Lighter, Stronger, Faster: A Photo Gallery of the All-New 2008 Honda CBR1000RR
While '08 superbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 and the Suzuki Hayabusa are engaged in an all-out horsepower war, Honda has taken a holistic view of performance and redesigned their CBR1000RR to be lighter, more powerful, and better handling than ever before-- in spite of tightening emissions regulations that require beefier exhaust components.
Among the bike's numerous improvements is an all-new 999cc engine with a MotoGP-derived dual ram-air design, a revised Euro-III compliant exhaust system for mass centralization (similar to the system in Buell's 1125R), a slipper clutch, and an electronic steering damper.
Bodywork is freshened for 2008, and revised ergonomics include a seating position that's 10mm forward and 10mm lower, and handlebars that are higher and further forward.
The 2008 Honda CBR1000RR will be priced at $11,599, ($11,799 for the black/metallic grey color scheme, of which less than 500 units will be produced) and though Honda has yet to release an official dry weight figure, we're guessing it will be quite low. We can't pass final judgment until we wrap our legs around one, but so far-- at least on paper-- the 2008 CBR1000RR appears to be quite the stunning contender.
Check out our 2008 Honda CBR1000RR photo gallery, and comment on whether or not you think this new look is an improvement on last year's.
Photo © Honda
Comments
interesting muffler. not quite a buell, but at least not a chrome can hanging off the side.
Heinous! That pipe is absolutely hideous and they way they redesigned the front just doesn’t look right. It looks like it has been compacted and smooshed in, like it just ran into the back of a car! And last but not least… why did honda decide to copy suzuki by going with the integrated blinkers in the mirror??? Bad idea! I like honda’s but this years model is really turning me off. They should have kept the same looks as last year and then made the performance and weight changes. I think the only thing that honda will have going for it with this bike is the Honda loyal customers….
Brett,
I don’t understand your objection to the muffler. It looks pretty well integrated to me. That versus a big chrome can hanging off the side, which is what 90% of sport bikes have.
It looks like it ran into a brick wall
I’m with Brett….the exhaust system is butt ugly…right off the GSXR which is where it should have been left. I’m as big a Honda fan as you’ll ever find - but they sure blew that one. I’m sure it works - but so does the R1 and 1098. That’s what an exhaust system should look like!
Brett…I think I’ve met you on PGR3??