Honda really managed to stand out in 2008 with the all-new CBR1000RR and now the bike sees a double way into the future as two versions are available for 2009: the simple Honda CBR1000RR, featuring new colors (including a Repsol Edition) and the Honda CBR1000RR ABS.

2009 Honda CBR1000RR/ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Honda CBR1000RR/ABS
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 175.3bhp @ 12,000rpm
  • Torque: 84 lb-ft @ 8,500rpm
  • Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


The 2009 Honda CBR 1000RR ABS, an extension of the Fireblade, becomes an even greater and safer performer on the track thanks to the Combined ABS system that is also found on the 2009 Honda CBR 600RR ABS. Being electronically controlled, the ABS system manages to distribute the braking power in the most efficient way without locking the wheels.

Honda claims that the anti-lock braking system, which was especially created for being best valued on the racing track, significantly improves lap times compared to the ABS-free model. This is the result of tests that have undergone with professional riders on racing circuits. Apparently, the racing riders needed more than a few laps on the simple version in order to match the performance of the ABS-equipped model around the corners. So it is expected to see a notable difference when getting a feel of the new model.

But you haven’t heard the best of it yet. The C-ABS system doesn’t remove the braking task from the rider’s shoulders as it allows the brakes to be powerfully applied before intervening and making that small, but crucial difference. And when it does that, the bike’s stability isn’t affected so no worries about keeping a strong hand on that clutch lever.

While the engine and chassis remain unchanged for 2009, the fairing was slightly modified on the ABS model in order to mask the indeed small and compact system. An extension of the fairing covers the source of power situated next to the engine while a black cap underneath the seat covers the electronic unit.

Honda CBR1000RR History

 

Competition


Open-class supersport bikes care nothing about the long pages of history written by Honda and they mean serious business when claiming their fair share of the market from the CBR1000RR.

Starting with the Japanese crowd, Yamaha is out with the entirely new 2009 YZF-R1, a machine that shouldn’t be allowed to ride the streets, but it is. The secret behind next year’s model is the MotoGP derived crossplane crankshaft, the heart of that already highly performing fuel-injected 998cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC 16 titanium valves engine developing 180 hp at 12,500 rpm. It stands for awesome torque (115.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm) and smooth power at all rpm levels, something that places the R1 in our preferences list. The suggested retail price varies from $12,390 to $12,490 depending on the color you choose.

Suzuki has also revised the GSX-R1000 for 2009 and they’ve aimed at high engine and chassis performance as well as lightweight. The motor is a fuel-injected 999cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC unit and the overall curb weight is only 448 lbs (203 kg). How’s that for an alternative to the Honda and Yamaha. Performance figures haven’t been made public yet, but the MSRP is only $12,199.

A cheaper Japanese alternative (MSRP from $11,790 to $11,999) is the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Though not as good looking as the previously mentioned bikes and the ones that follow (I would fire the entire design crowd if I was an important Mister Miagy at Kawasaki), this bike is saved by the fuel-injected 998cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder inline-four engine. This develops 181 hp at 11,500 rpm and 83.2 lb-ft at 8,700 rpm.

The Aprilia RSV4 is good to go in 2009 with its 999cc, 65° longitudinal V-four, liquid cooled, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder engine implementing multi-mapping ride-by-wire technology and the variable geometry aluminum frame and swingarm. The motor is capable of 180 hp at 12,500 rpm and 115 Nm at 10,000 rpm so there are plenty of reasons to mention the RSV4 at this heading. Though the MSRP hasn’t been announced yet, we reckon Aprilia will situate it around $20,000.

More of a competitor for Aprilia rather than Honda, the BMW S1000RR is expected to be quite a big hit in the liter class next year as the German manufacturer has prepared a four-stroke inline-four-cylinder engine, twin-spar frame, standard swingarm and conventional forks for this model.  The full specs haven’t been made public yet and the price is also expected to go sky high (around $25,000).

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Exterior


For next year’s CBR1000RR, Honda hasn’t reserved new design tweaks and the bike carries on as the same small and light supersport model that tends to show Japan and the entire world the way that bikes will be designed in the near future.

That is only because Honda has just finished redesigning their new machine in 2008. So what we have now is the smooth, aerodynamic look that reduced some serious weight on the previous model year only that painted in some new exciting colors. These are:  Blue / White / Orange / Red for the Repsol Edition now available, Pearl White / Light Silver Metallic and Black for the simple editions. The ABS model is Red / Black painted.

Test Ride


Having the opportunity to get a feel of a Honda CBR1000R, even if that was only a 2008 model year, got me very excited and anxious to get suited up and on board this class leader.  I said to myself that if it is to ride slow through the pit lane, I’d better describe some “S” curves and warm up the tires in the process.  The first thing that strikes you as soon as you first start rolling is the ease of handling that helps you get accustomed with the still new CBR very fast. 

