2004-2006 HONDA CBR1000RR
Timing is everything, and Honda was arguably a bit late with its 1000cc Blade. Yamaha had been punting its R1 since 1998, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 was on the second generation, and Kawasaki was launching its nuts ZX-10R at the same time we were riding the first CBR1000RR in the US in December 2003. So where the original CBR900RR FireBlade had the market to itself in 1992, the litre Blade had a much tougher time.
It didn’t top the class – but it certainly offered something a bit different. Honda made a big deal of its MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system, dual-stage fuel injection system with two injectors per cylinder, and the underseat exhaust system. But on paper, it was a little down on power (170bhp claimed) and up on weight (195kg dry) compared with the competition. Despite the MotoGP sauce, it was the softer and more civilised option in the class
– a bit of a Gentleman’s Express if you will.
Now? It’s pretty much a sports tourer in many ways – and can be had for a very nice price indeed, like £3k for a not horrid 2004-5 version. It’s still very handsome in a cool Tony Blair era kinda way, and being a Honda, it should still be in fairly decent condition. The usual modern updates to tyres, suspension refresh and the like would sharpen it up a bit – but I wouldn’t go too far here. Stick to stock with this puppy, and enjoy the more relaxed ride. And in 2029, expect a clean, original CBR1000RR to be a very desirable, rare thing indeed…