2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS Review

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS on Totalmotorcycle.com

CB1000RA – Naked aggression…

Harnessing the power of a 1,000 cc superbike engine for everyday use is no easy task. Sure the rigid aluminum frame, Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm and state-of-the-art, fully adjustable sportbike suspension help. And, so does Honda’s Combined Braking System with ABS, but what really sets the CB1000RA apart is the unique combination of light weight, mass centralization and rider positioning.

Like the CBR1000RR that it’s derived from, the CB1000RA has diminutive proportions more like a 600 than an open class sportbike. And like its RR sibling, the CB1000RA has a mass-forward design for great response and control. Unlike the CBR, the CB1000RA features an upright, high-leverage riding position that makes putting it through its paces seem almost telepathic. And the upright riding position not only instills confidence and improves comfort, it also complements the aggressive streetfighter styling.

Think of a fighter, standing in the ring. Boots, trunks, gloves and plenty of muscle. That’s the Honda CB1000RA ABS, a machine that offers Superbike performance, a comfortable, do-it-all riding position and sense of style that’s off the charts.

The formula is simple: we built a special chassis that puts the 998cc engine out front and center, allowing you to sit more upright. The result is one of the most versatile open-class bikes the world has ever seen, as comfortable on a long trip as it is confident on the boulevard. When you need one bike that can do it all and do it exceedingly well, the CB1000RA ABS is the machine you want in your corner.

The lean, mean and muscular CB1000R dares you to experience the best Naked riding experience of your life. Packing the punch of full-blooded litre-class Super Sports, its compact RR-derived engine delivers awesome power with an exciting focus on low-to-midrange torque. Its styling is just as dynamic as its performance; a crouching, feline profile is adorned with eye-catching details that highlight its cutting-edge technology. Its lightweight and rigid cast aluminium frame holds together a chassis comprised of top Super Sports-class suspension, wheels and brakes that contribute to nimble handling and quick, easy control. A Combined-ABS version is also available, for the smoothest, most confidence-inspiring braking in all situations. The seat is narrow yet comfortable and the suspension is adjustable for a tailor-made ride, making the CB1000R an attractive option for every kind of ride, from weekday commuting to weekend blasts along twisty roads beyond the city limits.

Soul Of A Superbike.

The CB1000RA ABS is built around a superbike-strong 998cc DOHC inline-four engine that’s perfect for street riding, with plenty of torque and power on tap. Since it’s a four-cylinder, it’s plenty smooth for longer rides too.

Ripped, And Ready To Show It.

When you’re as muscular as the CB1000RA ABS, you want to show the world. It’d be a shame to cover up that awesome engine, so we’ve put it out front and center so you and everyone else can enjoy it. Then our designers gave the CB1000RA ABS just enough styling touches (side radiator shrouds, fork-mounted cowl fairing, cast-aluminum four-spoke wheels) to really set it apart. Get used to everyone else checking it out.

Rugged Chassis.

The CB1000RA ABS offers exceptional handling, thanks to a gravity die-cast mono-backbone aluminum chassis that’s light and strong. A fully adjustable inverted fork and adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension with a single-sided swingarm further refine the handling package.

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Timeless Design. Tons Of Innovation.

The CB1000RA ABS is a perfect example of Honda innovation. Combining power, light weight and refined, responsive handling with its good looks, it’s equally at home on a sportbike ride, a weekend-long getaway or a boulevard prowl.

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Compact and lightweight 998 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine with Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel injection is tuned for dynamic low-to-midrange performance, with a smoothly linear climb up through the powerband to a thrilling top-end rush..
The engine’s enhanced low-end torque allows you to pull away from a stop at less than 2,000 rpm without fear of engine stalling..
An impressive power-to-weight ratio gives the CB1000RA Superbike-like performance in a user-friendly package..
Magnesium cylinder-head and alternator covers reduce engine weight..
The PGM-FI system incorporates an Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) to smooth responses to small changes in throttle position..
A hydraulically operated clutch ensures smooth clutch operation with an easy pull at the lever..
Low-slung stainless-steel exhaust system produces an exhilarating sound, while also being a key element in the CB1000RA’s optimized mass centralization. By concentrating most of its mass directly under the engine, the system promotes quicker steering response and enhanced cornering clearance..

Chassis/Suspension

Angular “mass forward” design positions the rider forward for a sporty yet comfortable ride..
Advanced gravity-die-cast aluminum mono-backbone frame contributes to the CB1000RA’s agile, sporty handling and highway stability..
Wide 17-inch wheels feature an eye-catching swept four-spoke design and carry supersport-class radial tires..
The adjustable 43 mm inverted front fork and cast-aluminum Pro-Arm swingarm with single adjustable HMAS (Honda Multi-Action System) allow you to set the ride just the way you like it..
Lightweight 310 mm floating front rotors with triple-piston calipers combine with a 256 mm dual-piston caliper rear brake to create a powerful stopping force..
Combined Braking System with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) gives you extra peace of mind in all braking situations..
The CB1000RA looks and feels more like a midsize sportbike, thanks to its compact dimensions and easy reach to both the ground and its controls. Its ergonomics locate the rider closer to the steering head for a riding position that shifts the balance of weight slightly forward onto the front tire, achieving a greater feeling of crisply responsive control..
Thick aluminum handlebar adds to the CB1000RA’s aggressive naked-bike look..

