2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition: TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
Introducing the 2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition…
The Honda CB1000R is engineered to stand out from the crowd, designers having moved away from the supersport-derived, big-naked formula and focused instead on a well-rounded package that blends form and function. The flagship model within the Neo-Sports Café lineup that it helped create, the CB1000R has since become a hard motorcycle to ignore, the bike’s performance enabling it to keep pace with the competition on tight, twisting roads, and its looks turning heads even while it’s parked outside the local coffee shop.
For 2021, the model’s styling has been further strengthened, the bike taking on sharper lines and a more aggressive stance, while its name gets a “Black Edition” suffix to match the blacked-out components, with only small highlights of aluminum on display. The bike also features a wind screen, passenger-seat cover and quick shifter.
While the new CB1000R is a motorcycle hewn into purposeful beauty, Honda’s engineers chose to go several steps further with the new Black Edition. With a hand-built, custom look, the Black Edition starts out on the same manufacturing line as the standard CB1000R, then takes a detour into a moodier aesthetic territory and some extra, desirable, accessories.
Apart from a few machined aluminium details – on the wheel spokes, swingarm plates, engine covers and handlebar clamps – everything on show is black: the headlight bezel, fly-screen, fork stanchions, radiator shrouds, and airbox covers (with an anodized finish), exhaust and muffler. Deep Graphite Black paint adorns the fuel tank and pillion seat cover.
Step out of the shadows, to the ultimate in stealth style.
While the CB1000R is a motorcycle hewn into purposeful beauty, the CB1000R Black Edition goes further. Much further. It has been designed, not by bright light but in shadow, crafted for the purest thrill. And defined by darkness. Look at it. Your eyes have to adjust, at first glance; apart from a few machined aluminium details, everything on show is deep black. Or blacker still. Loaded with choice accessories, it rides under any radar and stands way, way out as it does.
GIVE IN TO DESIRE
Now is not time to hold back.
This should not be a rational moment. Why should it be? It’s an instinct. No, more than that. An overwhelming sense. From nowhere, out of the furthest shadows now that you’ve seen it, you know you have to have it. Wrapped in the richest, blackest finish possible you’ve arrived, magnetically drawn and heart thumping, eyes wide with desire, in a very select space. We call it the CB1000R Black Edition.
Motorcycling has seen many shifts in riders’ expectations of their bikes – what they do, how they look and how they make them feel – over the last decade. And Honda has never been afraid to apply its technology, engineering and ‘what if…?’ imagination to create motorcycles that inhabit new spaces in the marketplace.
The CB1000R is one such bike. Introduced through a major model change in 2018, Honda’s development engineers re-assessed the hard-core streetfighter underpinnings of the previous model and, steered by retro-industrial minimalism, stripped everything back. The resulting machine, born under the banner of ‘Neo Sports Café’, was a new fusion of sport naked and bare-boned Café Racer inspirations.
It stood out from the crowd by moving away from the standard super sports-derived big naked formula, melding exhilarating function to a form that offered a radically fresh, visually stunning two-wheeled aesthetic. Combining more with less, the reborn CB1000R gave its rider a huge amount of usable engine performance, with the control of a super sports machine.
Exciting to ride, and fully capable of chasing much more focused machinery down on a twisting back road, from whichever way it’s approached – aesthetics, emotions, performance or technology – the CB1000R has proved itself a hard motorcycle to ignore.
Minor cosmetic updates for 2020 further enhanced its premium status. Now, for 2021, the CB1000R moves forward significantly, both in terms of style and rider engagement.
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
A quickshifter, too is standard-fit. A machined ‘CB’ logo adds a finishing touch.
The flagship of Honda’s Neo Sports Café family evolves – tighter, sleeker, with an even more aggressive stance - further developing the unique motorcycling proposition that it represents. A new, colour TFT instrument display connects the rider to their smartphone via Honda Smartphone Voice Control System, and there’s also now a USB charging socket under the seat. Alongside the standard CB1000R, the Black Edition is exactly that: accessorised with fly screen, pillion seat cover and quickshifter it is as blacked-out as a motorcycle can be, with just the merest hint of aluminium on show. The engine gets revised PGM-FI settings and EURO5 compliance.
