Attention All '06 1000RR Owners - Your Help Please

Hi,
 
I very reluctantly started researching the Honda CBR1000RR after deciding that I did not want to wait for the new Hayabusa, and to be clear the only reason I was/am interested in the Hayabusa is because I saw how well it can be tweaked into a touring bike even including two-up touring and because I love the effortless of a lot of low end torque. So in effect it is two bikes in one. (I am still awaiting the Concours14 which as some of you may know will have the 1350cc engine with a shaft drive and even more low end torque).
 
I had just about talked myself into the Honda which has the same retail as the ZX-14 and has 350cc less when I came across the following REVIEW: It seems (from the review) that everything posters have admired about the bike are now gone...Please read on and comment: Thank you in advance for your time and attention in this matter. (This is the link to the review on motorcycle.com:
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mchonda/06_06_CBR1000RR/index.motml
 
I VERY MUCH WOULD APPRECIATE OWNER OF THE '06CBR1000RR TO READ AND COMMENT. THANKS AGAIN
 
By Sean Alexander, February 2006
The 2005 CBR 1000RR was rock solid: Extremely stable if a tad slow-steering, which helped it inspire a lot of confidence in its erstwhile pilots. Indeed, all of our testers, short of expert-level racers, went faster because of that extra confidence. However, with our pro-level tester the CBR fell behind its rivals in outright speed. It was slower on acceleration and heavier to turn, meaning, in short, the Honda got beat where getting beat counts: on the racetrack and in magazine shootouts. Yes, it can be argued it was a better everyman's bike, but losing anything sits poorly at Honda, and the fix was in: make the 2006 more flickable, harder accelerating and able to carve a tighter line.
 
They accomplished this; I would even go so far as to say that they exceeded the target. But herein is my problem: I just don't agree with how they got there; the ends don't, as we all say, justify the means. This bike no longer shines in the confidence department. True, it's more fun at the limit, but that reassuring CBR "feel" of being easier to ride and more stable than its competition was the first casualty of the new ride; it's just not there.
 
And I've avoided inking this story, today and every day for the past five weeks: I like Hondas, respect their engineering heritage, love their take-no-prisoners racing history (both two- and four-wheel I might add) and would say Sochiro Honda is one of my top five most-revered motorsport icons. Complicating this, I especially like the people I interact with at American Honda, and while I'm adept at being MO's problem-solver, I disdain being its problem creator. Yet, here I am, dissing my second-favorite (behind Ferrari) marque, and doing so six weeks late, at that. {Sigh} Well, then, nothing left now but to partake of the nitty gritty of what I liked and didn't, read on and feel free to disagree, MOFOs.
 

its 1 opinion....

Well, if you're concerned about "confidence inspiring" cornering such as in the review, then you shouldn't be looking into a busa or the 14. The 14 and busa sure as hell aren't made to handle extremely sharply. The busa and 14 are heavy and long. Not exactly "corner inspiring".
 

I am fully aware that the Busa is not for carving up Topanga Canyon (I would be looking at a 2007 CBR600RR if that were the case), nor was or am I contemplating the ZX-14,  I only mentioned it for it seems for the same amount of dollars they are offering alot more engine and that is why I mentioned the additional 350 cc size...I was referring to this part of the review..."being easier to ride and more stable than its competition" That was attractive to me in all of the postings I read and now the reviewer claims that very quality is gone...so I am asking present day '06 owners if they agree...Thanks!

quote:

ORIGINAL: christopherf
I am fully aware that the Busa is not for carving up Topanga Canyon (I would be looking at a 2007 CBR600RR if that were the case), nor was or am I contemplating the ZX-14,  I only mentioned it for it seems for the same amount of dollars they are offering alot more engine and that is why I mentioned the additional 350 cc size...I was referring to this part of the review..."being easier to ride and more stable than its competition" That was attractive to me in all of the postings I read and now the reviewer claims that very quality is gone...so I am asking present day '06 owners if they agree...Thanks!

Wow. You are all over the place. There is no focus to your decision of picking out a bike. First, you want to tour. Then you want to have a bike to make race track corners. Which one is it? The Haya and Zx are not on the same grade as 1kRR. Two different categories.

Also; Busa does not need to be tuned for touring, it is already a sports/touring bike. The CBR line is not intended for touring, its a super sport bike that was meant for street/track (yes, people still tour but its not the purpose of 1k). As for the article, you should read the part where the author said that the CBR fell behind during the PRO RACER test. That means that he was not the pilot of the bike. Hence, the article is an OPINION from 2nd person's view. He can not judge the bike from personal experience, he is judging it by the riders performance.

