Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please !
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Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 4:59:20 PM
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Baggerdude
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This is my first post on this MB .... and, thanx for great board members and information ... For some reason .... I guess it's the posts here and elsewhere, the magazines and other places .... I'm thinking seriously of getting a 2008 CBR1000. I'm asking for comments, concerns and opinions here. I'm sure I'll get some. I've been riding for 40+ years, but that was mostly on Harleys of various models, cruisers and now, I ride a VTX 1300R, a GL1800 Wing with Traxxion suspension, and my newest ride, an '06 ST1300. I had a brief year on an '06 FJR that we modded up to make it more comfy .... but, it was not comfy and I sold it. The Superbike CBR seems to call me .... I stopped at the Honda shop where my VTX is getting some work done and sat on the '07 and the '08. Sitting on a bike does little to make it feel ... well, 'good'. The '08 saddle was marginally more comfy to my arse than the '07, but that was like 30 seconds worth of sitting. Plus, there's this "sport bike" forward posture that I can't imagine being comfortable for more than an hour. Here's the deal. The CBR will not be my only ride. I will add it to what I now have .... these are very nice bikes for me to ride and I like them for what they are. I don't plan to 'tour' on the CBR ..... just some short 2-3 hour rides on the back roads. Don't plan to mod it ... maybe a different windscreen ? And, the dealer says he'll make me a great deal on either the '07 or the '08. I guess the reduced price should approach $10K for the '08 and below $10K for the '07 .... tho'ts?? Red/black/silver '07. They are all new, but sitting in the showroom. Don't know if they have been 'tested', but I'd like to take one down the road for 5 miles. Sooooo ..... here's my questions: .... do you think a 60+ year old X-cruiser dude can ride a CBR1000 and enjoy it for a few hours without needing carpal tunnel surgery in a year? ... what would you consider a good price in New England for a new '07 or '08 CBR1000? ... I ride just south of aggressive (+10/15 over posted back roads) and don't plan to ride much higher on the pole than this .. would I be wasting my time with this bike? ... I ride about 15,000 miles a year ... mostly on the Wing/ST ... 3K on the VTX and plan on riding the CBR 3K a year, too .... again, wasting my time? ... I'm like 6'2" and 215 lbs, and I'd say pretty fit for an old fart. I appreciate your views and opinions. They are all good. Thanx in advance. Bagger in CT
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 5:23:19 PM
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Kewl Breeze
Posts: 1665
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From: ATL GA State Pen
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First of all, welcome.
I know a 60+ y.o. that rides one and he's fine with it and physically fit but judging by the bikes you listed I would have to venture guessing you would not be too comfortable. I may be wrong but I'm only basing this on your comment that you modded an FJR for comfort and it still wasn't comfortable enough. I've ridden FJR's and consider the stock version like a caddy compared to most sportsbike ride style. The cbr1000 is not as aggressive ride position as some sportsbikes but it's still a sportsbike and there's still some discomfort involved (at least for me) so it's all a matter of how much you're willing to put up with for the extra fun. Not trying to talk you out of it, I'd just hate to see you buy it and after a few times out have it sit there with no use ... however, maybe for 1-2 hours of fun you may enjoy it .. have you ridden any sportsbikes? My suggestion would be to see if you can ride someone elses or see if anyone rents them in your area. The places that rent sportsbikes are far and few in between but you may get luck. Good Luck.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 6:07:52 PM
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Baggerdude
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KB ... Thanx for the reply. Yes, the FJR even with the MCL riser plate, lowering pegs, custom saddle/backrest, Grip Puppies, new windscreen, throttle mid spring release, yada, yada ..... was about as uncomfortable a ride I have ever tossed a leg over. 3 hours and I needed a chiropractor! The tremendous tossing of my 215 lbs (prolly more like 230 with gear) onto my hands when I down shifted, or braked was not fun. Hands went numb in 30 minutes. The motor was full of torque, but erratic to me .... like driving an M3 .... handling was fine, but not to my taste. My ST1300 is more like a "mini Wing" and altho it is hefty, it still carves well for me and is much more comfortable. I'm not concerned that I will hate the bike and let it sit in my garage for years. If I do not care for it ... or I don't ride it because I don't like the way it feels .... well, I'd just sell it off. I've done that before. Of course I lose a few bucks, eh. I don't like the way that feels, but it is what it is. No .... never been on a Sport Bike. And, I don't know anyone that has one. Most of the folks I see riding SBs are younger guys, full face helmets, ultra dark face shields, shorts, sneakers, 150 lbs, nice gal riding behind with a small back pack haulin' ass blowin' past me on my Wing on back roads at 25 over. Scare the hell outa me blasting by. But, that's just a generalization I'm sure.  I have a 'sorta' acquaintance that used to race/ride before he had his hip replaced .... my age, but sold off all his bikes. Ninjas, I believe. He may have an opinion. But, we don't really speak. Still .... I have the up most confidence in the message board. You folks RIDE these machines. I'm sure there is some old dude that rode HDs / cruisers and now rides a previous iteration CBR1000 or an '08 out there that would give me his opinion. And, I'm open to all suggestions and opinions from you folks. Thanx again.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 6:13:34 PM
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justasquid
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+1 here.
