Considering the CBF1000

[Old Ed]

I'm a guy in his 50s who just started riding last year. Currently enjoying my Shadow RS (a great beginner bike) and looking to upgrade and came upon the CBF1000.

My Shadow RS is a 750 that is powerful enough to keep up on the highway while beginner friendly with a 507lbs wet weight, low centre of gravity and enough torque but not so much that it will rip your arms off. I've loved that bike all last summer but felt limited by the lack of passing power on the highway and lack of storage. Which brings me to the CBF.

I'm 5'9" with a runner body, think thin. I'm thinking the CBF might suit me due to its wet weight not much higher than my current bike, low seat height and low centre of gravity. The power seems to be manageable as well.

I'd love to hear some thoughts from members here as to the suitability of this bike for a smaller guy.

[Rev Ken]

I'm more vertically challenged than you, but with the seat adjustable over three heights I found it fitted me very well as well as those riders with their heads on the clouds....

It has loads of torque at low revs and has 'ample' power to do those overtakes. their are far more powerful bikes but few can beat its ability to just 'go' at almost any revs making it a far easier road bike than the 'pocket rockets'

I had mine for 7 years and it was still teh very best allrounder bike I've had in over 60 years of riding!

Try one!!!

[Old Ed]

Thank you for your reply!
Does the bike carry its weight down low? My only other concern is it might feel top heavy during slow manoeuvres and stops given my thin body frame.

Originally Posted by Rev Ken

I'm more vertically challenged than you, but with the seat adjustable over three heights I found it fitted me very well as well as those riders with their heads on the clouds....

[Steelworker]

HI Old Ed,
I'm about the same height and fairly slim. Even with fully packed hard luggage, tank bag and 3 person tent ( I do a lot of camping rallies) I don't have a problem with slow manouvers. I've got the seat at it's lowest setting so can easily get both feet on the ground. It's a fairly heavy bike so pushing it around can take a bit of effort.

[Rev Ken]

Originally Posted by Old Ed

Thank you for your reply!
Does the bike carry its weight down low? My only other concern is it might feel top heavy during slow manoeuvres and stops given my thin body frame.

It carries its weight lower than Honda Deauvilles. That is the reason I changed to a CBF1000. After 7 years, and when I was coming up to 80 I did find it getting difficult, so swapped it for a BMW F800GT. Sadly, and unexpectedly, it has been my last bike (SWMBO Looooooooong C***d anxiety syndrome resulted in hanging up my helmet.)

Before I buy ANY motorcycle (or car) I insist on having a test ride(drive). Then you can assess it for yourself.

[Old Ed]

Thanks @steelworker and @Rev Ken.

Unfortunately there are no CBF1000 in my area so I will need to have one delivered without trying it out. That being said, I did a ton of research for my first bike and purchased it without test driving and it worked out quite well so I'm keeping my fingers crossed this will be similar. Worst case I can resell the bike. I've also been looking at the BMW F series so there are definite options.

[Dodek]

In my oppinion BMW bike are nice but till it broke down... then they are so much expensive as hell.
Honda is much more relible bike.
BTW can you buy a  cbf1000 mk2 in canada  
I was read that Honda canada didnt buy bike form US dealer and direct from German market and with cooperation with this  Honda dealer.

[Old Ed]

Yes you can buy both the Mk1 and Mk2 in Canada. I've seen model years of 2008-2012. I believe the bikes were imported directly from Japan.

Originally Posted by Dodek

In my oppinion BMW bike are nice but till it broke down... then they are so much expensive as hell.
Honda is much more relible bike.
BTW can you buy a  cbf1000 mk2 in canada  
I was read that Honda canada didnt buy bike form US dealer and direct from German market and with cooperation with this  Honda dealer.

[Rev Ken]

Originally Posted by Dodek

In my oppinion BMW bike are nice but till it broke down... then they are so much expensive as hell.
Honda is much more relible bike.
BTW can you buy a  cbf1000 mk2 in canada  
I was read that Honda canada didnt buy bike form US dealer and direct from German market and with cooperation with this  Honda dealer.

Agreed, but not all models. eg the Rotax engines fitted to the F800 range are as reliable as any other engine - certainly better than BMW modern flat twins!

[Art]

I thought all CBF1000's were made in Italy, I could be wrong, I've been wrong before. The first digit of the VIN should reveal where, Z is for Italy and J is for Japan. In the meantime...

a German perspective on Honda's