All Tests – Honda CBF1000 FA Test: the holy nitouche! – An ally in all circumstances!

Honda CBF1000 FA test: the holy nitouche !

All Tests - Honda CBF1000 FA Test: la sainte-nitouche! - An ally in all circumstances!

Effective in devil, the CBF1000 seemed so far timid and decked out in a sad dress. Thanks to a gentle redesign, she now intends to play the card of seduction, even daring, without questioning its astonishing homogeneity.. Test.

An ally in all circumstances !

In the saddle, the CBF1000F 2010 will not upset regulars: fairly straight bust and well-supported foundation, the rider enjoys the natural position offered by the judiciously placed handlebars and the footrests incorporating practical growths to place the heel..

Narrow despite its additional liter of gasoline (20 l), the tank provides a good fit with the machine. The mirrors are effective and the levers adjustable in spacing easily fall under the glove, as do the controls for headlights, indicators and the appreciable switch activating the warning.

New for 2010, the dashboard receives a solid dose of modernism, mixed with a refined sporty touch: the aluminum-like frame of the large and visible tachometer produces its small effect, while the two digital windows that surround it group together essential information (two trips, watch, fuel gauge, average consumption indicator, instantaneous and remaining mileage when the reserve is started).

Too bad the Honda engineers did not opt ​​for a command for scrolling information via a commodo, especially as the two pushbuttons responsible for this function are reluctant to handle with winter gloves…

In the same spirit, adjusting the height of the bubble requires a certain conviction: two hands are needed to slide it upwards, thus making the operation almost impossible to achieve while riding. The user will console himself with the excellent protection offered by this appendix in the high position: up to 150 km / h, the bubble generates very little turbulence and protects the pilot up to half-helmet..

Well balanced and steering correctly, the CBF 1000 is easily understood. A few turns of the wheel are enough to show that Honda did not seek to upset dynamic behavior as appreciated as it is appreciable. Neutral on the angle, the CBF1000FA 2010 accepts without flinching the request of its effective ABS combined in full curve.

Despite the adoption of an aluminum frame and the loss of a muffler, it doesn’t really seem any more agile than it used to be, although entering it in corners doesn’t require much effort. A finding confirmed by the technical sheet: with only 5 kg less on the full weight (245 kg against 250 previously) and an extended wheelbase of 15 mm (1495 mm against 1480), the design of the CBF1000FA betrays more a search for stability and validation of acquired knowledge that a desire to accentuate one’s sporting potential.

A coherent choice dictated by the expectations expressed by the GT roadster market. This is not about claiming breathtaking performance or flattering the ego by highlighting peripherals straight out of the HRC: the majority of bikers are above all looking for functionality, accessibility and a degree – more or less personal – versatility.

Excellent response to these requirements, the cycle part of the CBF1000FA more than correctly fulfills its function: well helped by its 160 mm rear tire, it is obvious if not intuitive, reassuring in all situations and as demanding as it is. a goldfish !

Remarkably suspended (the 41 mm telescopic fork, now adjustable in preload, adopts a more liberated compression and a braked rebound), the gentle Honda filters the small and medium imperfections of the asphalt with the discretion and efficiency of an English butler, even if going over bigger bumps ends up revealing the limitations of the Pro-link monoshock.

A bit dry in this case, the suspension adjustable in seven positions (preload) nevertheless manages to conserve enough resources not to jeopardize the excellent traction of the machine and especially its impressive stability: launched at nearly 250 km / h, the CBF1000 demonstrates an ability to overcome very fast curved passages worthy of a TGV !

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