I think the sportbike would be a little uncomfortable for you. I would suggest if you really want to get one, that you buy a used one. say an 04 1000rr or even an 02-03 954. Anyone of these bikes will blow your mind with power and handling. then, if your not satisified, your not out a ton of money. You might even consider a 600RR. Dont' be fooled by the small cc. Your still going to be looking at over 100hp, 0-60 just over 3 secs, and a 1/4 mile of mid 10's with a 600. If your buying a sportbike for a nice nimble quick ride, you can't go wrong. A 1000RR may be more than you really want.
Another choice I would reccomend would be an 1100XX. they are a bit bulkier, but they are set a little more towards the sport touring vs pure sportbike. They don't make em anymore as far as I know, but you may find a leftover or a good used one.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 6:20:22 PM
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Onarom
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Baggerdude
Don't plan to mod it ... maybe a different windscreen ?
Ha! I said the same thing when I bought my 06. Good luck with that!
Honestly, I think you will be uncomfortable at first, the lean will seem extreme and the angle of the grips will feel weird, but I DO think you will get use to it. Alot depends on your riding style. I put less wieght on my wrists but paying more attention to my posture. I think you will be fine for 2-3 hour trips on the bike once you get past the learning curve.
I currently use my bike almost daily. I have 15,000 miles on my 06 and, although I am only 33, I plan to be the same way when I am 60+. You, sir, are an inspiration!
_____________________________
"When I die, I want to die like my grandfather–who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.”
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 7:07:06 PM
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Baggerdude
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Onarom
I currently use my bike almost daily. I have 15,000 miles on my 06 and, although I am only 33, I plan to be the same way when I am 60+. You, sir, are an inspiration!
Well, thanx, m'friend. I still mountain bike 2/3 times a week and work out 2/3 times, too. I don't bench 300 any more (who does?) ... tendonitis in my shoulders took care of that. But, I try to keep as fit as I can. I do a few rounds on the heavy bag and shoot some hoops, too. But, I'm just an average old dude. I have to tell you .... riding the ST with some younger folks was a revelation to me. We took some corners at speeds I was uncomfy with, but now I ride like this all the time. Sorta inspires confidence. You have to remember that cruisers are not good twisty machines, but the ST and the Wing are pretty confidence inspiring, now. I'm grateful for the ST riders inviting me along. But, I'm sure my bikes are many degrees away from the CBRs. I wonder if the ergonomics of the '07 is better for me than the '08?? The saddle ... such as it is ... is less padded than the '08. And, the '07 is less expensive. But, not by much. I'm going to try to ride one ... or both ... of these bikes this weekend. Hopefully, they will let me take them out for a short ride.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 7:22:34 PM
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Kewl Breeze
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If you got the itch for a sportsbike but aren't ready to give up all the comfort you mentioned, another option you may want to consider (if you haven't already) is to look at the Honda VFR / Interceptor. It's a little sportier than your ST but still gives you comfort (more upright seating position etc..).
