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Head to head

Honda CB1000F vs BMW R 12 G/S

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Honda CB1000F and BMW R 12 G/S are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Honda CB1000F undercuts the BMW R 12 G/S by about $5,796, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CB1000F leads on power with 122 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Honda CB1000F
Our pick
8.3

Honda

Honda CB1000F
BMW R 12 G/S
8.0

BMW

BMW R 12 G/S

The verdict

The Honda CB1000F edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the BMW R 12 G/S wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

BMW R 12 G/S

109 hp.

Most exciting

Honda CB1000F

122 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Honda CB1000F

Our 8.3/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda CB1000F

211 kg with an 795 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Honda CB1000F

Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$10,599$16,395
KickTheStand score8.3 / 108 / 10
Performance
Engine1000cc four1170cc twin
Power122 hp109 hp
Torque103 Nm115 Nm
Power-to-weight0.58 hp/kg0.48 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork45mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 210mm travel
Rear suspensionPro-Link monoshockFully adjustable monoshock, 200mm travel
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-pistonTwin 310mm discs, Brembo 2-piston
Rear brakesSingle 240mm discSingle 265mm disc, Brembo 2-piston
Dimensions & practicality
Weight211 kg229 kg
Seat height795 mm862 mm
Fuel capacity17 L15.5 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcommuting, sport, cruisingadventure, touring, cruising

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Honda CB1000F vs BMW R 12 G/S: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda CB1000F or the BMW R 12 G/S?

The Honda CB1000F makes the most power at 122 hp and 103 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda CB1000F or the BMW R 12 G/S?

The Honda CB1000F is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,599.

Which is lighter, the Honda CB1000F or the BMW R 12 G/S?

The Honda CB1000F is the lightest at 211 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CB1000F or the BMW R 12 G/S?

For a new rider we'd point to the BMW R 12 G/S: 109 hp and 229 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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