It's all new for 08

On the pure sport side of the Honda equation, the CBR1000RR has been completely redesigned, claiming reduced weight, greater weight centralization for easier turning, and a slipper clutch for the first time (although in typical Honda fashion, it works differently from everyone else's). 

A totally new engine, refined suspension, changed rider ergonomics (forward and lowered), and new chassis geometry are also part of this radical package.

Honda is making a big point about this being in large part a new bike, rather than an upgrade. Weight savings were a huge part of the design brief – from a claimed one kg saving in the battery to fractions of a gram in the larger yet lighter titanium intake valves and even lighter brake hoses, Honda has pursued weight loss and weight centralization with a vengeance. 

In fact they even go so far as to claim lightest in class, with the best power to weight ratio to boot. MSRP is $15,549.00 with an extra $300 for the "Exclusive" model, although we don't know what that is ...

CB1000R replaces 919.

Honda's naked streetbike, the 919, gets a sportier attitude this year with a new look, significant chassis upgrades and a transplanted motor from the 2007 CBR1000RR – making it a CB1000R.

The supersports motor is retuned for punch at low and medium rpm ranges and gets smaller 36 mm fuel injector bodies to improve low and midrange fuel flow. A magnesium cylinder head reduces weight, and the CBR1000RR's liquid-cooled oil cooler is fitted to assist in moderating engine heat.

The backbone style frame is now made from die-cast aluminum. Fully-adjustable USD forks from the RR are fitted, with radially-mounted monoblock calipers grabbing 310 discs up front. An ABS version will use Honda's combined brake system.

Sportier look and additional performance.

A short, semi-underslung exhaust system is formed of stainless steel. Wheelbase is shorter, at 1,445 mm, and seat height is up, at 828 mm. Instruments are LCD, and an ignition security system is used.

The CB1000R is still a naked bike, but is given a mini-fairing that blends into the headlight cowling, and with its stubby exhaust, big brakes, and Z-shaped panels under the fuel tank, it sports a much more aggressive look than the bike it replaces.

You can dream, but you can't ride – Honda Canada won't bring this one here in 2008.

CBF1000 shown with optional luggage

Another new addition for 2008 is the CBF1000, a semi-faired standard-type bike in the mode of a Suzuki Bandit or Yamaha FZ-1.

Honda Europe calls it a step in their “Just Fit” program – basically, building high-performance bikes in a more comfortable standard configuration rather than pure sports mode. 

The engine is a 998 cc fuel-injected inline four – a “re-tuned” version of the last-generation CBR1000RR motor. Needless to say, horsepower and torque should be more than adequate no matter what the numbers turn out to be.

A half-fairing provides some touring comfort, while a current-generation integrated one-piece instrument panel provides all the usual stuff from a dual trip to a clock. A three-way adjustable seat (a 30 mm adjustment range) should make a fit easier for most riders.

There is an optional braking system that combines Honda’s Combined Brake System with ABS, which is likely the model that we'll get in Canada. No date or price as yet although Honda are aiming to match the $11,299.00 of Suzuki's 1250 Bandit (the ABS version).

Veradero is Honda's V-Strom.

The Varadero is an “adventure-touring” styled bike in the mode of a V-Strom, BMW GS, etc., and although it has been a runaway hit in Europe for years, this will be its first appearance in North America. 

Power is via a fuel-injected 998 cc V-twin – a variant of the excellent motor from the VTR1000. Dry weight of the bike is cliamed at 220 kg, with a seat height of 845 mm and a wheelbase of 1,560 mm definitely makes it a bike for the tall or experienced rider.

The “Dual Combined Brake System” operates both brakes from either hand or foot control, with ABS as standard. A two-position windscreen (albeit not powered) is fitted to offer comfort to any height of rider. A 25 L fuel tank should equate to good touring range, as well.

Price is $13,999.00, about two grand up on Suzuki's 1000 V-Strom.

New for 2008 is the CRF230L, a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle that's a perfect starter, commuter, or trail explorer.

The 223 cc air-cooled four-stroke engine uses electric start with a five-speed box and bodywork similar to the pure off-road CRF-R series. 

MSRP is $5,399.00. 

A couple of exhibition model 400 cc Hondas first revealed at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show combine old styling influences with new-tech functionality.

The CB400SF and CB400SB use a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled four-cylinder motor with “Hyper V-TEC” for variable valve timing. They're both fitted with ABS brakes and twin rear shocks. A retro-style fairing is fitted to the SB (which stands for Super Bol D'or) while the SF model is naked.

They will be marketed at some point, but no word on whether you'll see them in North America.

Maybe a step up model from the CBR125R Honda? Or to avoid the sportbike classification in Quebec??? Go on Honda Canada, you know you want to ...