2008 Honda CBR1000RR
2008 Honda CBR1000RR
2008 Honda CBR1000RR
The new flagship Honda CBR1000RR definitely looks like it will get you everywhere fast! This long awaited superbike features an all-new 999cc engine and prior to its unveiling; there has been much speculation as to what the new CBR1000RR was going to be like.
At the heart of the CBR100RR is an all-new 999cc engine. Honda has reverted to a more oversquare bore/stroke combo with the new engine now utilizing 76mm x 55.1mm bore/stroke versus previous model’s 75mm x 56.5mm arrangement. It sports eight new lightweight 30.5mm titanium intake valves and a slightly higher 12.3:1 compression. A slightly bigger bore and a shorter stroke motor have the potential to be a scorcher.
A new dual stage fuel injection system (DSFI) incorporates 46mm throttle bodies featuring a pair of 12-hole Denso injectors per cylinder. Powering the new FI system is a smaller ECU that provides two separate fuel injection and ignition maps for each of the four cylinders. Dispersing the engine’s power is a new MotoGP styled mid-muffler exhaust system that is tucked low which help keep mass centralized down low.
The CBR1000RR features a cable actuated slipper clutch which will bridge the gap between the engine and the close-ratio six-speed transmission. Clutch lever pull is light and smooth which is definitely going to be a big plus around town.
The new Honda CBR1000RR also has an all-new twin-spar aluminum frame that utilizes hollow fine die-cast manufacturing process. With wall thickness measuring a scant 2.5mm, Honda engineers have designed frame members to attain specific rigidities in particular pieces. As a result, the '08 frame has been reduced to just four castings compared to the '07 frame which utilized 11 welded sections and this equates to a stronger and lighter frame.
The frame wasn't the only spot where Honda engineers aimed to reduce weight. The new machine sports lighter aluminum-alloy hollow-spoke wheels and a lighter, more compact battery. Even the front brake hoses and kickstand have been slimmed down. Braking components received a bit of an upgrade in the form of a new monoblock-style radial mount four-piston front brake calipers and highly-perforated dual 320mm floating discs. The 43mm HMAS inverted fork makes a return as well as the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension. This year the swingarm looks quite different as it accommodates the new Moto-GP-inspired exhaust.
For those who need more performance from the CBR1000RR, a full line of genuine HRC components including cams, transmission kit, wiring harness, exhaust system, throttle kit, suspension, air intake kit, and oversized radiator will all be available for purchase in spring 2008.