As for quality, that is your opinion and not the authors'. He said lack of confidence, which is a feeling not a trait quality.

I am not a Pro Race (nor will I ever be) but in my opinion, I have yet to find a flaw with my 06 1000RR. This bike installs more confidence in me than any other bike I have owned (my previous being a 900RR) It has been the best purchase I have ever made. Of course, I have no desire to ride 8 hour days on the bike going constant speeds.

-If you want power and handeling (carving through curves) get a 1000RR

-If you want flat out, straight line speeds, get a Busa

-If you want a touring bike, get a Goldwing.

Perhaps you should focus more on the line of Sport Touring bikes.

Dear alekinci,
 
I find your reply a bit harsh actually a lot harsh and argumentative; inflamatory as if you are looking for a fight...not exactly a warm and welcoming.
 
NOT that you need an explanation but apropos "you are all of the place"..."there is no focus", I made it clear that initially I was seeking the Hayabusa not for speed but because it can be converted easily to a sport tourer...go to Pashnit.com, the owner there takes bikers on tours throughout California and has gone into great detail on how to modify the bike to be a tourer and touring friendly...it does not start out that way.
 
When my wife made it clear that she will not come along on two up touring I started looking at other bikes. Again I was never seriously looking at the ZX-14. I only mentioned it (now the second time) because I was really surprised to find the the CBR1000RR priced about the same for an engine being 350cc less.
 
Lastly I am still awaiting for the Concours14 because I feel it will not require the myriad number of tweaks to set it up for sport touring as the Busa (and for that matter the number of tweaks to the CBR1000RR to get it ideal) and I like that it has a shaft drive.
 
Clearly I am still hoping that after one year's time my wife may change her mind and in the interim I will have what appears to be very much a sports bike; maybe not SUPER SPORT. Just curious how do you guys view the ZX-14?
 
By the way if you go to the link to article I provided it does show the author on the bike...apropos "That means that he was not the pilot of the bike"
 
Where do you infer this from "Then you want to have a bike to make race track corners"?
 
Did you know that in a 2007 shootout conducted on May 7th 2007 Superbike Smackdown IV conducted by BikeTestUSA.com it found the 2007 CBR1000RR TO BE THE BEST (FIRST PLACE) FOR THE STREET, not the track?!
 
This fact is still yet another reason I was considering it. I hope you are not representative of CBR riders...when I went into the mods section people seemed not as nasty.
 
 

the louder you bitch the less people will listen....u know honey instead of vinegar....look i drove 3 days ago for 15 hours on my cbr 1000rr....from 4:30 am till 6 Am the next morning (few breaks)....dude i've got no pain if ur looking for that.  The CBR's are known to be the best bikes in the world hands down, read any respectable magazine and listen to their reviews.  This is kind of like the sport tires vs sport touring arguments.  Your really not gonna get the best of both worlds, you have to meet midpoint and see which end you could sacrifice. If you reallllllly want plush then go for a Goldwing, their awesome.  But then again, when you get that itch to ride hard and hit twisties just understand that your not gonna be slamming thru turns like your buddies on sports.  Also have you ever really ridden something as fast as these big bikes?....I mean what is it that YOU want?...I think you want the power and sport and yet want to be able to drive the bike for hours or long rides too.  I do both on my 06 1000.  Just hit the gym and do riding specific exercises to strengthen your body man.  Anyways, why would you wanna buy a suzuki anyways? lol....buy the wife some bus tickets while your at it as well lol

Hey I have already acknowledged that it is a great bike. I have even cited a very recent shootout wherein the 2007 CBR1000RR was found to be the best of the bunch for the street which is what got my attention...on May 7th 2007 Superbike Smackdown IV conducted by BikeTestUSA.com it found the 2007 CBR1000RR TO BE THE BEST (FIRST PLACE) FOR THE STREET
 
I totally disagree with you on this..."Your really not gonna get the best of both worlds" that it has to be either a Goldwing or...the more I contemplate this I feel that the Concours14 will give me a lot, if not all of what I want from both worlds...You say I have to meet "midpoint" and then go on to cite the extremes as if it is Goldwing or
 
and this is totally not called for "buy the wife some bus tickets while your at it as well lol" geez grow up

YEa, none of the atributes of the 1krr are gone for 06-07. The bike is still crazy stable and comfy! The hesd is great, It hugs turns and goes exactilly where you want it to. That guy is lost if he thinks it's not a user friendly bike. and please stop yelling at us. It's just annoying. 