As I got out the track, the top priority in my mind was the engine’s acceleration so I got ambitious with the throttle and put to work the 175.3bhp produced at 12,000 rpm, but what I’ve come to appreciate is that, although a supersport bike, is the massive torque (84 lb-ft at 8,500 rpm). This works magic at low revs and that is also what Yamaha achieves for 2009 with the crossplane technology that they start using.

The bike is extremely fast and, personally, I managed a 180 mph top speed on the straight line and never felt like I’m about to take off. That is mostly due to the improved aerodynamics and superior riding position compared again to the Yamaha R1 (previous model years) and the Suzuki and Kawi. Honda has clearly got a head start and that feels every time you widely open the throttle as you go out of those hairpins. The six-speed gearbox is precise and reliable while the clutch smoothly sets you into action without any rear wheel trouble at all.

Like I was expecting, power delivery is linear and practically never ending, but it was by now time to get a feel of that light and feedback providing chassis. Knee scraping hasn’t been part of my routine lately, but the Fireblade made sure that I know what track riding means on the seat of what I can now call the sharpest handling motorcycle in the liter class. Now, the 2008 CBR1000RR is 17 kg lighter than the previous model year and that has an incredible contribution to the positive cornering capabilities and the overall light feel.

The tachometer and digital speedometer are easy to read either you tuck into the fairing for a new land speed record or get up as you start breaking before a tight corner. Also, all the commands are right where the rider expects them to be, allowing him to concentrate on the riding and on obtaining better lap times.

The suspensions will have much contribution to that even though Honda kept them pretty simple only with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability. They are both stable at high speed and reassuring during aggressive cornering and I must admit that the Bridgestone BT002 tires brought their fair share of safety feel.

That also happened under strong braking as they gripped to the track under hard braking from the dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers acting on 320mm discs. As you can suppose, the rear is fitted with a single 220mm disc and the brakes work just fine and worm up pretty fast, I could say. Though this wasn’t a 2009 model year, I can’t wait for some C-ABS action in the spring.

Price


Honda is good at marketing strategies and the prices for which these two models are available show it best (keeping in consideration what the competition has to offer). The simple 2009 CBR1000RR comes with a base MSRP of $11,999 (close to the Kawasaki ZX-10R) while the 2009 CBR1000RR ABS has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of only $12,999. Keep in mind that this last is a class-leading new model and the Yamaha R1 is closely priced to it.

Conclusion


What Honda managed to do with the 2009 CBR1000RR models is not only an example of technological advancement and innovation, but yet another proof that the leader of the liter class supersport is here to stay. We shall soon see what the 2009 R1 is up to, but for the moment I can only think at the wonderful time I spent in the seat of the Fireblade.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 999cc
Engine Type: liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 55.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.3:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #530 O-ring - sealed chain

Chassis and Dimensions


Suspension Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Rear: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel
Brakes Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 320mm discs
Rear: Single 220mm disc
CBR1000RR ABS: Honda electronic Combined ABS
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/50ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 55.4 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 23.3o
Trail:     96.2mm (3.8 inches)
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gallons, including 1.06-gallon reserve
Curb Weight*: 439 pounds (461.7 pounds CBR1000RR ABS)
Other
Colors: CBR1000RR - Repsol Edition (Blue / White / Orange / Red), Pearl White / Light Silver Metallic, Black
CBR1000RR ABS - Red / Black

Features

 

New for 2009


  • New lightweight turn signals.

  • CBR1000RR ABS equipped with patented, electronically controlled Combined ABS, delivering the benefits of Combined Braking System (CBS) and the benefits of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). (see Technology Section).

  • CBR1000RR ABS features higher output ACG with oil jet hole for improved cooling, higher capacity battery and distinctive silver seat rails.

  • Exciting new colors: CBR1000RR - Repsol Edition, Pearl White / Light Silver Metallic, Black: CBR1000RR ABS - Red / Black
  • Unique Features



  • Dual Stage Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) features two injectors per cylinder (see Technology Section).

  • Idle-Air Control Valve (IACV) and Ignition Interrupt Control for idle stability and smoother on/off throttle response.

  • Low-mount exhaust system design.

  • Patented slipper clutch features cam mechanism to reduce clutch-lever pull.

  • MotoGP-derived Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) (see Technology Section).

  • 43mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) inverted front fork (see Technology Section).

  • Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).

  • Radial-mount front brake calipers combined with radial-actuated master cylinder.

  • Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization for a more compact frame design.
  • Engine/Drivetrain


  • Compact, liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 999cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine features bore and stroke dimensions of 76mm x 55.1mm.

  • Removable cylinder block with Nikasil-coated cylinders.

  • Sixteen-valve cylinder head features 30.5mm intake and 24mm exhaust valves with a 12.3:1 compression ratio for efficient combustion and high horsepower.

