Filling the Void Left by Honda with Customization! [Kei Factory CB1000F Review]

You can feel your right hand rejoicing as you open the throttle. The CB of a new era transforms with customization. It runs briskly through the city and responds eagerly on mountain passes. Riding K-FACTORY's two CB1000Fs quenches a parched soul!

⚫︎Photos: Koichi Otani

It's a shame to ride it stock! The CB-F transforms with customization!

How many times have I dreamed of customizing it... The Honda CB1000F is a motorcycle that invites riders to customize it. When the long-awaited CB1000F was released, I intuitively felt it was a "custom base model" the first time I test rode it.

The CB1000F is characterized by its lightness that belies its displacement and its low seat height. On the other hand, when riding on mountain passes, the rear end sags too much, preventing the front wheel from turning and weakening the feeling of changing direction. As a result, the banking time becomes longer, leading to a riding style where it's difficult to open the throttle.

It has a sense of agility but lacks sharpness, and you can't ride the line you envision. Also, the handlebars are quite wide and high, which, combined with a riding position that feels more like a cruiser than a sport naked, contributes to this feeling.

I think this setup is good for riders with less experience or those who don't seek sporty performance, but even for me, at 165cm tall, the seat is too low, and I simply can't ride sportily. I want to handle the bike more aggressively and ride rhythmically on mountain passes.

While the stock CB1000F lacks a certain excitement, it transforms with customization. K-FACTORY's two examples show us this.

This time, we went on a touring trip with two CB1000Fs – a full custom and a light custom – along with a Z900RS (featured in a separate article). We were joined by Shoji Saito, a former Kawasaki test rider who is now involved in setting up K-FACTORY's demo bikes and developing parts.

The "CLR RG+ Full Exhaust: Hexagon Silencer JMCA Certified (418,000 yen)" with a gold burnt finish. Other options include the "CLR R+ Full Exhaust: Oval Silencer JMCA Certified (374,000 yen)" with a blue burnt finish.

A full exhaust system that is instantly recognizable as K-FACTORY by its starting gold burnt finish and hexagon-shaped silencer. Promises a higher-pitched yet deep exhaust note than a slip-on.

The full exhaust system includes an aluminum-machined tandem step kit. Despite the upward-angled muffler, you can still enjoy tandem riding.

Customization with a titanium full exhaust and carbon wheels further enhances the CB1000F's lightness. It hints at improved riding performance while also offering a very comfortable ride.

Mr. Shoji Saito (left) is a former Kawasaki test rider. He is currently involved in K-FACTORY's parts development and demo bike verification. Born in 1953, he joined Kawasaki in 1972. A very gentle and highly experienced veteran.

Mr. Saito's riding, with stable handling due to proper load application. "The CB truly demonstrates its performance when customized," says Saito.

The CB1000F's power is transferred to the ultra-wide rear tire.

This is the CB1000F I wanted! Full customization quenches a dry soul!

"The CB1000F is a motorcycle that Honda intentionally left room for customization," says K-FACTORY representative Kuwabara. "We want to stimulate the excitement of our fans," says Kuwabara, who completed this full custom build just three days after the CB1000F's release.

The gold-colored muffler is a titanium full exhaust. The front forks have been converted from inverted to conventional using original triple trees, and a swingarm capable of accommodating a 200-size ultra-wide tire has been installed. The front and rear suspension, carbon wheels, and brakes are borrowed from other models. The position has been adjusted with low handlebars and steps.

"It's the 'Aitsu to Lullaby' specification with the ultra-wide tire," says Kuwabara. When Saito comments, "This CB1000F had a great balance from the moment it was assembled," Kuwabara laughs, "It's a miraculous balance." The full custom build features a wide and large-diameter 200-size rear tire, and by slightly extending the rear suspension, the rear end is raised, giving it an excellent stance.

When started, the full exhaust produces a deep exhaust note, while the slip-on is a bit more subdued. What's interesting is that the intentionally vintage-like uneven sound from the low-speed range is toned down. The full exhaust, in particular, transforms it into a modern engine.

First, I test rode the full custom. "That's it. This is the CB1000F I wanted," I thought the moment I started riding. The bike responds instantly to the rider's weight transfer, smoothly and without delay. While weight reduction is certainly a factor, the changes in posture and position play a significant role. These changes are noticeable even in city riding, further highlighting the CB1000F's lightness. The front and rear Ohlins provide a comfortable ride, and the Brembo brakes offer a premium feel. Not only is the sportiness enhanced, but the sense of luxury is also amplified.