There are a lot of people in this forum and you are bound to interact with one that will upset you. Don't let it get under your skin.

Bottom line- the CBR is a GREAT bike. The rest is going to be up to you. By that, I mean we all have our individual differences and preferences. For example, AudiCBR can ride 15 hours and not get sore. I start getting sore after 4 - 6 hours on the CBR (and after 1 hour on a GSXR 1k). The bike handles great and I find it to be very forgiving. Worst case scenario, you can get an aftermarket seat and raise the handle grips and you will be set.

Thank you for an honest reply/impression.
 
I had no idea I was yelling at anyone. It is my understanding that when one writes in caps it is perceived according to netiquette as yelling. I am 58 years old and even with my special "computer glasses" using the default font size is not so easy to see so I make it larger

for Onaram,
 
Thanks for this it is very helpful..."get an aftermarket seat and raise the handle grips and you will be set." I read somewhere that with the Heli bars they (the bars) actually come up as much as one and one half inches. 
 
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Christopher

lol your 58 and wanna ride a bullet, man im 25 and sometimes though u know in traffic it can hurt etc etc(i do a lot of highway long road runs)....at 58 shit u wouldn't catch me near a 1000rr....goldwing cruisin here i come lol....the wife thing was a joke get over it

Well, here's the bottom line;
 
If you want something that's got extreme power, handles razor sharp (once you get used to it), exceptional build quality and good looks, then get the 1000RR, any year really. But as you know, a lot of changes happened between 04-05 and the 06-07 years. I've never been on an 04-05 so I can't compare.
If you want something to ride all day and not interested in having something on the edge, then look into a tourer like an FZR, BMW etc etc. Even the body position of the Busa and similar "touring" bikes aren't going to be comfortable to ride for long distance.
 
It all depends on what you want to do with it.

Dear AudiCBR
 
"the wife thing was a joke get over it" well aren't you nice
 
"...at 58 shit u wouldn't catch me near a 1000rr....goldwing cruisin here I come..."
 
you are too young to be so old! (by this I mean of course in your consciousness)

dwhite645,
 
This "Even the body position of the Busa and similar "touring" bikes aren't going to be comfortable to ride for long distance" runs contrary to just about all of the first hand accounts I have seen (complete with photos) for "touring" and two up in the FJR sites (especially the European FJR sites) and even in the numerous Busa sites. The BMW's never did it for me...too much dough for not enough go...Heli bars can go on Busa's too making the rider position even less aggressive.  
 
I am a little confused by "if you want something you can ride all day" as this sounds like you are saying the "touring" bikes are comfortable for that in fact is what they are intended for but then you go on to say "aren't going to be comfortable to ride for long distance" which sounds like 180 degrees the opposite. Care to clarify?
 
Thanks!

My background:  I had a 2000 Hayabusa and a 2004 Gixxer1000 and also currently have a 97 Harley Superglide along with my 06 1000RR.  I strongly disagree with the 05 1000RR reviewer.  I did test ride an 04 (or maybe it was an 05?).  It was good but the 06 is better and the most confidence inspiring bike I have ridden.  It is also the finest bike I have ever ridden.  I'm somewhat disappointed with myself that I can't ride the 06 as far as some of my fellow riders here because I do start to hurt a bit after 45 minutes of continual riding (back and wrists).  I'm 51 but a little creaky in some places!  I can ride the Harley all day long.  But, during the short time I'm on the Honda, I feel like a 20 year old.  I'm the Cinderella man; after 45 minutes, the pumpkin ride comes!  Low speed manuevering can be tough on sport bikes but not this one.  I'm an MSF instructor and use the 1000RR as my demo bike.  As far as comments on the Gold Wing for touring, forget it; too boring.  I test rode a new one and was told it would be the last bike I would ever buy.  Hah!  I would rather drive a sports car.  I know you want a little excitement while touring.  The new Concours looks good; why don't you wait when it comes out to see if it might fill the bill for you.  I highly recommend the 1000RR but I'm not sure (if you can only get one bike) it would do all the things you expect from it.  I wouldn't carry a passenger on it.  Hope this helps. 

christopherf. Harsh? Well, that relative. Warm welcome? Why do you feel that you need one; let alone deserve one?

This is an internet forum Chris. Anyone and everyone have something to say and not all of it is or will be nice.  

