Honda CB1000F: The Retro King Returns to the US | 122 HP Beat-By-Beat Reveal (2026)

Get ready to rev your engines, because the motorcycle world is buzzing with excitement! Honda’s long-awaited retro masterpiece, the CB1000F, is finally making its way to U.S. shores, and trust us, this is one bike you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this modern classic worth the hype, or is it just another nostalgia-driven release? Let’s dive in and find out.

For years, rumors have swirled around the CB1000F, with enthusiasts and industry insiders alike speculating about its arrival. First teased over six years ago and heavily discussed since last spring, this bike has been the subject of intense chatter. The excitement reached a fever pitch last fall when Honda announced its European debut, but American riders were left wondering: Will it ever come stateside? Well, wonder no more. Thanks to eagle-eyed paperwork trackers at motorcycle.com, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the CB1000F for the U.S. market—a near-confirmation that it’s headed our way.

But what makes this bike so special? Inspired by the iconic 1979 CB750, famously ridden by AMA champion “Fast” Freddie Spencer, the CB1000F blends vintage charm with cutting-edge technology. Picture this: a big, round headlight, an angular fuel tank, serpentine exhaust pipes, and a bell-shaped silencer—all dripping with old-school cool. Yet, beneath the retro exterior lies a beast of a machine. Powered by a 1000cc inline-four engine derived from the Fireblade, it churns out a claimed 122 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 76 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. That’s right—this isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a performance powerhouse.

And this is the part most people miss: the CB1000F isn’t just about raw power. It’s packed with modern features like 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks, a Showa rear shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping, and Nissin radial-mount brake calipers for precise stopping power. Add in wheelie control, cornering ABS, and three ride modes (Standard, Sport, and Rain), plus two customizable options, and you’ve got a bike that’s as smart as it is stylish. All these features are accessible via a sleek five-inch TFT screen that pairs with your smartphone—talk about convenience!

But here’s the million-dollar question: How much will it cost? While Honda hasn’t officially announced pricing, industry whispers suggest a ballpark figure of $12,000. Is that a fair price for a bike that marries nostalgia with innovation? That’s up for debate. And this is where we want to hear from you—is the CB1000F a must-have addition to your garage, or is it just another overhyped release? Let us know in the comments!

As for availability, we’re still waiting on Honda’s official word. But one thing’s for sure: when the CB1000F finally hits U.S. showrooms, it’s bound to turn heads and spark conversations. So, stay tuned, and in the meantime, make sure to add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to keep up with the latest updates on this and other game-changing releases. After all, in a world where bike seats are rarely at the proper height, we could all use a little more excitement in our lives.

Honda CB1000F: The Retro King Returns to the US | 122 HP Beat-By-Beat Reveal (2026)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5737

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.