Honda’s Most Hotly Anticipated Retro Bike Is Finally Coming to the US

Amidst a steady stream of whispers and rumors, headlines and hype, it was really only a matter of time, no?

Honda

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 3, 2026

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You know a motorcycle is kind of a big deal when you find yourself writing about it not one, not two, not three, but four times.

I would be a tad sheepish to admit that figure, but for the fact that the CB1000F has basically been in development for more than six years and the subject of intense, tangible speculation since last spring.

Silver and blue Honda motorcycle with round headlight and black tires parked on a road. — While the CB1000F appears delightfully retro, a host of quiet technical advancements bring it into the modern age.

The news really broke for the head-turning retro-styled bike last fall, when it was announced for the European market.

But this week is an even bigger one for American riders, as news just broke that all but confirms it is headed our way.

Modern classic

Per the paperwork-tracking fiends over at motorcycle.com, the US Environmental Protection Agency has certified the bike.

While it has seemed inevitable for some time, this little nugget is about as close as we can get to confirmation short of Honda’s actual announcement, which can’t be too far away now.

Black and gray Honda CB1000R motorcycle with red accents parked on a road at dusk. — The attitude-adjusting headlight cowl is just one part of a sport pack option for the UK market, costing £990 (roughly $1,300). It would be more of a surprise if the US edition *didn’t* offer something similar.

With that in mind, let’s look at what makes this bike so compelling in the first place.

According to Honda itself, the CB1000F is inspired by the 1979 CB750 legendary racer “Fast” Freddie Spencer rode to AMA Championship glory — and updated for modern times.

Close-up of a black and silver Honda CB1000F motorcycle engine with blue accents on the fuel tank. — Roughly 33 percent bigger and bursting with horsepower and torque, the new engine is a pretty notable upgrade.

Toward that end, it’s dripping with old-school vibes, set off by the big round headlight, the angular tank, serpentine exhaust pipes and bell-shaped silencer.

As the name suggests, the new bike boasts a significantly bigger engine: a down-tuned Fireblade-derived 1000cc inline-four making a claimed 122 horsepower at 9,000rpm and 76 Lb-ft of torque at 8,000rpm.

Two riders wearing helmets and black jackets on silver and black Honda motorcycles on a road with clear blue sky. — The bike’s 31.3-inch seat and 472-pound curb weight keep it approachable for newer and smaller riders.

The modern suspension system features 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and a Showa rear shock, both of which allow for preload and rebound damping adjustability.

Stopping power comes via Nissin four-piston radial-mount front brake callipers squeezing 310mm floating discs up front, plus a 240mm disc paired with a Nissin single-piston calliper in the back.

One of the most notable and noticeable modern touches is the versatile and user-friendly built-in TFT screen.

Honda

Truly modern performance features include wheelie control, cornering ABS and three built-in ride modes — Standard, Sport and Rain — plus two customizable ones you can dial in yourself.

These options and so much more are accessible via a five-inch TFT screen dash that pairs with your smartphone and is controlled via the switchgear on the left handlebar.

Availability and pricing

As Honda has not yet announced the CB1000F, it is not clear when it will be available and how much it will cost. But regarding the latter, some industry insiders put it in the ballpark of $12,000.

Silver and black Honda CB1000R motorcycle with blue accents and round headlight on a gray background.

2027 Honda CB1000F

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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