Honda's first proper sport-tourer in 10 years
VFR1200F killed 2016 → CB1000GT 2026
From the VFR1200F's 2016 discontinuation until the CB1000GT's launch, Honda had no sport-tourer. The NT1100 (2022) is closer to a tourer with adventure DNA — long-travel suspension, more upright. The CB1000GT is a genuine sport-tourer in the VFR tradition: fairing, sporty riding position, road-focused chassis, panniers.
V4 → inline-4 — Honda's tradition broken
Fireblade-derived engine instead
Every previous Honda sport-tourer used a V4 engine: VFR750F, VFR800FI, VFR800 VTEC, VFR1200F, even the original CBR1000F was a sport-tourer with an inline-4. The CB1000GT uses the Fireblade inline-4 as its base, retuned for torque. This is the first inline-4 Honda sport-tourer since the 90s CBR1000F.
£11,999 OTR — disruptive pricing
Undercuts Yamaha by £1,500, BMW by £4,000
The CB1000GT's £11,999 launch price massively undercuts every direct rival. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: £13,499. Suzuki GSX-S1000GX: £13,499. BMW S 1000 XR: £15,995. Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX SE: £14,999. The Honda is the cheapest 140bhp+ sport-tourer on UK sale by a clear margin.
Showa EERA semi-active suspension - segment-leading
Adjusts every 15 milliseconds
Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) is fitted as standard. Damping adjusts in real time based on inputs from the 6-axis IMU. Rear has electronic preload adjustment — switch from solo riding to two-up with luggage at the press of a button. BMW S 1000 XR has comparable Dynamic ESA, but it's £4,000 more expensive.
Heated grips + panniers + cruise + heated everything = STANDARD
No accessory kit upsell
Most rivals charge separately for the touring kit. CB1000GT ships with hard panniers, heated grips, cruise control, adjustable screen, and heated grips as standard. Saves roughly £1,500 in optional fitments compared to the equivalent Tracer 9 GT specced up.
DCT not available — manual only
Dropped from VFR1200F-era choice
VFR1200F could be specced with DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) — Honda's two-pedal automatic gearbox. CB1000GT cannot. Honda has its E-Clutch system (semi-auto, retains shift pedal) on smaller models, but that's not on the GT either. The standalone quickshifter is the only auto-shift assist offered.
