2008 CBR1000RR (Plus my Experience on an earlier Model)

“In 2008 Honda reinforces a long-standing legacy of creating breathtaking breakthroughs in the liter bike class. The all-new CBR1000RR establishes a higher standard for weight reduction and compact, centralized mass to produce the pinnacle of sportbike performance and rideability.”

Allen: I bet you’re wondering, why post about a motorcycle (maybe not)? We at 62mph like to review all thing motorized. I’d put a post about a go-ped if it could do 200 mph, but mostly because both Austin and I ride.

This is a gorgeous motorcycle. I picked the color for the picture that I liked but there are many options including a black/ metallic gray combo that will cost you extra because only 500 are going to be produced. I can only imagine that this bike like its predecessor packs some serious punch.

I have had the opportunity to ride a 2005 CBR1000RR. It’s fast. Too fast (if there is such a thing?). Now I only weigh 125 lbs. I know I’m a lightweight but it helps make just about anything fast including the Suzuki GS500E that I started riding on.

My friend had purchased a CBR1000RR and offered to let me ride it. How could I refuse. I hopped on and pulled out of his driveway (helmet on my head.). I moved to a quiet street with no driveways or any place that someone could jump out in front of me. I twisted to half throttle from a 3 mph roll, the back tire spun and started smoking.

“Uh, crap. This not my bike, don’t lay it down.” I told myself. My heart was racing and I eased off to let the tire grip. I recovered.

I proceeded up to a 20 mph roll and twisted it back to half throttle. The tachometer screamed up to 9,500 rpm. That same instance I saw the night sky. I stayed with it a little in hopes that the power would ease off but it didn’t. The front kept climbing as the stars streaked across the night sky. At that instance, I decided it would be best to let go of the throttle. I front came down and I glanced at the speedo. 70 mph, in first gear.

“Dear Lord this is unbelievable!” I mutter under my breath. Especially at only half throttle. I couldn’t bear to think about what full throttle would be like especially with me on it.

I did the only logical thing at that point. I drove it back to my friend, handed him the keys with my Adrenalin stricken hand, and told him “Thanks for the ride, I’ve had enough.”

The truth is, I liked the bike. But I would never recommend some get on one with no riding experience . I had about a year and a half under my belt and could see how someone could get into trouble real fast on one. I don’t think I would like to own one but I’ll never pass up a chance to ride one again. If you’re still interested, and I hope you are. The specs are below.

Specifications

Model: CBR1000RR

Engine Type: 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55.1mm

Compression ratio: 12.3:1

Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping

Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed

Final Drive: #530 O-ring-sealed chain

Suspension
Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability;
4.7 inches travel
Rear: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 320mm discs
Rear: Single 220mm disc

Tires
Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/50ZR-17 radial

Wheelbase: 55.4 inches

Rake (Caster angle): 23.3°

Trail: 96.2mm (3.8 inches)

Seat Height: 32.3 inches

Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gallons, including 1.06-gallon reserve

Colors:
Red/Black
Black/Metallic Grey†
Black/Metallic Silver
Pearl Yellow/Black
Candy Dark Red/Metallic Silver

Curb Weight*: TBD

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel- ready to ride.

† Limited color run, less than 500

Meets current EPA standards.