CB1000R and CB1000R Black Edition
The flagship of the Neo Sports Café range, the CB1000R, is updated with new, even more minimalist and purposeful ‘hunched forward’ styling. The signature round headlight, now housed in a teardrop-shaped surround, is now angled backwards, sending the eye back past the smaller side shrouds to the redesigned upward-slanting rear subframe. Intricately-crafted new seven spoke wheels add further aesthetic depth.
The new CB1000R Black Edition amplifies the more aggressive outlook even further, complementing the new lines with a hand-crafted ‘custom’ look, thanks to the Deep Graphite Black paint scheme and black headlight bezel, fly-screen, fork stanchions, radiator shrouds, airbox covers, exhaust and muffler details.
The CBR1000RR Fireblade-derived inline four-cylinder engine offers smoother delivery and response from revised fuel injection settings, and both CB1000R and CB1000R ‘Black Edition’ feature the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, connecting to a new state-of-the-art full colour 5-inch TFT display.
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
DESIGN
Honda’s Neo Sports Café design aesthetic was created not only with a fondness for the past, but with an eye on the future as well. The 2021 CB1000R Black Edition takes the impressive styling statement made in 2018 as a springboard and turns up the dial, the bike’s stance rocked over for a more aggressive, hunched-forward appearance. New seven-spoke cast-aluminum wheels add to the intricate, attention-grabbing style.
The stylish, round headlight sits in a new, teardrop-style casing and lays rearward, between the fork legs. For similar styling treatment, the radiator shrouds are much more compact and angled in the direction of travel, a design cue mirrored by the airbox covers. The subframe is completely redesigned, while the license-plate mount is also smaller.
While the new CB1000R Black Edition may stop traffic with its revised looks, the day-to-day practicalities have not been overlooked, and ease of use is improved. A five-inch, full-color, high-visibility TFT screen is new and offers four types of speed/rpm display, as well as fuel gauge/consumption, riding mode selection/engine parameters and a Shift Up indicator. Management is via the buttons on the left handlebar.
There’s also now a USB socket under the seat, for smartphone charging.
Nearly all of the components are dark in color. In fact, apart from a few machined-aluminum details–on the wheel spokes, swingarm plates, engine covers and handlebar clamps–everything on show is black. This includes the headlight bezel, wind screen, fork legs, radiator shrouds, airbox covers (with an anodized finish), exhaust header and muffler. A machined CB logo adds a finishing touch.
CHASSIS
The CB1000R Black Edition’s chassis is unchanged for 2021, employing a mono-backbone steel frame and using split-tightening aluminum pivot plates to grip the signature single-sided swingarm. Rake is set at 25 degrees and trail at 100 mm. Wheelbase is 57.3 inches and curb weight is 470 lbs. Weight bias is 48.5/51.5 (front/rear).
The rider triangle is shaped to be sporty yet comfortable in a wide variety of settings, from city streets to twisting backroads, as the wide, tapered aluminum handlebar is matched to a rider-friendly 32.7-inch seat height. The flangeless fuel tank is broad-shouldered, but heavily cut-away to allow plenty of knee room.
The adjustable Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP) contains all the damping function in one leg, minimizing weight while delivering compliance, comfort and control across a broad range of riding conditions. The Showa shock adjusts for spring preload and rebound damping, enabling the rider to set the bike up to his or her liking.
Up front, dual radial-mount four-piston calipers bite 310 mm floating discs, matched to a twin-piston caliper and 256 mm disc in the rear, and two-channel ABS. The new, intricately designed cast-aluminum seven-spoke wheels exude bold elegance; the rear tire (sitting on a 6-inch-wide rim) is a 190/55 ZR17 size, while the front is a 120/70 ZR17.
