With a suggested retail price of R315 000, the Honda CB1000GT comes equipped with panniers and combines Fireblade-derived performance, premium touring comfort and advanced rider technology, with an exceptional level of equipment included as standard, says the press release from Honda.
Honda says with the introduction of the Honda CB1000 Hornet last year – a hard-edged naked in a compact, agile chassis – they have reset the bar both in terms of performance, customer expectation and price point.
Expanding Honda’s range, the original concept for the bike was headlined by the banner “High Performance Tourer: Faster. More distance. More comfort.” The result is a motorcycle that injects pure sports adrenaline into genuine long-distance ability.
Well suited to Africa’s diverse riding conditions, the Honda CB1000GT combines long-range comfort and practicality with the dynamic performance needed for wide-open roads, weekend riding and extended touring escapes.
With effortless, smooth power and torque, the GT also sports sharply styled, functional aerodynamics as well as Showa EERA (electronically equipped ride adjustment) suspension, an upgraded electronic package and premium equipment. Honda says the CB1000GT redefines the modern sports tourer.
Overview
Honda says the goal for their development engineers was simple: take the CB1000 Hornet and turn it into a sports tourer with increased comfort, range and class-leading performance.
The GT’s sharply chiselled front end was refined through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for optimal efficiency through the air, at all speeds, without disturbing either rider protection or handling. Above this is an easy-adjust five-position screen. The aerodynamic package offers valuable wind protection during longer highway journeys, helping reduce fatigue over extended distances.
Equipment levels are high and standard equipment include rear panniers, cruise control, heated grips, knuckle guards, centre stand and quick shifter. Honda’s five-inch TFT screen serves up intuitive usability, clarity even in bright light and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity through the simple switchgear on the left handlebar.
The CB1000GT arrives ready for touring from day one, with the major comfort, convenience, luggage and performance features already included.
A power-to-weight ratio of 2,08kg/kW is thanks to the 999cc, inline four-cylinder engine originally found in the CBR1000RR Fireblade, that produces 110,1kW and 102Nm torque to push a kerb weight of 229kg. Throttle-by-wire (TBW) and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) manage the default riding modes, USER mode parameters and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
Showa electronically equipped ride adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension offers optimised damping in all riding conditions and situations, as well as the ability to adjust rear spring preload on the move.
Braking power is provided by dual four-piston radial-mount calipers up front biting 310mm floating discs, and a mono-piston rear caliper operating on a single 240mm disc. To offer increased confidence in a variety of scenarios and environments, the system operates through the IMU, which has facilitated the inclusion of cornering ABS.
Styling and equipment
A product of collaboration between Honda’s styling studios in Italy and Japan, the bodywork of the CB1000GT is made up of sharply cut surfaces, outlining an aggressive riding character led by the piercing dual projector headlights. By positioning the bodywork above the chassis, starting from shroud tips integrated with the front cowl, the perception is of a high, mass-forward centre of gravity with fast steering performance.
The fairing achieves maximum wind protection with neutral handling characteristics, through every pitch/roll/yaw riding situation. The five-position screen – operated by one hand – adjusts through a total range of 81mm. Set low, it gives a sense of freedom. Set high it provides comfortable wind protection.
Standard detachable 37-litre (on the left) and 28-litre (on the right) panniers offer convenient carrying capacity, while standard heated grips ensure year-round comfort.
The combination of luggage capacity, weather protection and touring-focused comfort enhances the new Honda’s ability to perform as a true long-distance sports tourer without requiring extensive additional preparation.
All lighting is long-life, energy-efficient LEDs. Cruise control, with an operating window between 50 and 160km/h, is standard as are knuckle guards and heated grips.
For added convenience a Honda Smart Key (kept in the rider’s pocket) operates the main ignition switch on the handlebar and contains a “jackknife” internal key to open the fuel tank’s cap and the seat. A centre stand, for easy chain maintenance, is also standard fit.
Premium technology, in the form of Honda’s proven five-inch full colour TFT screen, uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced and backlight transmittance improved.
It is customisable between Bar, Circle and Simple display patterns and offers the iOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync. This feature – alongside a simple, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music.
All the owner does is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, connect to the Honda CB1000GT, and go. USB Type-C socket located at the bottom right of the screen for smartphone charging also enhances the convenience of the model.
