Honda CBR1000 RR 2012 Review

Improved suspension has made the most popular sportsbike in the country an even better ride. It has been 20 years since the launch of the first CBR superbike - and Honda has spent most of that time at the top of the pecking order.

It's still there and that's due to an engine and chassis set-up that make it the most user-friendly litre-class sportsbike on the market. That has helped offset the lack of electronic aids, though the 2012 CBR 1000 RR can be had with a new ABS system.

VALUE 

The latest CBR1000 is $18,490 and brings for new front-end styling, revised Showa suspension, new wheels and a digital dash.

If you can afford it, drop antoher $1000 for the combined ABS system, which links front and rear brakes to maximise stopping power. It's a winner on the road and an increasingly standard component on most modern bikes. 

And that still puts it $500 under the Kawasaki ZX-10, though the Kwaka, like BMWs $22,490 S1000 RR, does come with a software suite that includes multi-stage traction control. 

TECHNOLOGY 

New suspension is the big change for the 2012 model. The launch at Phillip Islands famous racetrack doesn't translate into real-world perceptions but the bike feels firmer front and rear.

Honda, like Kawasaki and Suzuki, has gone for the Show Big Piston Forks up front to improve damping performance and brake dive.

The back end is now handled by a Balance Free Rear Cushion shock that uses a double-tube structure where the valve-less piston slides inside the cylinder and a purpose-designed damping valve at the top of the cylinder is said to reduce pressure changes compared to the single-cylinder design. 

STYLE

The snub-nosed look of the 2010 Fireblade was criticised by some for being too different. Those comments have been acted on for the new model and the look is more aggressive and functional. Like most supersports machines, the Honda looks quick sitting on its sidestand.

A chin spoiler beneath the headlights improves aerodynamics and the dual air intake vents above have been revised to improve airflow to the engine, with one effectively closing off when not required.

The 12-spoke alloy wheels are said to improve rigidity across the circumference of the rims, but are a quick way to pick the new model from the old, and the LCD dash is an easy-to-read unit that includes a five-light shift alert system, gear position indicator and a lap timer that runs off the starter switch. That should keep the track day crowd entertained. 

SAFETY

Honda was the first bike maker to launch an ABS system on its supersports machines back in 2009. This is the second-generation of that software and it's a combined system, meaning the front and rear brakes are both applied when hauling on the front lever, while enough pressure on the back brake will also bring the front in to play.

It is a no-brainer choice for road riders or occasional circuit riders, even with the 11kg weight penalty. And while I'd love to see traction control as well, the sales figures show Honda is doing alright with what it has.

RIDING

This is a bike that flatters average riders - it is very easy to get on the CBR and ride it very, very quickly. The low-down torque gives instant drive out of the corners and the steering geometry gives precise feedback to any rider inputs. It's not often I'm happy to spin up the rear end but controlled slides quickly become second nature on this machine.

The suspension feels a touch firmer than the outgoing bike and Honda says it will be better again on the road. It feels planted entering quick turns yet supple enough to smooth out with the minor bumps the cars are creating on the track.

The engine has been remapped to smooth early throttle inputs but until a road test, I'll have to take Hondas word for it - it's hard to pick that at the high-speed Phillip Island circuit. 

VERDICT 

What the Honda lacks in electronics it makes up for in entertainment. It is not the lightest bike and doesn't have the latest techno-toys. It does have a 20-year history of being a capable machine and this model will continue that heritage.

The 'Blade shows its race origins by being a willing partner at a full speed fang but then defies that convention by being a capable machine for a more relaxed punt. The build quality is impeccable and it is hard to look past the CBR1000 RR as the bike you want to be on for both street and track work.

HONDA CBR1000 RR

Price: $18,490 (add $1000 for ABS)
Warranty: Two years/unlimited km
Engine: 999cc in-line four-cylinder,
Transmission: Six-speed, chain drive
Seat height: 820mm
Wet weight: 200kg (211kg ABS)
Fuel tank: 17.7 litres
Suspension: Showa 43mm BPF front forks, single Showa rear shock
Brakes: Dual 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers, 200mm rear disc with single-piston calliper.