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 7:37:37 PM
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Baggerdude
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KB .... actually, I started out thinking about the VFR, but tho't it too much like my ST in presentation, performance and such. Am I wrong here? I does have 'bags'.
Then .... looking at the Honda site, the CBRs started looking like something else all together.
Plus, the local Honda dealers have CBRs on the floor, but not Interceptors.
Bagger in CT-land
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 8:02:14 PM
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GBracer
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Hello fellow Ct. rider! From the sounds of it, NO sportbike would be comfy for you. I would suggest a Busa or a ZX14 to satisfy the sportbike rider in ya. My buddy is about 50 and rides bikes like you, but still likes to buy sportbikes now and then, and he will go with the big-bores, much more comfy! Go sit on a ZX14, I bet you'll like it.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/27/2008 10:20:31 PM
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Onarom
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If it is between the 07 and 08, I would go with the 08. I have read that it handles "just like the 600RR". That alone is quite a feat.
Don't get me wrng, I have an 06 and I love it (and it looks better IMO), but I can easily admit that the 08 is a better bike. Don't forget that you can always get a Corbin or Seagent seat and get Heli-bars to change the riding position.
The ZX14 and Busa are more comfortable and very powerful, but they are not nearly as easy to handle in the curves. It all depends what is more important to you.
_____________________________
"When I die, I want to die like my grandfather–who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.”
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/28/2008 3:43:37 AM
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camaro_forums
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+1, besides the zx14 and busa weigh a lot more than the 1krr.
My brother has an 06 cbr1000rr, and I of course have the 600. I can only give you my opinion, so here it is.
Between the two bikes, I would say his is quite a bit more comfortable than mine. It's wider, weighs just a tad more, but still handles wonderful. Then again, a 600 is more than enough for me right now, and I enjoy it immensely.
Sorry I will post more later, have to go....
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 07 Blue/Silver 600RR
Mods: Carbon front fender, 03-06 integrated taillight, Hotbodies flush mount signals, CF tank protector, Shogun frame sliders
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/28/2008 4:44:54 AM
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SD2007
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FWIW... After riding my dad's 2000 ST1100, my CBR feels like a 10-speed with a rocket engine. I know there are guys that can do amazing things with the ST, but it's nothing like the CBR in terms of acceleration and nimbleness. In addition to the comfort issue, you might find the CBR a bit too spazzy for your liking.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/28/2008 5:41:07 AM
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red08
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Baggerdude
Sooooo ..... here's my questions:
... do you think a 60+ year old X-cruiser dude can ride a CBR1000 and enjoy it for a few hours without needing carpal tunnel surgery in a year?
Yes. Avoiding pressure on the wrists which results in pain is all about using your core and thighs to support you and not your arms. You can also install some convertibars or helibars to bring the height of the clip ons up closer to what your used to with the ST.
... what would you consider a good price in New England for a new '07 or '08 CBR1000?
I don't know about the N.E. but in So. Cal dealers are getting between $11k and ~$12.5k OTD.
... I ride just south of aggressive (+10/15 over posted back roads) and don't plan to ride much higher on the pole than this .. would I be wasting my time with this bike?
That's debatable. The bike is designed to be ridden hard but having said that more than a majority of 1000RR riders don't use half of what the bike has to offer. This question can really only be answered by you. Is the purchase something you can easily afford? Ever do any track days?
... I ride about 15,000 miles a year ... mostly on the Wing/ST ... 3K on the VTX and plan on riding the CBR 3K a year, too .... again, wasting my time?
Again it depends on your ability to soak up the cost of the purchase. If you wouldn't flinch at it then I don't think it would be a waste. If it turns out to be a mistake it will be one of the funnest mistakes you'll ever make and you could always unload it.
... I'm like 6'2" and 215 lbs, and I'd say pretty fit for an old fart.
I am same height and 235 lbs. and I am very comfortable on my 08 more so than I was on my 04 or my friends 06.
I appreciate your views and opinions. They are all good. Thanx in advance.
Bagger in CT
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/28/2008 8:01:35 AM
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Bucardo
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I can offer 2 similar perspectives.
