07+ CBR600RR, own or ..UPDATE NOW I OWN ONE!

[swimmer]

Just wondering if anyone on this forum has ridden or owns an 07+ CBR600RR.  Impressions?  If you own one what made you choose the CBR vs. a 600cc sportbike from another manufacture?  Have you had any issues with it?  Is it your primary motorcycle?    Thanks.


UPDATED
07.  3100 miles. Fucking MINT.

[mike in oregon]

Hey, I want to know too.  I've been eyeing the leftover '09 models with abs and watching for price drops.  Someone with first hand knowledge speak up!  
I do know that I really like the sound of one with an akra. can at 12 grand.

[Tyrroneous]

A coworker of mine bought an '08 back in, well, '08.  He let me put in about 20 miles on it.  I was impressed with the motor and handling of course.  For day to day duties, I felt the CBR was a good bit more uncomfortable than the 06 GSXR 750 I had test ridden a few days before riding the CBR.  But on the track, the CBR would be awesome (obviously).

[ajf]

Just wondering if anyone on this forum has ridden or owns an 07+ CBR600RR.  Impressions?  If you own one what made you choose the CBR vs. a 600cc sportbike from another manufacture?  Have you had any issues with it?  Is it your primary motorcycle?    Thanks.

I can't help you much yet, but you're not getting many replies so I'll tell you what I've learned about my '09 ABS model.  I bought it about 2 months ago, and I've taken one 90 minute ride on it to confirm that I can't tolerate the severe forward lean.  I ordered an LSL handlebar kit and should have it installed in a couple days.  I'll post a write-up on the installation eventually.  The seating position with the bars is similar to the new VFR.   Despite a 31 inch inseam, I don't have any trouble with the height of the pegs.  I'm not in any rush to get it roadworthy because it will be several weeks before temperatures become civilized in southern BC and I can take it to my favorite twisties.

Vibration is tolerable.  I've had trouble with numbness of my throttle hand on every bike I've owned (except an RD400, which was completely smooth with its rubber-mounted engine).  This bike is no worse than my FJR, better than my SV650S, and much, much better than an F4i I test rode before buying the SV.  (The F4i numbed both hands in 10 minutes.)  I've installed a Throttlemeister for the straight sections, and I'm not anticipating any problems at all with vibration.

I tested the mid-range acceleration within the limits of the break-in instructions, and I don't know what people mean when they complain about lack of mid-range.  For ordinary urban / suburban riding it pulls just fine between 2000 and 6000 rpm.  I don't know about full throttle in that range yet, but it's certainly not less responsive than the SV.  I read somewhere that the engine was retuned for more midrange and less max power than the '08.

Regarding your other questions, I bought it solely because of the ABS.  Otherwise there was no reason at all to get rid of the SV650S, which had enough power and with some suspension upgrades handled well enough for my riding style in the twisties.  Since Honda has the only good ABS in this class, it was the only bike I considered.  Possibly the new BMW 1000 has ABS as good, but it would be absurd to tie up that much money in a bike I to ride 4 - 8 days a year.

[swimmer]

Thanks for your response, particularly about the mid-range power.  Yes it would be great to have ABS.  Unfortunately for me I’d be looking at getting something a couple of years old so no ABS.  Please do post about your impressions after the install of the bars risers.  Thanks.

[swimmer]

So I went over the local triumph dealer to sit on a 675. They happen to have a used (1000 miles) 2007 CBR600RR. They were nice enough to let me take it for a spin. First impression, wow this engine is SMOOTH down low. Second impression, DAMN this thing has strong brakes. The quickest stopping I've ever experienced. Third impression, this thing is pretty buzzy at 75mph. The mirrors were vibrating too much to see much out of, the bars and pegs were pretty buzzy. All of this buzziness might be a deal breaker. I was not expecting low revs and a quiet ride on the highway but it was little more hectic than I was expecting. Besides a forward sliding seat the ergos were fine. It was so light and easy to change direction with.

After sitting on the 675 I would really like to test ride one. I am not in the market for a new one though and didn't want to ask the sales person to take one out.  I'm really curious about the whether or not the 675 is smoother at higher revs.  

[Tyrroneous]

Please post up your impressions of the Daytona when/if you test ride one.  I'm thinking the Daytona might be what replaces my 1125R now that it has gone to its final resting place.  I've read everything I could find on the Daytona ergos and I keep getting mixed news...one mag says its comfy but committed, another mag will call it too aggressive...etc.  I can't sit on one until my foot heals up and that is going to be another month at least.  

[garry]

rich_oh here has put a bunch of miles on his CBR600RR (30K, 40K?). A local guy that doesn't visit STN also has a lot of miles on his CBR. I think both bikes have held up well, although I think both might have had the fuel pump replaced at some point.

I rode a 2005 ZX-6R (636) for 20K miles. I found it comfy enough for long days (400+). I4s can buzz. The 636 had a buzz around 8-9K RPM, then smoothed out above that. The extra displacement gave it a stronger midrange than other 600s. It pulled cleanly from 6K but pulled hard from 10K up.

I would think the 675 would have an even stronger midrange.

Personally, I missed the torque my Sprint 955i had, so if I was buying a sport bike again, I would seriously look at a GSXR 750. Light weight of a 600, but more midrange for less frantic street riding. The Duc 848 is probably damn near perfect too, but way more money than a lightly used 750.

[Rogue]

Just an FYI, Motorcyclists named the '07 CBR600RR THE BEST 600 ever.  Not the fastest, not the most track worthy, but great at everything else.  Sublime handling.  Great little motor.  Relativel comfortable riding position.  One of the lightest.  If you want the perfect sportbike, I believe the CBR600RR comes really close to it.

