EICMA 2017: Honda CB1000R and CB300R

Honda used the 2017 EICMA motorcycle show to unveil an updated range of nakedbikes for 2018; a range-topping CB1000R and a CB300R. The firm unveiled a similarly styled 125cc variant, too, but Honda Australia has confirmed the smallest of the three new nakeds won’t make it to Aussie shores.

The flagship litre bike is powered by a retuned version of the engine found in the new-for-2017 Fireblade, it’s capable of 143hp and 104Nm of torque which Honda says chimes in earlier than on its track-focused counterpart to allow it to accelerate quicker in the first three gears.

Despite its stripped-back nature, it’s considerably heavier than the sportsbike, largely attributed to its use of a steel fuel tank and aluminium bodywork instead of lighter plastic options.

It's centred around a newly developed steel backbone frame and suspension is looked after by Showa’s Big Piston Fork at the front matched to a fully-adjustable Showa BRFC monoshock at the rear.

The electronics package is as minimalist as the bike’s styling, with a two-channel ABS system and the same ride-by-wire throttle carried over from the Blade the sum of the bike’s tech specs. There is a CB1000R+ variant in the wings, however, which will have a few extra goodies included such as an electronic quickshifter, heated grips and a bit of extra bodywork.

Honda Australia had a European-sourced CB1000R on its books in 2008 and 2009, but at $18,190 it wasn't a huge seller.

A single-cylinder 286cc version also debuted at the Italian event. Using the same styling cues for a minimalist result, the new-for-2018 CB300R uses a steel-trellis frame, 41mm upside-down front forks, boasts a UMI-actuated two-channel ABS system and a single disc four-piston caliper Nissin brake package.

Both machines will grace Australian dealerships by mid-2018.