First, my buddy. He's 59, owns a Goldwing and recently traded in an 06 Interceptor for an 06 CBR1000. Former paratrooper in good shape and a skilled rider with track experience. We regularly ride a local twisty route, a 200 mile loop. He rode the Interceptor for about a year and test rode another buddy's CBR1000; fell in love with it. He made the advanced group at a track day with the Interceptor, outcornering many lighter track bikes, but couldn't hang with crowd on the straights. He's about 6'3" and can sustain the "fetal position" on our rides without too much discomfort; nowhere near the degree that would outweigh his newfound CBR enjoyment. The Interceptor was clearly more comfortable for him, but his view on the CBR 1000 has made the Interceptor a fond, but distant memory, however he's absolutely certain it was a good idea to get a year's saddle time on the Interceptor. We video a lot of rides and it appears he's instantly added about 5mph in 30mph curves; maintaining an ~80% safe riding envelope. He's developing a more aggressive riding posture, hanging off and about to touch down his first knee puck. He loves the CBR 1000.
I've been riding ~40 years. I do distance trips on my ST1300, which I consider to be very good compromise between 500+ mile days (most done in one day was 900 miles) to get to the good stuff and a bike that's still fun when you get there. Owned two Interceptors, the most recent an 06. The Interceptor is a great bike, very capable and very stable in fast corners. There is a significant difference between the ST1300 and the Interceptor (~150lbs) and much better handling. VTEC is controversial, but my 06 experience was good, with mid-corner VTEC transitions smooth and never upsetting the chassis. The Interceptor is is good enough (compared to other RR bikes ON THE STREET) that the practical difference --more often than not -- is distinguished by the rider, IMO. I haven't seen too many riders that can out-street-ride an Interceptor.
These perspectives emphasize handling and cornering. Power differences, from our perspective, don't make much difference in the twisties on the streets, at least power quantity. Power quality is another story.
I recently traded in my 06 Interceptor for an 08 CBR 1000. It's ~115 lbs lighter than the Interceptor. Power delivery (quality) is significantly better with the smoothest mid-range roll-on I've ever experienced. Off-on throttle abruptness (a ding on the Interceptor) is virtually gone. Agility (largely, I suspect, due to mass close to the bike's roll axis) is phenomenal. The Interceptor required a deliberate corner entry, the CBR1000 feels "synaptic". The Interceptor is forgiving. The CBR1000 demands respect.
I think your decision should consider where you are and where you want to go with riding abilities. If you're starting to outride an ST1300, I think an Interceptor is a good idea. If you're way beyond the ST's abilities or start out-riding an Interceptor or on a quest to develop advanced riding skills, then go for the CBR1000. In the context of other RR bikes, it's relatively friendly.
Most important is, if you're on a skill quest, study and get track instruction. Don't let enthusiasm and a desire to chase the fast guys with the wrong hardware lead to regret and please forgive me if I'm being presumptuous.
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RE: Thinking of buying CBR1000 ... help, please ! - 5/29/2008 1:33:03 AM
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Kewl Breeze
Posts: 1665
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: ATL GA State Pen
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Baggerdude
KB .... actually, I started out thinking about the VFR, but tho't it too much like my ST in presentation, performance and such. Am I wrong here? I does have 'bags'.
Bagger in CT-land
I'm not positive but fairly certain the Interceptor doesn't come with bags (that pic shows after market bags) but it has much easier to find (way more options) after market "hard" luggage compared to the cbr 1000.
Well, I was going to answer before forum went down again but Bucardo summed it up rather nice and succinctly. As he mentioned, and since you've mentioned comfort numerous times, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised what the Interceptor is capable of as compared with the ST while still giving you more comfort than the 1000 ... since you go through many bikes, consider it like a mid step from your ST to the 1000 without jumping feet first into spotsbikes. Worst case scenario; you hate it and sell it and know the 1000 won't be for you if the Inteceptor isn't what you expected. Best case scenario; you love it, get accustomed to it and crave more so you sell it and go for the cbr 600 or 1000.
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