- Honda’s new CB1000GT and CB1000F have finally arrived in New Zealand after strong overseas reviews
- The CB1000GT brings Honda back into the litre-class sports touring market, while the CB1000F adds a retro roadster option
- Honda has also added E-Clutch to the XL750 Transalp, allowing clutch-free starts and stops while retaining the manual clutch lever
Honda’s 2026 line-up has received a serious boost with the arrival of the CB1000GT, retro-styled CB1000F and E-Clutch-equipped XL750 Transalp.
It’s been a busy year for new motorcycles, but Honda has just added three particularly interesting machines to its New Zealand range.
The all-new CB1000GT and CB1000F have been eagerly awaited following their overseas launches and some seriously positive early reviews, while Honda is also expanding its clever E-Clutch technology into the adventure market with the XL750 Transalp.
We haven’t had the opportunity to throw a leg over any of the three yet, but on paper at least, there’s plenty to get excited about.
CB1000GT takes Honda back into sports touring
Perhaps the biggest news is the arrival of the CB1000GT, which marks Honda’s return to the litre-class sports touring arena with a machine promising a combination of serious performance and genuine long-distance ability.
At its heart is the 1000cc inline-four derived from the Fireblade, producing a claimed 110.1kW (150hp) at 11,000rpm and 102Nm at 8750rpm.
But rather than simply sticking a fairing onto a naked bike, Honda has given the GT the equipment needed to make it a genuine long-distance proposition.
Electronically controlled suspension is standard, along with a quickshifter, five-inch TFT display and IMU-controlled cornering ABS. There’s also a substantial 21-litre fuel tank, while the riding position, screen and bodywork have all been designed with covering big distances in mind.
Kerb weight is a relatively sensible 229kg and seat height is 825mm, suggesting Honda has aimed for a sports tourer that should remain manageable rather than turning into a heavyweight touring barge.
With sports touring enjoying something of a resurgence, the CB1000GT could prove to be one of Honda’s most important new models.
The CB1000GT is priced from $27,995 in New Zealand.
CB1000F brings back some old-school Honda cool
At the other end of the litre-bike spectrum is the CB1000F, and this might be the one that tugs hardest at the heartstrings.
Inspired by Honda’s iconic late-’70s and early-’80s CB-F models, the CB1000F mixes unmistakably retro styling with thoroughly modern underpinnings.
The round headlight, muscular fuel tank and relatively simple lines are deliberately reminiscent of bikes such as the CB750F, but underneath sits a modern 1000cc four-cylinder engine producing a claimed 91kW (124hp) at 9000rpm and 103Nm at 8000rpm.
That slightly softer state of tune compared with the GT should suit the F’s road-focused character nicely, with Honda concentrating on accessible performance and a strong spread of torque rather than chasing a headline horsepower figure.
There’s still plenty of modern technology, including a five-inch TFT display, selectable riding modes and cornering ABS, but the styling is refreshingly uncomplicated.
A low 795mm seat height and upright riding position should also make it a particularly approachable litre-class machine.
Considering how well the CB1000F has been received overseas, we’ve been eagerly waiting to see this one arrive in New Zealand.
The CB1000F is priced from $24,995.
E-Clutch comes to the Transalp
The third arrival might look more familiar, but arguably brings the most interesting technical development.
Honda has expanded its E-Clutch system to the XL750 Transalp for 2026, bringing the technology to its popular middleweight adventure bike.
Importantly, E-Clutch doesn’t turn the Transalp into an automatic.
You still change gear normally using the foot lever, but the system electronically operates the clutch for you. That means you can pull away, change up and down through the gearbox and come to a complete stop without ever touching the clutch lever.
And you can’t stall it.
That could be particularly useful on an adventure bike, whether you’re negotiating stop-start traffic, tackling a steep climb or simply dealing with a long day in the saddle.
But Honda hasn’t removed the clutch lever.
If you want manual clutch control — perhaps for a quick burst of power, negotiating a technical section off-road or simply adding some low-speed finesse — the lever is still sitting exactly where you’d expect it to be and can be used whenever required.
It’s arguably the best part of Honda’s E-Clutch concept: you’re not really giving anything away. You can ride the Transalp conventionally when you want to, or simply forget about the clutch when you don’t.
The 755cc parallel-twin remains, producing a claimed 67.5kW (90hp) and 75Nm, while the 2026 Transalp also gains a number of other updates including revised suspension settings, a new five-inch TFT display, revised fairing and screen, dual projector headlights and additional riding-mode functionality.
The XL750 Transalp is available with either a conventional six-speed manual or six-speed E-Clutch transmission, with pricing starting from $19,495.
Three very different Hondas
While they arrive at roughly the same time, the three bikes couldn’t be much more different.
The CB1000GT is aimed squarely at riders wanting speed and long-distance capability, the CB1000F combines modern litre-bike performance with a healthy dose of nostalgia, while the Transalp E-Clutch takes one of Honda’s most versatile adventure bikes and adds technology designed to make it even easier to ride.
After the overseas reception for the two CB1000 models in particular, we’ve been looking forward to seeing them arrive here.
Now we just need to get our hands on them.
For further info and to find your nearest dealer, head to www.hondamotorbikes.co.nz