Of course, the responsive handling is also present on mountain passes. It corners without feeling the presence of the 200-size ultra-wide tire. The high-pitched exhaust note, characteristic of titanium, exudes the CB1000F's dynamism. By controlling the lightweight chassis posture with throttle work, you can get into a rhythm, and the suspension becomes even lighter.

The more I ride, the more my previous custom fantasies are resolved, and I feel a pleasant sensation, as if my parched feelings are being quenched.

"This might sound strange, but this CB1000F is more about looks than performance. It's a 'bonsai' bike, so to speak (laughs). Busy adults can't ride their bikes frequently, right? So, I want them to enjoy the desire of ownership. Coming home from work, grinning at the bike. Polishing it and cherishing it. That's the kind of enjoyment," says Kuwabara.

"While the stock bike's lightness and good ground reach are strengths, you might want to make it a bit more upright. Customization makes that possible. It's interesting how much the engine can change with just the muffler. Also, the CB1000F isn't as detailed as the Z900RS to keep the vehicle price down. Enjoying the sense of luxury through customization is also a good approach," says Saito.

The front and rear wheels are BST carbon. The front fork and brake components are borrowed from the ZRX series. The calipers are Brembo, and the rotors are Sunstar. The tires are Pirelli Supercorsa. Using touring-oriented tires might provide even more stability and a better ride.

The aluminum-machined triple tree, which allows the front fork to be converted from inverted to conventional, is currently under development. Its variable offset allows for setup adjustments to accommodate low handlebars and a rear-high posture.

The "Swingarm: Large Size New Eye-Shaped (264,000 yen)" uses a large-diameter square pipe for impressive scale. The rear wheel is 6.25x17. The sidewall of the 200-size tire stands up sharply, looking cool.

The rear suspension is borrowed from another model and is about 3mm longer than the stock unit. Due to the increased tire diameter and the extended rear suspension, the posture is quite rear-high.

The elaborately crafted "Riding Step Type A (price undecided/coming soon)" comes in metallic silver and super black. It's best enjoyed with a simultaneous handlebar change. The "Type B" with a simpler design is installed on the light custom.

The carbon fiber handlebars achieve a compact riding position. Lowering the stance enhances hold during acceleration. It also reduced the impact of wind during highway cruising.

The stainless steel "Radiator Core Guard (19,800-23,100 yen)" is available in three types with etching. The photo shows Type C with the K-FACTORY logo. Plain stainless steel and black versions are also available.

It's fun to gradually make it your own bike!

Full customization is great, but light customization is also good. While the focus is on dress-up parts for the position and muffler, it shows a distinctly different face from the stock model, instantly enhancing its sport naked atmosphere. At first glance, this muffler looks like a full exhaust, but the exhaust pipes are painted black, which is a nice touch.

The sound quality of the slip-on muffler, while not as pronounced as the full exhaust, accentuates the CB1000F's character. The pleasant melody improves the riding tempo.

The compact riding position gives the CB1000F agility and improves the sense of unity during cornering. Furthermore, you can hold the machine firmly on corner exits, making it enjoyable to open the throttle.

The "CSS (Classic Style Slip-on) Muffler: JMCA Certified (88,000 yen)". The image shows the optional heat-resistant spray "K-BLACK" used to paint the stock exhaust pipe and expansion chamber. This kind of ingenuity is also fun!

As you ride more, you naturally feel the urge to customize the rear suspension. The CB1000F truly invites customization. And the fact that the effects of customization are easily felt is also a charm. The CB1000F is indeed a motorcycle too good to leave stock.

"Honda, in a way, recommends customizing the CB1000F. Our parts, from dress-up to functional components, can even be purchased at Honda Dream dealerships," says Kuwabara.

"Adjusting the riding position allows you to ride while properly pressing down on the front. It also makes the bike feel more compact. It's good to start with the stock bike and enjoy customizing it little by little," says Saito.

The two customized CB1000Fs had the image of the good old CB-F that I had in mind. They are not just nostalgic but have truly become modern CB-Fs. The CB1000F also offered exciting riding. It's very gratifying to experience the feeling that the bike responds properly when the rider envisions their ideal.

Short pipes suit the CB1000F well. It's also interesting how changing the riding position completely alters the bike's impression.

K-FACTORY offers two types of steps for the CB1000F. This simple "Type B (68,200 yen)" allows for four positions by simply moving the step bar.

The Delrin "Front Axle Slider (9,900 yen)" features K-FACTORY branding. It reduces damage to the front forks in case of a fall. The aluminum base plate has a "Stay Gold" finish.

The Delrin-machined "Engine Slider (16,500 yen)" has a low coefficient of friction to slide and disperse impact. Hard rubber is sandwiched between the base and Delrin to absorb shock.

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