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2020 Honda CB-F Concept Preview

Honda’s CB-F Concept from the canceled 2020 Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

April 2, 2020

Although the 2020 Tokyo Motorcycle Show was canceled, Honda Japan quietly debuted this CB-F concept prototype that pays homage to the original CB900F.Honda Motorcycle Japan

In spite of the canceled 2020 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, Honda Motor Japan still released this CB-F concept on its global website. The CB-F concept pays homage to Honda’s CB motorcycles that celebrate more than 60 years of tire-burning tradition. But what are CBs and why should you care? Cycle World Technical Editor Kevin Cameron explains:

“The essence of Honda’s six decades of CB motorcycles has been the union of ever-evolving design with production systems that bring the result within the reach of millions of riders.

“They have always been roadbikes, with styling inspired by Honda’s classic racing heritage, always with in-line engines—either parallel twins or inline-fours. Honda’s modern production systems brought to market features that other makers had dismissed as impossibly expensive—smooth four-cylinder engines, overhead camshafts, electric start, and, above all, automotive-level reliability,” he continues.

The 2020 CB-F borrows styling cues from the past but benefits from the 2006–2007 CBR1000RR-sourced powertrain from Honda’s new and improved 2018–2020 CB1000R. Specifically, it’s powered by a liquid-cooled 998cc inline-four that pumps out nearly 122 hp at the rear Bridgestone based on the last time we dyno tested this engine configuration.

The fuel tank and elongated body panels pay homage to the original CB900F that debuted 41 years ago, as does the giant round headlamp, and what we presume to be its dual horns. No word on Honda’s plan for this prototype, but it’s nice to see that Honda is keeping the CB flame burning.