  • Larger titanium intake valves create a lighter valve train and feature double-spring design for optimum performance at high rpm.

  • Intake ports use latest shot-peening technology that improves power and torque characteristics.

  • Cam-pulser location between the middle cylinders allows a narrower cylinder head and frame.

  • Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm durability and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.

  • Forged-aluminum thin-domed, high-strength pistons feature molybdenum coating for reduced friction.

  • Lightweight nutless connecting rods.

  • Iridium-tip spark plugs improve fuel combustion and performance.

  • Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) (see Technology Section).

  • 46mm throttle bodies feature Denso injectors with lightweight valving for faster reaction time and 12 holes per injector to optimize mixture atomization, combustion efficiency and power.

  • Auto-enriching system is integrated into Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) module, eliminating the need for a manual choke.

  • Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) minimizes torque reaction and smoothes response to small throttle changes through gradual reductions of air and fuel intake when the throttle is opened and closed.

  • Ignition Interrupt Control system works with IACV and FI mapping to enhance driveability.

  • Smaller and lighter ECU provides two 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder and two 3-D ignition maps for cylinder pairs, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark-advance settings for superb rideability.

  • MotoGP-derived twin-tunnel ram-air system allows a high volume of cooler air to the 9.7-liter airbox for linear power delivery and incredible engine performance.

  • Butterfly valves inside the ram-air ducts open and close depending on throttle opening and engine rpm for optimum performance.

  • Compact, low-mount exhaust system design reduces rear bodywork size and incorporates exhaust valve and catalyst, contributing to significantly improved mass centralization, and reducing roll and yaw inertia.

  • High-capacity radiator incorporates twin cooling fans and allows a more compact cowl for reduced drag coefficient.

  • Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner.

  • Starter gears located on the right side to produce narrow engine that allows for increased lean angle.

  • Patented slipper-clutch design uses a center cam-assist mechanism for easier actuation. Unlike an ordinary slipper clutch where the pressure plate moves from side to side, the Honda clutch moves both the center cam assist and the pressure plate to provide additional slipper effect.

  • Nine-plate clutch is compact and tough, featuring durable friction plate material.

  • Durable #530 O-ring-sealed drive chain.
  • Chassis/Suspension


  • Lightweight four-piece Fine Die-Cast twin-spar aluminum frame utilizes latest MotoGP technology (see Technology Section).

  • Aluminum subframe is lightweight and easily removed for ease of maintenance.

  • MotoGP-derived, next-generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) (see Technology Section).

  • 43mm inverted aluminum-slider Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) cartridge front fork features spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability, and offers precise action and unparalleled rigidity (see Technology Section).

  • Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).

  • Radial-mounted monoblock four-piston front calipers feature chromium-plated aluminum pistons and squeeze lightweight 320mm floating discs in front and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper for exceptional stopping power.

  • CBR1000RR ABS features Honda's electronic Combined ABS. This all-new ECU-controlled, hydraulically actuated system provides accurate braking force distribution to both wheels. ABS is controlled by a hydroelectronic unit and stroke simulator to ensure precise operation. Benefits include consistent lever pressure without the pulsing often associated with ABS systems. Application of rear brake does not result in immediate front brake activation unless lock-up is sensed, allowing an experienced rider to use rear brake in a normal manner during spirited riding. Combined ABS components are smaller and lighter than conventional hydraulic ABS designs, and have been located nearer to the center of the machine, enhancing mass centralization and reducing unsprung weight.

  • Super-light aluminum-alloy hollow-spoke wheels feature race-spec 3.5 x 17-inch front and 6.0 x 17-inch rear dimensions.

  • Centrally mounted 4.7-gallon fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization and allowing a more compact design. This design positions the rider farther forward for optimum handling.
  • Additional Features


  • Iconic Honda Wing tank badge.

  • Lightweight aluminum sidestand.

  • Handlebars are repositioned forward for excellent ergonomics.

  • High-capacity 400-watt AC generator (non-Combined ABS model).

  • High-tech instrument display features tachometer and LCD readouts for speedometer, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters, clock, mpg, average fuel consumption and reserve fuel used.. A low-fuel LED light and shift-indicator light are located above the LCD.

  • Line-beam headlight features two-piece reflector design utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and unique compact design.

  • LED taillights for lighter weight and improved appearance.

  • Front turn signals integrated into folding aerodynamic mirrors.

  • Plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.

  • Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.

  • Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.

  • Maintenance-free high-capacity battery.

  • Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

  • Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America®.
  • Honda Genuine Accessories


  • Color-Matched Passenger Seat Cowl.

  • CBR® Racing Cycle Cover. (for indoor use)

  • Carbon-Fiber Accents.

  • Outdoor cycle cover.

  • "E - Cushion" seat for greater comfort.