I still stand by my statement that you are all over the place and there is lack of focus. This I will justify. Going by your first post alone. You stated you wanted to get a Busa/Concours and you wanted the bike because it will server you for your touring needs. However, since you did not want to wait for the new busa you have decided to go with the 1k RR. After doing your research you saw that article that pretty much made you question the stability, confidence (from article), and quality (your opinion).  

Here is why I said that you are all over the place. Busa and Concours are touring bikes and you want to tour, cool! Meaning that there will be long trips, high performance and possibly twisties. Both busa and concours are ideal for that. However, you changed your focus from a touring bike to a super sports bike. You were still planning to use the super sport bike for touring, yes? That bike belongs on the street or the track. It is not designed for long rides. However, some people can handle those 5+hrs rides and some cant on the RR. Afterward, you began judging the bike after reading the article. I looked at the article and it did not say who the competition was and did not say if they did it on the track or somewhere else. Am I wrong? Most importantly it did not specify what they were looking for in those bikes.  

You are making assumption on a street/track bike from an article that is a bit ambiguous. Now you want to apply that information on a track performance bike to suit your touring needs to make a decision about which bike to get. How does this even work? You started at a sports touring bike, progress to a super sport and made you opinions about it after you read a review on its track performance from a detail-less article. How would the track performance record influences your touring desires? I am not understanding that part and that why I said that you are all over the place. 

No internet beef here! Im just trying to follow the conversation.

quote:

ORIGINAL: christopherf

I am a little confused by "if you want something you can ride all day" as this sounds like you are saying the "touring" bikes are comfortable for that in fact is what they are intended for but then you go on to say "aren't going to be comfortable to ride for long distance" which sounds like 180 degrees the opposite. Care to clarify?

Thanks!

 
I'd be more than happy too
I mentioned the Busa and "touring" bikes (hence the quotes around touring) because the Busa and 14 and a couple others are touted as "touring" bikes but aren't even close. Maybe after heli bars, but until then, not even. I was basically saying that some bikes are labled as touring, but are really drag strip rockets.
Real touring bikes would be FZR, BMW, goldwing, interceptor and the likes.
Here's another good one: I'm 27 and have an '07 1000RR. Used to have an F4i. The F4i was great comfort wise. Kind of a sport/tourer, but more sport than touring, obviously. Great bike. Could ride it all day and not even feel any discomfort. After an hour and a half on the RR, I'm looking for the first bench, picnic table etc to lay out on because my back hurts like a mofo. Seat comfort is surprisingly great, but after using back and abs to support upper body starts to get to me after a while.
Would I trade the RR for something more comfortable - absolutely not. That's how much I like it. The pros outweigh the cons ten fold.

Here is a thread about the Heli Bars on the CBR. You can also do a search (located at the bottom right of the page, in case you are unfamiliar with it).

http://www.cbrforum.com/m_147830/tm.htm

Dear Wilhon,
 
I am SO grateful to you for your reasoned and balanced response. I am especially grateful and it carries a lot of weight for me that you have also been a Hayabusa owner meaning you bring that experience/perspective to the mix. That you are an MSF instructor carries a lot of credibility for me when you say you use the 1000RR as your demo bike. I am in total agreement with you about the Gold Wing it never ever entered my consciousness. I am truly hoping that the Concours14 will be a middle ground a lot of torque and acceleration and comfort for long distances and maybe my wife will join. Thank too for the "I wouldn't carry a passenger on it" so it is essentially a one person bike. That factors in for me. As I noted there are people who do two up touring on the Busa. Your replies helped a lot!
 
Some of my background. My father taught motorcycle maneuvers to the British during World War 2. He rode Norton and BSA and Triumph and told me the only thing they were good for was straight line to run yourself up a tree and they were leakers too. So when I was looking at bikes Triumph owners told me spare us your 60 year old anecdotes the Triumph has changed. Well wouldn't you know I went to a review of the Triumph and the editor said that when he turned the bike on the clock re-set itself!  The suspension was not good and on and on. Funny how some things do not change.
 
Thank you again and I will sit tight and await the Concours14 and the new Busa will be unveiled at the show in July in Vegas..So I am down to those two...again because the Busa can also be set up for touring and I love low end torque which for me translates to effortlessness.
 
Sincerely,
Christopher

You are a pain in the ass and dont deserve to ride a fireblade.
I hope you die in a flaming pile of shit.

^awesome post! please post pics about how you really feel!

there sure alot of cyber muscles bein flexed in here. Sure hope you Alt F me up lol