Honda unveils delightfully ‘80s CB-F concept

Derived from the modern CB1000R, and dressed in the timeless clothes of the original 1980s CB900F, it’s yet another ‘modern retro’, built to remind us that while classic vehicles are wonderful in principle, the reality is less than romantic.

Modern retros, when done right, perfectly bridge the gap between reliable and reminiscent. And if Honda’s previous such bikes (from the Rome R&D dept) are anything to go by, the CB-F will do just that – and more.

The CB900F retains the CB-R’s steel chassis, swingarm, wheels and suspension and aside from a few finishing touches, the 141bhp 998cc inline-four is identical, making this a potent proposition. The stubby twin exhaust has been swapped for a single stainless slip-on, while the CB1000R’s recognisable radiator shrouds have disappeared, in order to make this liquid-cooled machine appear as air-cooled as the original.

The squared-off hand-crafted tank mimics that of the original CBF, while the subframe and side panels follow in a similar trend, and a two-tone, single-piece seat completes the look. It’s remarkably retro, but creature comforts come in the form of a LED Halo headlights and a TFT dash.

Honda hasn’t revealed its plan for the new custom concept, but we’re hoping it includes selling them to the general public…