Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126925
o ~ .-I The European marke~ will get this new CBR1000F in 1987. The in-line four-cylinder produces a claimed 132-horsepovver at 9600 rpm. 1987 Honda C8R600F & C8R1000F Ch nge of tune for Honda By J u t t i n g With what appears to be a major strategIc change of direction, Honda launched two new 1987 models in Frankfurt, West Germany, on August 21 in a special showing for European motojournalists. The CBR600F and CBR1OOOF are high-performance in-line fours that differ dramatically 16 from the V-four machines that Honda has been offering. And it could be that the strengthening ofthe japanese yen has forced Honda to make the change in direction, for the two bikes, although very similar in layout to the recemly marketed CBR250F and CBR400F models for the japanese home market, don't follow the recem trend for exotic aluminum frames and sophisticated detailing seen on the latest models fromJapan. Honda's aim with lhese two new models was to build the fastest and best handling bikes in each class, but to do that following the same path would have priced them of[ the market place. • So, although they have engines showing the latest 16-valve DOHC technology with steeply downdraft carburetors, they have a crude appear- ance and are moumed in steel frames, the whole being enclosed. Bimola style, in sleek bodywork that is clai med to orrer lhe lowest drag coe£ficiem ever designed imo a motorcycle. The CBRIOOOF develops 132 bhp at 9500 rpm which should propellhe bike lO well over 160 mph. The CBR600F develops 85 bhp at 11,000 rpm which should produce a top speed of about 135 mph. The CBRIOOOF tips the scales at 489 pounds dry, and the CBR600F's dry weight is 401 pounds. The CBR IOOOF's 998cc engine has a bore of 77.0mm and a stroke of 53.6 mm with a compression ralio of 10.5:1. The CBR600F's 598cc engine has a bore of 63.0mm and a slroke of 48.0 mm with an 11.0: I compression ratio. Both bikes have six-speed transmissions, and dual front and single rear disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and simered metal pads. Also on tap for Europe in '87 is the CBR600F that pumps out a claimed 8S-horsepower at 11.000 rpm. Claimed dry weight is 401 pounds. The CBRIOOOF's suspension con· sists of a 41 mm air·assisted from fork with Honda's Torque Reactive Amidive Comrol (TRAC) providing 5.9 inches of travel, and needle bearingsupported Pro-Link rear suspension providing 4.7 inches of travel. The CBR600F has Pro-Link rear suspension with 4.3 inches of travel, and a 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork with 5.1 inches of travel. "No comment," was the answer from American Honda when they were asked if the two CBR models would be available in the U.S. in 1987. The answer to that question will have to wait umil the first week of November when information is rele.ased to the press to coihcide with the U.S. Honda dealers annual new model presentation which lhis year ~kes place in japan. -