Freddie Spencer Rides 2026 Honda CB1000F at Monterey Car Week

Three-time World Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Freddie Spencer rode the all-new 2026 Honda CB1000F this past weekend during Monterey Car Week, taking part in The Quail Run. This event marked the first time the 2026 Honda CB1000F was ridden publicly in the U.S., showcasing the new model alongside Honda's rich motorsports history.

The activity brought together one of Honda’s celebrated racers with a motorcycle whose styling draws inspiration from the CB750F and CB900F models Spencer raced in the early 1980s. The Quail Run involved approximately two dozen participants on a scenic route through the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Valley, beginning and ending at Laguna Seca.

The 2026 Honda CB1000F's Debut

The 2026 Honda CB1000F, making its U.S. riding debut with Freddie Spencer, features styling cues from classic Honda CB-F machines. Beneath its retro appearance, the motorcycle is built on the modern foundation of the CB1000 Hornet SP.

This design combines open-class performance with advanced technology, aiming to provide a comfortable riding experience. Spencer commented on the bike's engine, noting that Honda has restored the changing pitch sound characteristic of the original inline engines.

He also praised the integration of modern technology that enhances the ride without interfering with the experience. Spencer highlighted the bike's handling and its ability to blend memories of older motorcycles with contemporary refinement, suggesting it will appeal to a wide range of riders.

Freddie Spencer's Connection to Honda's Legacy

Freddie Spencer's history with Honda's CB-F motorcycles dates back to the early 1980s, when he rose as a top road racer in AMA competition. His success during this period established both Spencer and Honda as significant forces in AMA Superbike racing.

Following his AMA achievements, Spencer moved to the world stage, where he secured three Grand Prix World Championships. His participation in The Quail Run aboard the 2026 Honda CB1000F underscores his enduring connection to the brand and its heritage.

In addition to riding the 2026 Honda CB1000F, Spencer also performed exhibition laps at Laguna Seca. For these laps, he rode a replica of the Honda NS500, the motorcycle he piloted to win the 1983 500cc Grand Prix World Championship.

Honda's Motorsports Presence at Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week also served as a platform for Honda to celebrate seven decades of its two- and four-wheel motorsports heritage. The company showcased over 20 iconic Honda and Acura championship-winning race vehicles.

Notable motorcycles on display included the 2026 Honda RC213V, Nicky Hayden’s 2006 MotoGP Championship-winning RC211V, Mick Doohan’s 1997 FIM Grand Prix Championship-winning NSR500, and a replica of Dick Mann’s 1970 Daytona 200-winning CR750. Other exhibits featured Honda’s 2004 CBR600RR AMA Formula Xtreme bike and Jett Lawrence’s 2025 SuperMotocross Championship-winning CRF450R.

Ricky Brabec’s 2024 Dakar Rally-winning CRF450 RALLY was also present, with Brabec riding his current factory rally machine during demonstration laps at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and The Quail Run. Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda, noted that Monterey Car Week provided an opportunity to highlight Honda's deep roots in motorsport through these iconic machines and Spencer's involvement with the new 2026 Honda CB1000F.

This event at Monterey Car Week reinforced Honda's ongoing connection to its racing past while introducing a new model that pays homage to its classic designs. For enthusiasts and prospective buyers, the 2026 Honda CB1000F represents a blend of historical styling and contemporary engineering, endorsed by a racing legend.