2018 Honda CB4 Interceptor concept – retro racer

Shown during the 2017 EICMA show in Milan last November, the Honda CB4 Interceptor concept bike is based around the Neo Sports Cafe design that was shown in Tokyo last year. The Interceptor name began in 1983 for Honda, with the first of the V-four sports bikes that were avant-garde and cutting edge then, but this time around, it is being applied to a retro-looking racer.

Taking cues from the Honda Bol D’or racers of the 80s, notably the CBR1000F, the CB4 Interceptor has its roots in the CB4 Concept that was given public display in 2015. Pride of place is given to an inline-four with a four-into-one exhaust.

Shod in racing slicks, Brembo Monobloc radial callipers clamp solid floating brake discs in front – when was the last time you saw a large displacement motorcycle without drilled discs? – while Ohlins supplies the suspension front and rear. Honda’s Pro Arm single-sided swingarm holds up the rear-end, with a five-spoke wheel derived from the NSR racing motorcycles.

Designed by Italian designer Valerio Aiello, the CB4 Interceptor is murdered out in matte black, and the lines of the front cowl flow seamlessly into the tank. Inside the cockpit a gauge displays the necessary information for the rider, while a touchscreen located on the tank shows navigation as well as connectivity, including the ability to make emergency calls.

Interestingly, a fan powered by the forward motion of the CB4 Interceptor provides power for the touch screen, decreasing battery load. Starting is keyless with a start button, located on the tank where the key barrel would be in a normal bike.

As for Malaysia, 2018 will see the release of the CBR1000R, alongside the CBR1000RR superbike, CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike and the X-Adv adventure scooter. Competition in the local market for the Honda CBR1000R includes the BMW Motorrad S1000R, priced at RM92,900 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000 at RM74,094.

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