2016 HONDA CBR1000RR C-ABS
ROAD TEST
P88
2004
Honda joins the big boys. Based
closely off the legendary RC211V that
Valentino Rossi used to sweep to the
2002 and 2003 MotoGP titles, the
CBR was now known as the 1000RR
thanks to a capacity hike to 998cc.
It was stroked and bored, received
dual shower injectors, ram-air, a
cassette-style transmission and
that iconic underseat exhaust. The
chassis' dimensions mimicked those
of Rossi's racer, as did the bodywork
aesthetics, with a new main frame and
swingarm, inverted fork, Unit Pro-Link
rear suspension, radial-mounted front
brakes and the gas tank was centrally
located under a faux cover. It was
also the first CBR to receive Honda's
electronic steering damper and
was the first CBR to compete in the
World Superbike Championship with
Australian Chris Vermeulen.
2006
Only small changes to the engine for
2006, featuring straight cylinder head
intake ports, larger exhaust ports,
different valves and timing aimed at
increasing low-to-mid-range torque.
Front brake discs were increased in
diameter from 310mm to 320mm. New
colors but aesthetics remained largely
the same.
questionable. The ride posi-
tion really only makes sense if
you've got short pins or you are
tucked in and going for it.
And if you are going for it,
the 1000RR is there for you,
man. That part I said about
it being born well is on show
from the moment you pitch it
in on the C-ABS-equipped To-
kico front brakes to when that
throttle is wound right back and
you're heading down the next
straightaway. Balance is the
name of the game and there's
a reason the 1000RR's chas-
sis has hardly been touched
for eight years. It doesn't turn
at quite the rate of new R1 or
ZX-10R, but it's absolutely rock
solid when it does and is equal
to the previous two in terms of
mid-corner to exit feel on the
side of the tire.
What helps this tangible
feel on corner exit is the
throttle connection. It's buttery
smooth, and doesn't have that
Throw the CBR on
its side and the
bike is so intuitive
it feels like it's
talking to you.
