Forbidden Half-Naked

FORBIDDEN HALF-NAKED

Sporty standards are big sellers in Europe, less so on this side of the pond. Honda recently showed a CBF1 000 that looks like it could be competition for Yamaha's FZ1, but it isn't destined to come stateside. Cast in the same vein as the broad-focus, Euro-only CBF600 and CBF500 sportbikes, the new liter-class machine offers a versatile alternative to Big Red's hardcore racer-replicas. Powered by the latest-generation CBR1 000RR powerplant-retuned for optimal low-end and mid-range torque-the CBF1 000 looks to be a serious performer. It also employs what is essentially a CBF600 chassis, but with additional frame-strengthening gussets to handle the increased power output. Designed to fit a wide range of riders, the spacious, three-position saddle allows more than an inch of seat-height variance. Likewise, wind screen height can be altered between two settings. A Deluxe version featuring Honda's linked ABS brake system is also available. But not in the U.S.! -Don Canet