job to do, but the sprocket carrier spacer is pressed into the bearing, which is confusing when you first look at it. Oil and filter and air filter are easy to do, although the crankcase breather can be fiddly to get at to drain. The CBF is a very underrated bike, but is very much loved by owners. Capable of touring but can shift in the Twisties 😁.

[@Motourev]

Great info thanks ❤️🤘🏻

[@victorway5503]

Wow what a set of comments! Thanks for taking the time and for the advice. So pleased to hear people like yourself are so pleased to own one, only tells me i've made the right choice, cheers pal 👌👍

[@thetaleof2wheels.947]

@@victorway5503 The press didn't help the CBF as they said it was " typical Honda and a bit bland, and was more exciting bikes in the segment". The MK2 CBF finished production in 2012, so any registered after that date was sat in dealerships awaiting sale. Mines a 2016 registered one, so had been sat for 4 years. Couldn't be happier with mine, more comfortable than my previous 2014 Kawasaki ER6-F and with more usable power and torque. Easy to ride and not overly complicated, and can still go like stink and sound like an F1 car at high revs. Only real downside is what plagues all bikes....the stator and regulator/rectifier. Regular oil changes and not labouring the engine helps. The radiator fan does kick in a lot as the CBF does run hot, but that's mostly when slow moving or stop start riding. On faster roads it rarely comes on. Still makes me smile every time I ride mine. I've made some modifications to mine to suit me, there's a few videos on my channel ( not great as it's mostly just for me) if you want a look. All raw footage from my Drift camera or phone, as I don't have a computer or editing software/skills.

[@victorway5503]

@@thetaleof2wheels.947 yeah i noticed the press tended to put it down as a competent boring bike but i tend to take more notice of reviews by people like yourself who actually own one. I have noticed the fan kicks in regularly but as you say it's not a problem. Thanks again and ride safe 👍

[@ohcrikey9560]

​@@thetaleof2wheels.947 They are a bit bland. But lovely none the less.

[@johnhigginson4220]

Nice bike , I can see you like your new honda.

[@victorway5503]

Did i mention that 🙈

[@johnhigginson4220]

@@victorway5503 no victor ,I could tell you seemed to enjoyed the ride mate.

[@paulgriffiths6404]

What a beautiful looking bike. I bet your itching to get out on it now. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@victorway5503]

Thanks Paul and yes too right mate. Just posted to Ray and said Motourev will be here there and everywhere and hopefully a meet-up again with your good selves before too long. Cheers mate 👍

[@paulgriffiths6404]

@@victorway5503 Cheers Vic, stay safe matey 👍👍👍👍👍

[@grahamlinds]

Great review! Can't wait to purchase one after lockdown. What camera did you use for this and what make are the handlebar wind deflectors?

[@victorway5503]

Thanks, the camera i use is the Drift Ghost XL, all the Motourev guys use Drift. As for the wind deflectors i've no idea. I absolutely hated the look of them so they got trashed.

[@SarahDoesMoto]

So so quiet 🤫. Nice bike for its age 👍🏻

[@Motourev]

😂🏍🤘🏻

[@victorway5503]

Thankyou sir 👍🏻

[@georgiyv5733]

Good choice! Congrats! It’s a great bike, mostly underestimated. I own one and it brings me a lot of joy. Because engine is so smooth I did installed aftermarket gear indicator. Works great, just go for it What kind of hands protection do you have installed, manufacturer? Is it any good? I’m also looking to install some to keep hands protected agains the wind.

[@victorway5503]

Thanks for your comments, regards the hand protectors i must admit i don't know what make they were. I hated them so much they went straight in the bin. Gear indicator now fitted and works great 👍🏻

[@georgiyv5733]

Oh, I see )) Mainly I’m travelling on a longer distances, so I was thinking about some kind of wind protection, though I agree it looks ugly. That was a fast action with gear indicator!

[@victorway5503]

@@georgiyv5733 yes i missed having a gear indicator. Also fitted a radiator guard at the same time

[@malcolmnash5850]

My feelings also.

[@Jedward7009]

Just spotted one of these bikes at my local dealer. The bike is on a 2011 plate. Do you think this bike would be ok as a first bike. Passed my full licence last week. I was using a 125cc leading up to my test. I was going to get a 650cc bike to start with but the salesman said I would get a lot of bike for my money if I bought the CBF 1000. Thanks

[@Motourev]

Vic you need to answer this question for Mike consider you own the CBF 👍🏻

[@victorway5503]

First off Mike congratulations on passing year test! Regarding your question about the bike i would definitely recommend you go for the cbf. It may seem odd advice to give to you coming from a 125 but these are so easy and comfortable to ride. You have to remember that although it's a 1000cc machine it's a detuned fireblade engine for loads of torque at the expense of outright power. Having said that you'll find it's still a very quick bike able to move fast when you want it to and also cruise all day at stupid speeds. Last bit of advice from me is to get the mk 2. Hope this helps you and good luck 👊🏻

[@victorway5503]

@@Motourev job done 👍🏻

[@fostexfan160]

How would this compare to a BMW K1100 LT? I have a 1997 K1100 and am thinking about changing to a 2008 CBF 1000 fully dressed like my LT

[@RhegedRideOuts]

Nice, enjoy it Motorway.

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal i intend too when the weather picks up and we can get out!

[@juanclavel644]

Una moto formidable....cómoda para su época, rápida como una naked incluso con la goma trasera de 160.....y muyyy fiable. Motor de la Honda Fireblade creo que del 2005, aunque "desinflado"

[@scaff3450]

Glad you like bike Enjoy

[@victorway5503]

Cheers pal 👍

[@Baza765]

Top draw Vic,i take it your quite happy with the bike then lol ;-) Ride Safe Baza \m/

[@victorway5503]

Cheers Baza, did i mention that? 😂😂

[@jongreen3027]

love the bike is that screen electric

[@victorway5503]

No unfortunately not it would have been better if it was 👍

[@fhtrucker62]

what mpg do you get with it

[@victorway5503]

Around 52 - 55 mpg

[@rayjones4115]

Where will you be taking it Vic?

[@victorway5503]

Once lockdown is over Ray this bike is going to go everywhere with Motourev and hopefully meet up again with you and Paul at some point 👍

[@rayjones4115]

@@victorway5503 the lockdown is a pain. Even getting out of the UK isn't certain for months. 😒

[@victorway5503]

@@rayjones4115 unfortunately that's right Ray, all we can do is hope

[@rayjones4115]

@@victorway5503 fingers crossed and keep saving an planning. 😂😂

[@kallegrabowski7303]

Where are you from?

[@Motourev]

West Midlands

[@kallegrabowski7303]

@@Motourev USA?🤓

[@Motourev]

@@kallegrabowski7303 UK

[@kallegrabowski7303]

@@Motourev Brexit?🤓

[@robbeale666]

My old bike!

[@Motourev]

Was this actually your bike 😮

[@robbeale666]

@@Motourev Yes, bought it new from Shrewsbury Honda Centre in September 2011 and kept it for 8 years. Fabulous bike, I still miss it.

[@Motourev]

@@robbeale666 wow that’s amazing at least Vic knows the original owner

[@Motourev]

@@robbeale666 u got any old pics, be great to see them if so email [e-mail]

[@victorway5503]

Well what do you know! Glad to hear you liked it Rob and didn't say glad to get rid of that heap of trouble!! Seems a great bike already 👍

[@trondt5455]

you think it sounds nice, okay, why the sh... music? Why not the sound from the bike, you think sounds nice.

[@Motourev]

😂