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18/02/2008 - CB1000R Summer release

Honda's eagerly-awaited and stunningly styled CB1000R looks set for a summer release in 2008.

This all-new machine features a version of the 2007 Honda Fireblade’s 998cc motor tuned for torque and the ultimate in street performance. The chassis uses a cast aluminium frame and front suspension and brakes developed for the 2008 Fireblade.

But it’s the looks that will take your breath away. The look of the new CB1000R is of a thoroughly modern streetbike with an insect-like headlight cluster, muscular mid-section and short, stubby tail-unit showing off that beautiful exposed four-spoke rear wheel and single-sided swingarm. And – as ever with Honda – safety is of primary importance with a version available with Honda’s Combined ABS braking system.

Despite having stacks of style as standard, the CB1000R XESS builds upon that unique look. XESS stands for eXreme European Streetfighter Styling and it shows just what can be done to the CB1000R with a few modifications.

Many owners of naked bikes enjoy customising their machines, so the new Italian-designed CB1000R should be a blank canvas for them to do just that.

The extra parts used in the building of the XESS include special Showa-signed and anodised front forks, Hanabira front brake discs with radial-mounted front calipers, titanium twin exhaust and race-style footpegs.

The result is simply stunning, building upon the beauty of the original merging Honda quality with Italian style!