Full Review: 2008 Honda CBR1000RR
Though Honda officials have described the 2008 CBR1000RR as "first and foremost a streetbike," a telling sign of the bike's MotoGP-derived spirit is the fact that it was launched at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Improvements to Honda's all-new literbike include mass centralization (which results in some controversial visual features), 17 lbs less weight, and an unspecified bump in power. I had the privilege of putting the all-new bike through its paces at the track, and while I can't tell you how it will handle grocery runs or urban commutes, a day at Laguna makes it clear the CBR1000RR is probably more bike than you need unless your last name is Hayden or Duhamel (both of whom happened to drop by Laguna the week of the launch.)
Here's my 2008 Honda CBR1000RR full review. And for a little comparison shopping, check out my Ducati 1098S, Suzuki GSXR-1000, and Buell 1125R reviews.
Photo © Kevin Wing
Comments
Basem - Great article!
I almost feel bad…Jealousy is one of the 7 deadly sins and I’m jealous as sin! Something about “Thou shalt not covet thy brothers job”??
Sounds like you had a really good time at Laguna. No surprise the bike is a winner….now we hope AH, Hodgson, Duhamel & Zemke can give Mladin & Spies a run for their $$.
Thanks, Pete; it’s really hard to find fault with Honda’s latest efforts. They put more design time into the ‘08 CBR1000RR than any other modern Honda sportbike, and it shows.
As with any job some days are better than others, but that day at Laguna was definitely a highlight.
Basem
The thing is ugly, compared to the previous CBR 1000 - but the significant mechanical improvements more than make up for its dorky looks. I haven’t ridden one yet, but if it’s as much better than my ‘06 ‘Blade as everyone says that it is, then I definitely want one!