ENGINE
The CB1000R Black Edition’s 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine provides healthy doses of both power and torque, with bore and stroke set at 75 mm x 56.5 mm and compression ratio measuring 11.6:1. The redline begins at 11,500 rpm, and the rev-limiter cuts in at 12,000 rpm. For 2021, the PGM-FI settings have been optimized, smoothing power delivery and improving response.
The engine is tuned to deliver impressive torque from 6,000 to 8,000 rpm, aiding the bike’s roll-on acceleration and real-world performance. Meanwhile, the airbox, ducting and air filter provide smooth airflow into the engine, reducing pressure loss along the route from the outer ducts; a 44 mm diameter throttle body feeds the air/fuel mixture into large-diameter inlet ports and carefully shaped combustion chambers.
The exhaust adds to the bike’s midrange muscle and helps minimize weight, and the exhaust note is tuned internally, meaning that as the revs rise past 5,500 rpm, the bike takes on a significantly deeper, more raw tone.
TECHNOLOGY
Throttle By Wire (TBW) provides additional control over the engine via three default riding modes plus one USER mode, each managed between the left handlebar and the TFT screen.
Available are three levels of Engine Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC); HSTC can also be switched off. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter.
RAIN mode employs the lowest Power setting for the least-aggressive power delivery, medium Engine Braking and high HSTC. The lower levels of power and torque delivery are focused on the first three gears.
STANDARD mode uses the middle setting for Power, HSTC and Engine Braking. It softens the power delivery a little in first and second gears and uses a power delivery just below that of SPORT mode, with reduced torque at partial throttle openings.
SPORT uses the highest Power delivery and lowest levels of Engine Braking and HSTC to deliver maximum performance through all six gears, maximum torque and power at all throttle positions and minor intervention from HSTC.
USER mode allows the rider to choose between the three settings for each parameter and save the setting for future use.
Compared to last year’s model, the CB1000R Black Edition has a three-level, adjustable quick shifter, for fast, smooth up-and-down gear changes during spirited riding.
Meets current EPA and CARB standards
California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment
- Aggressive, ‘mass-forward’ stance heightened, with sleeker styling front to back, and new cast aluminium wheels
- Honda Smartphone Voice Control System links the rider to their smartphone via Bluetooth and 5-inch colour TFT screen; USB charging socket under the seat
Honda’s ‘Neo Sports Café’ design aesthetic was created not only with a fondness for the past, but with an eye on the future as well, with ample scope for variations to the theme. As such, it is not standing still for 2021; the CB1000R takes the impressive styling statement made in 2018 as a springboard, and turns up the dial. The distinctive Neo Sports Café look is unmistakeable, but the drama is heightened and stance even more aggressively hunched forward, and diagonally down, around the striking, black-finished engine. New 7-spoke cast aluminium wheels add an intricate, head-turning finish.
From tip to tail the flow is harmonious: the instantly-recognisable round headlight now sits in a teardrop style surround, and lays backwards between the forks; the burnished aluminium radiator shrouds are much more compact and angled into the direction of travel, a design cue mirrored by the airbox covers.
The sinuous aluminium subframe, completely redesigned, is now finished in aluminium (rather than black) highlighting the stark minimalism of the rear. And not to miss an aesthetic detail, the number plate mount is also smaller.
While it may turn heads and stop traffic with its revised looks, the day-to-day practicalities have also not been overlooked, and real-world ease-of-use is improved with the new CB1000R. The instruments now comprise a 5-inch, full colour high-visibility TFT screen, which offers four types of speed/rpm display – according to rider preference – as well as fuel gauge/consumption, riding mode selection/engine parameters and Shift Up indicator. Management is via the buttons on the left handlebar.
Also incorporated into the interface is the new Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC) system, which links the rider to their smartphone while on the move and allows voice management of phone calls, email, music and navigation. A helmet-mounted headset is needed and the smartphone connects to the dash via Bluetooth; management of HSVC is also possible using buttons the left switchgear. There’s also now a USB socket under the seat, for smartphone charging.
