Honda's oldest sports model series, the "CB", boasts a history of over half a century. The "CB-1", which appeared in 1989, brought in a frame and engine inherited from super sports models and changed the course of the series thereafter. We would like to introduce the details of the model on display at Honda's headquarters.
A naked sports motorcycle that appeared at almost the same time as the famous Zephyr
In 1989, a model that had a big impact on Japanese riders was released. It was the "Zephyr" released by Kawasaki. It is said that the popularity of the Zephyr caused the racer replica boom, which had been the mainstream of rider popularity until then, to slow down and the naked boom arrived. However, the Zephyr was not the only model that appeared that year. Honda's innovative new naked model "CB-1", which was released one month earlier than the Zephyr, was also a model that had a big impact on the 400cc class that came later.
CB-1 [1989] A sports naked motorcycle that appeared as a new generation CB. Its powerful engine and highly rigid frame were exposed in style.
The engine was based on that of the special-purpose CBR400RR and produced 57 PS, the highest level in its class. It was a naked bike that could be enjoyed as a sporty motorcycle.
The catalog at the time emphasized the motorcycle's chic and unique character, and aimed to provide a different kind of enjoyment to full-cowl sports motorcycles.
Zephyr [1989] Kawasaki's Zephyr, which appeared in the same year as the CB-1, was so popular that it sparked the naked motorcycle boom.
The Zephyr and the CB-1 have almost the same timing and engine displacement, but their concepts are completely different. The CB-1's engine is based on the in-line 4-cylinder DOHC used in the CBR400RR and delivers 57PS/11,500rpm, the highest level of power in its class. With smooth high revolutions thanks to the cam gear train, the engine performance is comparable to that of a full-cowl sports motorcycle. The engine is mounted in a straight-line, thick 42.7mm carbon steel twin diamond frame, which provides sufficient rigidity. The exhaust uses a 4-into-1 exhaust system.
The suspension and brakes, which are different from the CBR400RR, have been revised to be somewhat more casual, but they are luxurious, with a large 310mm floating single disc brake and a mono-shock with a built-in valve control system CIVS-II (Carbon Improved Valve System). The wheels have been revised to 17 inches both front and rear, and are made of three-spoke aluminum for lightweight design.
Based on the CBR400RR, the engine has a newly designed cylinder head and an in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine. The valve timing has been revised for low and mid-speed operation.
The engine produced an output of 57 PS at 11,500 rpm, and the cam gear train allowed it to rev smoothly up to high revolutions.
The main frame is made of large-diameter structural carbon steel pipes with a diameter of 42.7 mm, aiming for a rigid steering feel.
The wheels are 17 inches front and rear, and the front brake is a floating type single disc.
The exhaust system is a compact 4-1, and the wheels are made of hollow aluminum for lighter weight.
The rear shock is a mono-suspension equipped with CIVS-II, realizing the maneuverability derived from a supersport.
As you can see from the performance and equipment, the CB-1 is designed as a naked model for enjoying sports riding. It is the exact opposite of the Zephyr, which is equipped with a classic air-cooled engine and aims for retro fun. It was a model with the concept of a simple, high-performance, fast naked bike with no unnecessary features and a mechanical appeal. However, when you look at the details of the CB-1 from a modern perspective, you will be surprised at how simple it is, yet very fine and luxuriously finished. The aluminum parts used for the side cover and top bridge are finished with a hairline finish in many places, and the cylinder head, exhaust pipe, and silencer are buffed to shine. The fuel tank, which appears to be a single color, is made to give off a deep luster with three layers of multiple paint.
All metal parts are buffed, giving them a luxurious feel.
All the lights are of course bulb type. The taillights are quite small.
Although it was a single color, the tank was painted in three layers, giving it a deep luster. The capacity was small at 11L.
The seat is narrowed down and with a seat height of 775mm, it is easy to reach the ground with your feet.
The aluminum side covers have a fine hairline finish.
The meter is a twin-eye type, and the layout is almost the same as that of the CB400SF.
The CB-1 paved the way for the CB400SF
The CB-1 boasted high quality and performance, but at the time the Zephyr won the 400cc market. The CB-1 was more than $680.62 more expensive than the Zephyr and was not as equipped with racy features as the CBR, so unfortunately it was not popular and fizzled out. So in 1990, Honda made a minor change to the bike, adding a separate tank rear shock and a front fork with improved operability, and in 1991 they released the CB-1 Type II, which was equipped with an up-type bar handle and had a gear ratio shifted to mid-to-low speeds, in an attempt to give it a boost. However, these improvements were in vain, and the CB-1 was replaced by its successor in 1992.
This successor was the CB400 SuperFour, which became the most popular 400cc naked bike. The silhouette, designed by the same designer as the CB-1, was brought to fruition as the PROJECT BIG-1, which aimed to create a new direction for the CB series and was loved as an all-purpose machine that could be used for sports, touring, street riding, and even at riding schools. The next-generation CB that the CB-1 could not achieve was inherited by the CB400SF. With repeated model changes, the CB400SF became a hugely popular model that will continue in the lineup until 2020.
Nowadays, while many manufacturers are dropping their 400cc lineups, the popularity of inline 4-cylinder models continues to grow. However, while classic models such as the Zephyr and CB400SF are still popular and easy to obtain, the CB-1 is a rare vehicle due to its extremely low number. It is one of the classic models worth paying attention to now, and owners should treasure it.
The CB-1 Type II has an up-handlebar, but the concept has become a bit off.
CB400SF [1992] The technology developed with the CB-1 was passed down to its successors. This is a well-known and beloved classic.
CB-1 [1989] Main Specification
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2035 x 705 x 1025 mm
Wheelbase: 1375mm
Seat Height: 775mm
Dry Weight: 183 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 399cc
Maximum Output: 57PS/11500rpm
Maximum Torque: 4.0 kg-m/9500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=110/70R17, R=140/70R17
Current Price: $4396.81