The indicators automatically cancel after changing lanes or completing a turn. They also incorporate an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function: under hard braking, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users that a hard stop is in process.
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Chassis
Honda says the CB1000GT’s handling potential is summed up as having the stability of a touring bike and the handling of a naked sports bike. Rake and trail are set at 25,0° and 106,3mm with a wheelbase of 1 465mm. Ground clearance is 133mm, 3mm more than the Hornet. Weight distribution is 51% / 49% and works with the riding position for light steering feel. Kerb weight is set at 229kg.
Length of the cast aluminium Pro-Link swingarm goes from 619 to 635mm for improved high-speed stability and the rear shock mount design reduces vibration.
Seat height is 825mm and the riding position is upright, allowing free movement and excellent forward vision. For comfort, the seat thickness has increased by 15mm for the rider and 39,5mm for the pillion.
Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa-EERA™) suspension is standard on the Honda CB1000GT – as is a Nippon Seiki six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – and works to provide optimum compression/rebound damping response over a wide range of conditions. The system automatically provides optimum damping force relative to the stroke speed and adjusts within 15 milliseconds of calculations being made.
Engine
Based on the 2017-specification CBR1000RR Fireblade engine, the 999cc DOHC inline four-cylinder unit has been given bespoke PGM-FI and TBW settings for its application in the GT. The changes are aimed at producing a smooth power delivery on initial throttle opening, ultimately reducing fatigue on longer journeys.
The GT delivers 110,1kW at 11 000rpm, and 102Nm at 8 750rpm.
Honda says engineers invested significant effort in ensuring that power delivery is linear. The strong mid-range torque and refined throttle response are especially well suited to real-world riding, providing effortless overtaking performance and relaxed cruising over longer distances.
Ratios for gears two through five are optimised for acceleration while sixth offers relaxed highway cruising. An assist/slipper clutch offers a light load at the lever, reducing fatigue while managing rear wheel hop under hard, rapid downshifts and braking. A quick shifter is also standard fit for seamless clutch-less upshifts and downshifts with auto-blip function.
Honda claims fuel efficiency of 16,5km/l and with the 21-litre fuel tank, potential touring range could be more than 340km.
Advanced electronics
Key to striking that balance between winding road sportster and long-distance tourer is a modern, comprehensive electronics package. At the heart of the Honda CB1000GT is a combination of advanced throttle-by-wire (TBW) control and a six-axis inertial-measurement unit. TBW allows the rider maximum control over the engine via four default riding modes with preset combinations of engine power (EP), engine brake (EB) and torque control (HSTC) settings, plus a user-defined option that allows the rider to choose their own mix of settings. The suspension also adjusts to deliver the appropriate damping force for the mode selected.
Rider modes:
STANDARD mode uses the middle setting for EP, HSTC and EB. It is designed to replicate the feel and drive of a bank of carburettors, with an easy-going character.
SPORT uses the highest EP delivery and lowest levels of EB and HSTC to deliver maximum big-bike performance, with enhanced throttle response.
RAIN mode employs the lowest EP setting for the least aggressive throttle response, medium amount of EB and maximum HSTC.
TOUR has the same output characteristics as STANDARD, but the damping force adapts according to speed; the only mode that does.
USER mode allows the rider to choose between the settings for each parameter and save the setting for future customized use.
The CB1000GT has a two-year / unlimited distance warranty and service intervals are 12 000 km.
The Honda CB1000GT has an extensive list of premium touring, comfort and convenience features included as standard equipment. For riders seeking one motorcycle that can deliver sports performance, touring comfort and everyday convenience, the new Honda CB1000GT certainly is an option to pay serious consideration to.
Technically speaking – Honda CB1000GT
- Engine: 999cc, in-line four cylinder, double overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder
- Power: 110,1kW @ 11 000rpm / 102Nm @ 8 750rpm
- Drive: 6-speed gearbox with quickshifter and assisted-slipper clutch, chain
- Fuel tank capacity: 21 litre
- Seat height: 825mm
- Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 180/55/17 rear
- Brakes: 4-piston, 310mm double disks (front); single piston, 240mm single disk (rear)
- Weight: 229kg (wet)
- Price: R315 000
