A Deeper Look at the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR
Wednesday February 6, 2008
I posted a photo gallery of the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR immediately following its official unveil nearly five months ago, and since then I've been fortunate enough to test the all-new superbike at Laguna Seca raceway. The experience was impressive, to say the least, and I'll be sharing my observations soon in a full review.
In the meantime, here's an updated photo gallery of the 2008 CBR1000RR; it features action shots from the launch, closeups of the bike's unique features (like its mass-centralized exhaust system and Ducati 1098-like ram-air intakes), and tech tidbits like the electronic steering damper that's hidden from plain view.
Enjoy the 2008 CBR1000RR photo gallery, and stay tuned for my full review.
Photo © Honda
Comments
Great looks for an all new bike, sure to be a competitor for king of the segment, but the new ZX-10R might just be that little bit harder edged on the track. Didn’t like the nose when I first saw it months ago, but it’s starting to grow on me. I just think it would’ve looked better on a new generation Blackbird, but Honda seems to have abandoned the hyperbike segment.
Now for my PC rant: I still don’t think these vehicles are necessary, or even safe, on the streets. With the CBR1000RR and ZX-10R getting completely new makeovers to make them even more rediculously faster than before, it’s time to start thinking about a European type standard for driving age regulation based on engine displacement. Maybe that would encourage the manufacturers to bring over the CBR125, YZF125, etc. I’ve been dying to get one of those! I’d much rather be pushing the limits of one of those fun little guys around corners rather than worry about if 180hp is enough to make my tire slip during full lean at mid-corner.
JimBig….your point that the current stable of demon bikes are not safe / necessary / logical etc is one shared by many (I’m not one of them). Should you have an opportunity to spend some time on a new litre bike, the appeal, giggle factor and permanent stupid grin are testimony to the finest bikes anyone has made - ever. If there still remains any doubt, put one a track for a day. There’s part 2 of the “Why so fast?” case. Again…not a bad point…maybe they should be relegated to the track.
The problem however is not the bike…never was. It is the assinine laws that allow inexperienced dumb ass kids to own one. They’re dead or in a wheel chair in 2 weeks and everyone blames the bike. I used to be a dumb ass kid…I had no business making it to 18…I was a complete idiot on a 175. If these bikes had existed I wouldn’t seen my 2nd week into 16.
Imagine all the dead kids if the Mclaren F1LM or the Enzo were only $15k!
We have to convince lawmakers to put limits on. It works in Europe.
I’m not sure you can regulate who can and who cannot purchase a bike like these. In this country you are an adult at 18 and can vote, own property, or do almost anything else any adult can do. The drinking age might be an exception. I personally do not see a need for these bikes on the street and maybe they should be regulated to be used on a track only but who is going to make the determination which one would go where? Pete, I do agree that the problem is not the bike but here we have the same argument as gun control. I am totally against any laws that would limit our ability to purchase either guns or bikes. I guess you could consider me a Jeffersonian. The more laws we have the less freedoms we have. Lets try to educate riders and maybe limit the purchases to riders that have an “M” endorsement. Beyond that what can we do?
Literbikes require responsibility.
I’ve often said that if I had one of these when I was a teenager, I might not be around to test them now; their power is addictive, and a great deal of respect is required when exploring the capabilities of many of the sportbikes currently available on the market.
The reality– fortunate or unfortunate, depending on your disposition– is that manufacturers feel the need to outdo each other in order to stay competitive. Does anybody need a 200 horsepower motorcycle? Probably not. But the climate is such that a Yamaha employee recently said something to the effect that the upcoming V-Max won’t be taken seriously if it has any less than 200 horsepower.
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, it speaks volumes that the CBR1000RR was launched at the track. While it’s perfectly capable of being used every day on the streets, it really shines on the track. It happens to be incredibly user friendly, but is also accurate and well-balanced.
Basem
Zoom…your analogy of bikes and guns is bang on. It’s not hard at all to find people who are rabid anti gun. Politicians in Canada have wasted - and raked in - millions & millions of tax payer$$ putting togther a gun registry that accomplished absolutely nothing…other than the monetary debacle. They never got it…..people who register their guns are the law abiding ones…it’s as if they expected all the gang bangers and ‘bad guys’ to line up and register their Mac 10’s & AK’s.
I for one would love to take up target shooting - but it’s so expensive, it’s out of reach. Kind of off topic from where we started, but I would never promote legislation that says “You can’t own that bike” - but I would certainly promote a law that says “5 months experience? You’re staying on a 400 or smaller for at least another 6 months”
There’s my rant! Cheers.