The CB1000R’s rear indicators have an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function. Under hard braking, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users a hard stop is in process. The indicators also auto-cancel; rather than using a simple timer, the system compares front and rear wheel speed difference and calculates when to cancel the indication relative to the situation.
Engine
- CBR1000RR derived, four-cylinder engine with Throttle By Wire
- Revised PGM-FI settings smooth delivery and response
- The engine is now EURO5 compliant
The CB1000R’s 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine provides a healthy dose of both power and torque: 107 kW @ 10,500rpm and 104Nm @ 8,250 pm. Bore and stroke are set at 75mm x 56.5 mm with compression ratio 11.6:1. The redline begins at 11,500rpm and the rev-limiter cuts in at 12,000rpm; the only changes for 2021 are optimised PGM-FI settings – smoothing power delivery and improving response – and EURO5 compliance.
This engine is tuned to deliver its torque with a characteristic ‘ramp’ in the 6-8,000rpm range, where it bulges significantly, generating an exciting and engaging riding experience. It’s also a useful aid for rapid roll-on acceleration in real-world overtaking conditions.
The airbox, ducting and air filter present a smooth route for airflow into the engine, reducing pressure loss all the way from the outer ducts; a 44mm diameter throttle body feeds air/fuel mixture into large diameter inlet ports and carefully-shaped combustion chambers. Inlet valve lift is set at 8.3mm, exhaust 8.1mm. The pistons are constructed from forged aluminium.
Short gear ratios ensure exhilarating acceleration through the gears between 30-130km/h. The assist/slipper clutch is super-light and helps manage hard, rapid downshifts.
The exhaust adds to the CB1000R’s mid-range muscle and light weight. It’s a 4-2-1 design, feeding via 4 short catalysers into a main chamber, which then feeds a dual chamber muffler. The exhaust note has been tuned internally, meaning that as the revs rise past 5,500rpm it takes on a significantly deeper, more raw tone.
For EURO5 compliance, the 02 lambda exhaust sensors have been replaced with Linear Air Flow (LAF) sensors in the downpipes to allow for much more accurate measurement of the spent gases. The engine returns fuel efficiency of 17.1km/L.
Engine electronics
- Three default rider modes plus USER customisation option
- Three levels of Power, Engine Brake and Honda Selectable Torque Control
Throttle By Wire (TBW) allows the rider maximum control over the CB1000R’s powerful engine via 3 default riding modes plus 1 USER mode, managed between the left handlebar and the TFT screen.
There are 3 levels of Engine Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) available; HSTC can also be switched off. The riding modes offer different combinations of each parameter.
RAIN mode employs the lowest Power setting for the least aggressive power delivery, medium amount of EB and high HSTC. The lower levels of power and torque delivery are focused on the first 3 gears.
STANDARD mode uses the middle setting for Power, HSTC and EB. It softens the power delivery a little out of first and second gear, and uses a power delivery just below that of SPORT mode, with reduced torque at partial throttle openings.
SPORT uses the highest Power delivery and lowest levels of EB and HSTC to deliver 100% performance through all six gears, maximum torque and power at all throttle positions and minor intervention from HSTC.
USER mode allows the rider to choose between the 3 settings for each parameter and save the setting for future use.
Chassis
- Strong, lightweight mono-backbone steel frame, adjustable Showa SFF-BP forks and rear monoshock
- Dual, radial-mount four-piston calipers and 310mm floating front discs
The CB1000R’s chassis is unchanged for 2021 and employs a mono-backbone steel frame and uses split-tightening aluminium pivot plates to grip the signature 574.2mm single-sided swingarm. Rake is set at 25° with trail of 100mm. Wheelbase is 1455mm with wet weight of 212kg. Weight bias is 48.5%/ 51.5% front/rear.
A ‘natural crouch’ is afforded by the relaxed rider triangle of wide, tapered aluminium handlebars matched to an 830mm seat height. The flangeless fuel tank too, is broad-shouldered, but heavily cut-away to allow plenty of knee room.