Additional Features

Unique front light array features a triangular multi-reflector headlight integrated into a compact cowl, and a seven-bulb LED position light..
Fully digital instrument panel provides three large LCD readouts. The tachometer features an instant multi-segment readout of engine speed, displayed in a wide, sweeping bar that extends across the top of the display..
The short, slim seat and sleek, upswept tail cowl take their design cues from the CBR1000RRA and Honda’s RC212V MotoGP race bike. The seat is roomy and tapers towards the front, integrating smoothly with the side covers for a compact profile and a comfortable riding position..
The tail cowl is supported by a strong and rigid cast aluminum rail. It provides ample room for a passenger and integrates a distinctive LED taillight..

All-Digital Instrumentation

CB1000RA ABS’s high-tech, all-digital instrument display features tachometer, plus LCD readouts for speedometer, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters and a clock, mpg and average fuel consumption.

Adjustable Brake and Clutch Levers

CB1000RA ABS’s adjustable brake and clutch levers let you fine-tune for the riding environment and tailor-fit the controls to your riding style.

Fully Adjustable 43mm Inverted Fork

A bike as powerful as the new CB1000RA ABS needs top-notch suspension components. That’s why we gave it a stout, large-diameter 43mm inverted fork that’s fully adjustable. And it’s also one of the reasons why the CB1000RA ABS handles so well.

LED Position Light

Uniquely styled, the LED Position Light is a compelling design feature that shows everyone that this is not any ordinary motorcycle. It’s a Honda.

Radial Front-Brake Calipers

The CB1000RA ABS’s radial-mounted monoblock front-brake calipers are stiffer for better brake feel and performance. Each caliper uses four pistons that squeeze lightweight 310mm floating discs for exceptional stopping power.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

The CB1000RA ABS’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) ensures crisp throttle response and both low- and high-rpm performance. In addition, there’s no choke to mess with, and the CB1000RA ABS runs perfectly at all altitudes and temperatures, even on cold mornings.

Four-Into-One Exhaust

Looks great, sounds great and helps increase performance—how’s that for a win-win-win situation? The four-into-one header with its flowing pipes pays homage to classic Honda inline-fours of the 1970s like the CB400 Supersport. Some things just never go out of style.

998cc DOHC Engine

The CB1000RA ABS uses a 998cc inline-four engine based on a previous generation CBR1000RR, but is tuned to produce more torque and horsepower in the midrange and bottom end—the perfect combination for a machine like this.

Gravity Die-Cast Aluminum Mono-Backbone Frame

Gravity die cast technology gives the CB1000RA ABS a chassis that’s strong but light. The single backbone architecture links the steering head to the swingarm pivot, but without any frame spars to interrupt the CB1000RA ABS’s lines.

Single-Sided Swingarm

Proven on Honda’s endurance racebikes, the CB1000RA ABS’s single-sided swingarm not only looks awesome, but makes rear-wheel maintenance easier as well.

Lowboy-Style Muffler

The CB1000RA ABS’s lowboy muffler not only looks cool and sounds great, but it also offers a handling advantage by moving the silencer lower and closer to the bike’s center of mass.

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $NA USD

See 2014 Honda CB1000R

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $13,999 CDN

Engine Type
Liquid-cooled inline-four

Displacement
998 cc

Bore & Stroke
75 mm x 56.5 mm

Compression Ratio
11.2:1

Valve Train
Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Transmission
Six-speed

Final Drive
O-ring-sealed chain

Front Suspension
43 mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with full adjustability; 120 mm (4.7 in.) travel

Rear Suspension
Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm with HMAS single shock with preload and rebound damping adjustment; 128 mm (5 in.) travel

Tires
120/70ZR – 17 radial front; 180/55ZR – 17 radial rear

Brakes
Front dual 310 mm disc with triple-piston calipers; rear single 256 mm disc with dual-piston caliper. Combined Braking System with ABS

Seat Height
825 mm (32.5 in.)

Wheelbase
1,445 mm (56.9 in.)

Curb Weight
222 kg (489 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride

Fuel Capacity
17 litres

Colour
Tri-colour

Warranty
12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

2014 Honda CB1000RA ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: £9,899 GBP

Engine

Engine Displacement
998cm³

Max. Power Output
92kW / 10,000min-1 (95/1/EC)

Max. Torque
100Nm / 8,000min-1 (95/1/EC)

Compression Ratio
11.2 : 1

Engine Type
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline 4

Bore & Stroke
75 x 56.5mm

Ignition
Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance

Carburation
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Starter
electric

Transmission

Final Drive
#530 O-ring sealed chain

Gearbox
6-speed

Dimensions and Weight

Fuel Capacity
17 litres (including 4-litre LCD-indicated reserve)

Ground Clearance
130mm

Seat Height
825mm

Weight
222kg (F:108kg; R: 114kg) Kerb Weight

Wheelbase
1,445mm

Length x Width x Height
2,105 x 785 x 1,095mm

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes

Wheels Rear
Closed-section 4-spoke cast aluminium

Wheels Front
Closed-section 4-spoke cast aluminium

Suspension Rear
Monoshock with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless rebound damping adjustment, 128mm axle travel

Tyres Rear
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)

Tyres Front
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)

Brakes Front
310 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston) calipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads

Brakes Rear
256 x 5mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston caliper and sintered metal pads

Suspension Front
43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type telescopic fork with stepless preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm cushion stroke

Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.