Honda has officially launched the 2018 CB1000R at the slightly-daunting Ascari circuit and our resident wheelie chimp Rob Hoyles - recently released from a five-year spandex sentence - was there to slip some clutches... Here are his first thinkings:
"The bike is a mile away from the 2006 version in terms of, well, everything. The attention to detail on the CB1000R has to be seen to be believed, so an eyeball at your dealer is well worth it for the free cup of coffee alone.
"In terms of engine, it is still the same Fireblade lump that was in the 2006 version but with an extra 20bhp courtesy of forged pistons, increased valve lift, larger throttle bodies and a bigger airbox, it's nifty to say the least.
"Steering is is eye-wateringly fast courtesy of the firmly-sprung Showa 'Big Piston' forks which are progressive and soak up bumps like a Baja bastard. In all, this is a bit of a weapon."
Be here, or near here, at 3pm for the full test...
Meanwhile, here's an onboard lap of Ascari with TT hero Steve Plater