The adjustable front fork is a Showa Separate Function Fork Big Piston unit (SFF-BP). It contains all the damping function in one leg, reducing weight, while delivering compliance, comfort and control across a broad range of riding conditions. The Showa rear shock, adjusts for spring preload, and rebound damping.
Up front, dual radial-mount four-piston front calipers bite 310mm floating discs, matched to a twin-piston caliper and 256mm rear, and 2-channel ABS. The new, intricately designed cast aluminium seven-spoke wheels exude bold elegance; the rear tyre (sitting on a 6-inch rim) is sized 190/55 ZR17, the front a 120/70 ZR17.
Accessories
A full range of Honda Genuine Accessories are available for the CB1000R, and include:
Tank pad
Fly screen
Pillion seat cover
Front fender cover
Alcantara pillion/rider seat
Bar ends
Engine cover
Radiator grill
Wheel stripes
Heated grips
Quickshifter
Luggage base
Rear seat bag
Tank bag
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $12999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $15799 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ 12999 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| Model | CB1000R Black Edition |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 75.0 mm x 56.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 |
| Induction | PGM-FI fuel injection w/ 44 mm throttle bodies (throttle by wire) |
| Ignition | Digital transistorized w/ electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | Chain; 15T/44T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 43 mm Showa Separate Function Front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP); |
| 4.7 in. travel | |
| Rear | Showa monoshock; 5.2 in. travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | 2 hydraulic calipers w/ 310 mm floating discs; ABS |
| Rear | Single hydraulic caliper w/ 256 mm disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear | 190/55 ZR17 |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 24.7º |
| Trail | 96.1 mm (3.8 in.) |
| Length | 83.5 in. |
| Width | 31.1 in. |
| Height | 42.9 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 in. |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 57.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.3 gal. |
| Color | Graphite Black |
| Curb Weight* | 467 lbs. |
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type Liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Displacement 998 cc
Bore & Stroke 75 mm x 56.5 mm
Compression Ratio 11.6:1
Valve Train Chain-driven DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 44 mm throttle bodies
Transmission Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive #525 O-ring-sealed chain (15T/44T)
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension Telescopic SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted Showa fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 109 mm (4.3 in.) travel
Rear Suspension Single shock Showa BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) with preload and damping adjustability, 131 mm (5.2 in.) travel
Additional Information
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/55ZR-17 radial
Brakes Front: Dual 310 mm discs with radial-mounted monobloc four-piston calipers
Rear: Single 256 mm disc with two-piston calipers
ABS: 2-channel ABS
Seat Height 830 mm (32.7 in.)
Wheelbase 1,455 mm (57.3 in.)
Curb Weight 214 kg (472 lb.)including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride
Fuel Capacity 16.2 litres
Colour Graphite Black
Warranty 12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled DOHC In-line 4 cylinder |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine Displacement (cm³) | 998cc |
| Bore and Stroke (mm) | 75mm x 56.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.6:1 |
| Max. Power Output | 107kW @ 10,500rpm |
| Max. Torque | 104Nm @ 8,250rpm |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Carburation | PGM-FI |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.2 litres |
| Fuel Consumption | 17.1km/litre |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
| Starter | Electric |
| Battery Capacity | 12V/8.6AH |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Clutch Type | Wet, multiplate clutch |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| FRAME | |
| Type | Steel mono backbone |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2120mm x 789mm x 1090mm |
| Wheelbase | 1455mm |
| Caster Angle | 25° |
| Trail | 100mm |
| Seat Height | 830mm |
| Ground Clearance | 135mm |
| Kerb Weight | 212kg |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Type Front | Showa SFF-BP USD fork |
| Type Rear | Showa monoshock (axle travel 131mm) |
| WHEELS | |
| Rim Size Front | Cast aluminium |
| Rim Size Rear | Cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Tyres Rear | 190/55 ZR17 |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS System Type | 2 channel |
| Front | 310mm double disc |
| Rear | 256mm single disc |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
| Instruments | 5” TFT screen |
| Headlight | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
