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Blog · 23 October 2026

Honda Bol d'Or: the heritage behind the new CB1000F

With the CB1000F, Honda has launched a retro naked bike reminiscent of the CB750F and CB900F. These models were successful in Europe as the Bol d'Or in the late 1970s and early 1980s. What lies behind the Honda Bol d'Or and how much Fireblade there is in the new CB1000F.

Honda Bol d'Or – Honda CB1000F with classically shaped tank and understated silencer

What is the Honda Bol d'Or?

Honda Switzerland calls the CB1000F a tribute to the Bol d'Or model series, which was successful in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This refers to the four-cylinder CB750F and CB900F; the CB900F was marketed in Europe as the Bol d'Or. According to Honda, the graphics on the tank and side covers of the new Honda CB1000F are inspired by Freddie Spencer's AMA racing motorcycle, and the round headlight sits between two horns.

From the Osaka Motorcycle Show to Europe

Honda showed the CB1000F as a concept on 21 March 2025 at the Osaka Motorcycle Show. Honda announced the production version on 10 October 2025; in Europe it was first seen at EICMA 2025 in Milan.

Fireblade engine with low-down power

The 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine comes from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade; the CB1000F is based on the Honda CB1000 Hornet. For the CB1000F, Honda has retuned the engine: different camshaft timing, intake funnels lengthened by 50 to 140 mm, a new airbox and a 4-2-1 exhaust with a megaphone-shaped silencer. The result: 91 kW at 9,000 rpm and 103 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Honda is thus focusing on power in the low and mid-range rather than on peak output. The first two gears have shorter ratios than on the Hornet, gears 3 to 6 longer ones.

Honda CB1000F in the style of the CB750F with round headlight
The CB1000F: retro design modelled on the Bol d'Or models

Technology and equipment

  • fully adjustable 41 mm Showa upside-down fork (SFF-BP), Pro-Link shock at the rear
  • cornering ABS and 6-axis IMU, three riding modes (Standard, Sport, Rain) and two user modes, HSTC traction control and wheelie control
  • 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync, Smart Key, USB-C and full LED
  • seat height 795 mm, 16-litre tank, 214 kg ready to ride
  • quickshifter as a genuine accessory

Honda calls the development goal “Best Balanced Roadster”: the CB1000F is meant to ride like a middleweight motorcycle while still giving the feel of a big motorcycle. With 91 kW, it requires a category A licence. More retro and custom models are shown in the Honda Custom category.

The CB1000F at Honda Motorrad Zürich

  • Honda CB1000F, retro naked bike with four-cylinder and round headlight

    Honda CB1000F

    Model year 2026
    Displacement
    1,000 cc
    Power
    91 kW
    Fuel tank
    16 l

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Honda Bol d'Or and the CB1000F

What does Bol d'Or mean at Honda?

This was the name of the model series of the four-cylinder CB750F and CB900F, which was successful in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. According to Honda Switzerland, the new CB1000F is a tribute to this Honda Bol d'Or.

Which engine does the Honda CB1000F have?

A 1000 cm³ in-line four-cylinder engine from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade, retuned for the CB1000F for power in the low and mid-range.

How much power does the CB1000F have?

91 kW at 9,000 rpm and 103 Nm at 8,000 rpm.

Does the CB1000F have a quickshifter?

Not as standard. The quickshifter is available as a genuine Honda accessory, individually or in the Sports Pack.

Which licence does the CB1000F require?

A category A licence, as the CB1000F delivers more than 35 kW.

Further links

More from Honda Motorrad Zürich and the MX-Academy