Honda CBR 1000RR

Once opened past 4000rpm the engine note takes on a gruff tone and unlimited power is at hand. Beyond 8000rpm it takes expert throttle modulation to keep this short wheelbase bike’s front wheel on the deck, but despite this the RR always has you feeling in control of the motorcycle.

Stuffed into a 1410mm wheelbase, the CBR1000RR never feels a full-blown 1000cc superbike. It’s just too compact for that, even with its largish-looking tank feeling nice and supportive between a rider’s thighs. The RR’s riding posture is just as uncomfortable as any other race-bred motorcycle with its aggressive riding stance. Its weight-forward riding position does well to load up the front end, but is a real palm-killer.

The bike uses a four-piece gravity die-cast frame. Front suspension is 43mm inverted telescopic forks, while the rear is brought up by Honda’s Pro-link system and a gas- charged monoshock, both of which are adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. A massive alloy swingarm holds up the rear. Braking comprises of a combined ABS system with radial-mounted four-piston front calipers chomping on 320mm twin discs up front, to haul the ’Blade from 100kph to rest in 46.71 metres.
The combined ABS system works so well that we could never feel it working. Handling is surprisingly light, and cornering ability was as sharp as we expected. An electronically adjusted steering damper made the CBR easier to steer at low speed, and progressively stiffened damping to keep us safe at high speeds.