HONDA The Power of Dreams

As far back as 1988, when the CB1000 SUPER FOUR went on sale, the in-line 4-cylinder CBR1000F and V4 VFR750F were Honda’s popular models, both full-fairing high-performance machines. In contrast, the universal, standard CB series did not have a large model.

At that time, there were engineers at Honda R&D who had grown up admiring the CBs of yesteryear. In 1989, a sketch drawn by one of the designers instantly sparked to quest to develop the next-generation flagship CB model.

Their desire was to build a CB that they would want to ride, in turn leading to a CB that customers would also feel as passionate about. At this point, they were not recognized as an official development team.

Despite not yet being approved as a development team, they started working on a clay model to build momentum within the company.

The engine was based on the CBR1000F’s existing water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder, giving it a muscular, high quality appearance.

Through their enthusiastic efforts, support for the development of the next-generation CB flagship model gradually began to spread within Honda.

Engineers frequently discussed what the next generation of Honda’s naked road sports model should be like.

They defined the concept, specifically as

• -  Powered by a water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine
• -  Design must be sexy and wild
• -  Performance must be mesmerizing to the rider

This concept was named “PROJECT BIG-1,” and development had formally begun.

PROJECT BIG-1 was applied also to the development of the CB400 SUPER FOUR.

The CB400 SUPER FOUR, which was being developed exclusively for Japan, was scheduled to go on sale in 1992, but the CB1000 SUPER FOUR, which concurrently being developed, was not approved for sale as it was not equipped with the advanced technology a flagship model demanded, and it was intended for overseas sales.

To see how customers would react, the CB1000 SUPER FOUR was exhibited as a reference model at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show. The aim was to promote the image of the CB400 SUPER FOUR, which had just been green-lit for launch.

The side cover of the exhibit featured the PROJECT BIG-1 emblem, revealing the concept to the world for the first time.

They had promoted not only the bike, but the BIG-1 concept of being the Number One in terms of intensity and presence, and for the rider.

Motorcycle enthusiasts who attended the Tokyo Motor Show were fascinated by its muscular and imposing proportions. The overwhelming response led to the official launch of the CB1000 SUPER FOUR.

In November 1992, as riders' expectations were high, the CB1000 SUPER FOUR was launched in Japan, ahead of the rest of the world.

In 1993, the CB1000 SUPER FOUR sold approximately 4,000 units per year, making it the most popular large road sports model in the world.

The CB1000 SUPER FOUR was realized by the voluntary activities of the developers, and their ideas and technologies were embodied in the CB1000 SUPER FOUR to share with all sports bike fans.

In Europe, the CB1000 SUPER FOUR was released as the 1993 CB1000.

In 1994, the CB1000 SUPER FOUR with a bikini fairing was added to the CB1000 SUPER FOUR lineup as the CB1000 SUPER FOUR T2. The T2 was completely black, enhancing the its fearless appearance.

The Japanese motorcycle market changed dramatically after the launch of the CB1000 SUPER FOUR.

In September 1996, motorcycle rider’s license categories were revised, and large motorcycle licenses could be issued at designated riding schools. Until then, the only way to obtain a large motorcycle license was to be tested at a rider’s license examination center. The revision made obtaining a license much easier.

This change led to increased expectations for large, 1,000 cc+ models, and manufacturers soon launched large road sports models.

The CB1000 SUPER FOUR would morph into the next generation CB1300 SUPER FOUR, which aimed to be the flagship of naked road sports suitable for the new era.