2010 Honda CBR1000RR
The 2009-2010 Honda CBR1000RR doesn't change much from the 2008 as far as engine specs and styling, but it holds the ace that Honda enthusiasts have been murmuring about for awhile: a special anti-lock braking system designed especially for a super sportsbike. Which is not to say that the rest of the bike is unimpressive. It's still comfortably on top of the super sportsbike heap with new paint and accessory schemes that do not disappoint...
Be careful not to invite your co-workers to look at the pictures of the 2010 Honda CBR1000RR "Fireblade" unless you want drool all over your monitor. This is a stunning bike that's a physically small, rider-friendly, firecracker of a MotoGP race replica that now comes with anti-lock brakes. Honda didn't just slap an ABS from a street bike onto the CBR1000RR. It made an innovative, electronically controlled ABS that is designed specifically for the handling qualities of a super sportbike. In fact, Honda's new ABS was the first system ever put on an open class superbike.
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When the ABS first came out on some of the 2009 models, it was what everyone was talking about: the system is optimized for a sportsbike, and takes into account the extreme steering geometry, the short wheelbase, and the rider's need for control. It allows the rider to brake very hard before kicking in. It is also made to work in a subtle enough manner so as not to upset bike or rider. Indeed, from the first tests of this ABS, riders have said that it feels virtually identical to the traditional braking.
The ABS is both anti-lock and anti-pitch, with high level electronics that manage the proportion of braking force between front and rear wheels. This minimizes the weight shift onto the front wheel and keeps the rear on the ground as long as possible with hard braking.
Compared with the 2008 model, the 2009-2010 CBR1000RR's suspension, chassis, and engine are unchanged, with the 999 cubic centimeter displacement, liquid cooled 4-stroke 16 valve DOHC inline-4. The wing mirrors are sleeker than in 2008, and the rear turn signals are oval shaped with orange bulb and clear lens integrated into the license plate holder. In new 2009 accessories, there options such as a slightly larger fairing, mountable soft luggage, a rear seat cowl, and an anti-theft alarm.
The CBR1000RR is fully equipped for the track, but is said to be comfortable enough and stable enough for the streets. New color schemes for 2009/2010 include black, pearl white/light silver metallic, and Repsol Edition (blue/white/orange/red) for the U.S. and Achilles Black Metallic, Pearl Sunbeam White, Repsol, and Pearl Siren Blue in the UK.
While the 2009-2010 Honda CBR1000RR got the most attention for its anti-lock braking system, it would likely have received as much press even without it. This is perhaps the ultimate super sportsbike on the market today with a compact size and a one-liter engine that makes even a veteran sportsbiker's heart beat a little faster.