2016 HONDA CBR1000RR C-ABS
ROAD TEST
P86
1996
Engine grows from 893cc to 919cc
via a 1mm increase in bore. Chassis
changes included a new swingarm
and main frame with 5mm higher
swingarm pivot and less overall
weight. Ergonomics were also
changed with the bars mounted
closer and higher to the rider.
everything really well, but noth-
ing truly amazing. And I found
the 1000RR lacking in the per-
sonality department. Hey, in the
face of a 200hp German BMW
sledgehammer or an Italian
Ducati with the sex appeal of
Blake Lively in lingerie, I stand
by my thoughts.
But that does not mean it's
a bad bike, because to say
the 1000RR is anything but a
brilliant interpretation of the
superbike definition is to do
those genius Honda engineers
a thorough disservice. I bet
your accountant isn't the life
of the party, but he's damn
good at his job, right? Plus,
the 1000RR still wins races all
over the world, most notably at
the Isle of Man TT. Okay, John
McGuinness's missile is a tad
different from this one, but you
get the idea.
And there's a funny round-
1998
Another major revision with over
80 percent of the engine changed.
The frame was stiffer, more like the
original 1992 model, there was a
new swingarm and the triple clamps
had 5mm less offset to address the
many complaints of vague front-end
handling. New bodywork and colors
were offered to 900RR customers
as well, but they were also offered
something else, as 1998 was the
debut year of the 900RR's nemesis –
the Yamaha YZF-R1.
Midrange muscle
is easily accessed
via a beautifully
mapped throttle.