[swimmer]

Just an FYI, Motorcyclists named the '07 CBR600RR THE BEST 600 ever.  Not the fastest, not the most track worthy, but great at everything else.  Sublime handling.  Great little motor.  Relativel comfortable riding position.  One of the lightest.  If you want the perfect sportbike, I believe the CBR600RR comes really close to it.

That coincides with  my research as well.  I think I have found an 07 for a decent price.   I should be looking at it in the next several days.

[Ceolwulf]

I'm really curious about the whether or not the 675 is smoother at higher revs.  

I'm very curious about the same thing.  In theory the counterbalanced triple should be smoother than an I4. The Daytona 675 is one of the two leaders in my list of bike-to-get-this-winter.

I rode a 2005 ZX-6R (636) for 20K miles. I found it comfy enough for long days (400+). I4s can buzz. The 636 had a buzz around 8-9K RPM, then smoothed out above that. The extra displacement gave it a stronger midrange than other 600s. It pulled cleanly from 6K but pulled hard from 10K up.

And that's the other leader.  Handlebar buzz is the biggest issue I have with my CBR600F3 on longer rides.  My carpal tunnel strongly objects.  How is the 636 in this regard, when cruising at a steady highway speed?

[garry]

RE: Kawi 636
And that's the other leader.  Handlebar buzz is the biggest issue I have with my CBR600F3 on longer rides.  My carpal tunnel strongly objects.  How is the 636 in this regard, when cruising at a steady highway speed?

I rarely did highway miles on that bike. I hate slab with a passion. That said, I recall doing an honest 70 or so being just below the "buzz". I am also fairly immune to buzz and vibration issues. My KTM is not smooth but it never puts any body parts to sleep, so maybe I'm not the best person to ask.

[swimmer]

I posed this same question on the 675 forum and basically got a response that the 675 was still not super smooth.  To some extent it’s all going to be a matter of perspective I suppose.  Due to the infrequency of seeing a 675 (used) on the market in my price range and the common problems with electrical problems I think I’ve ruled out the 675.  I am checking out a used CBR tomorrow.  I’ve yet to read of anyone having a problem with their CBR.  The 675 certainly has more of an emotional attraction to me and even stock they sound awesome but the 07 CBR got great reviews particularly for its street manners and the expected reliability are decision makers for me.

[Ceolwulf]

Looking forward to your impressions.

I rarely did highway miles on that bike. I hate slab with a passion. That said, I recall doing an honest 70 or so being just below the "buzz". I am also fairly immune to buzz and vibration issues. My KTM is not smooth but it never puts any body parts to sleep, so maybe I'm not the best person to ask.

Thanks Garry.  I don't care for highway either but here in Manitoba there's minimum three hours of it and nothing else in any direction.

[swimmer]

Well, I test rode this guys 07 w/10k miles that I am thinking about buying.  It didn’t seem to have the vibrations at highway speeds that the previous one I tested did.   Certainly that engine is spinning when at 80mph though.  He has a Vance&Hines pipe on it that was too loud and will have to go.  I had to ride 2 hours on my VFR to go look at it and climbing on the CBR I found the ergos from the waist up feel surprisingly similar to my VFR.  The leg position is quite a bit different but overall it was pretty comfortable. I wasn’t around any good curvy roads but a few of the corners I took I could tell that thing just wants to dive into the corner with no problem.   I it would take me a while to trust the higher limits of performance and I am sure I'd still be well short of what the CBR can do.

I am supposed to get back to the guy tomorrow about whether I want it or not.

[Ceolwulf]

Looks great!

[scottzilla]

NICE!  Be careful on that little fucker.

[swimmer]

I pulled the Hyperflo exhaust off this morning ($800msrp) so I could sell it and put the stock one back one.  This thing is just spotless.  How does a motorcycle go 3 years with only 1k miles per year?  I am afraid it may never look this good again.

[Rincewind]

UPDATED
07.  3100 miles. Fucking MINT.

NICE!  I love the CBR600RR's -- good choice.  I will look for a Fuelly icon for your RR next to your VFR one, to see how they compare.  

[CrazyRider]

I will definitely put the 750 in this mix. Don't buy one b4 u test ride all your options. Get the dealer to give one. Triumph dealers are pretty cool about that and try to find a used 750 at the dealers to test ride. Insurance liability on Jap bikes prevents Dealers to give new ones for test rides unless one was designated as a demo. Kawi has been cool in this regard with their Z1000.

[kniepm]

2006 Honda VFR800 (aka unsuccessful sport-tourer)

I'm waiting for the breakdown of "unsuccessful sport-tourer."

BTW, nice catch on the CBR

[swimmer]

I'm waiting for the breakdown of "unsuccessful sport-tourer."

What do you mean by breakdown?

[kniepm]

What do you mean by breakdown?

Why is it unsuccessful?  What did you expect that it doesn't deliver?

[swimmer]

Why is it unsuccessful?  What did you expect that it doesn't deliver?

Oh it totally delivers.  Some numb nuts was on this forum a while back and he was just going on and on about how the 6th gen VFR was a total flop "an unsuccessful sport-tourer".  Some people may have a problem with the VFR but to call it an unsuccessful sport tourer was about a ridiculous a thing that's ever been typed on this forum.  

[Mastros2]

Congrats!  The worst thing about buying a mint bike is that it won't look that good for long.  

Oh well, ride it like it was made to be ridden.  

[swimmer]

After a couple of tanks run through the CBR I figured I’d update this with my impressions so far.  MPG is close to 50 for the first two tanks.  I suspect that as I get a little more comfortable with the power that might go down a little but it’s nice to know that I can get that mpg if I want.  That’s better than I thought it would be.  The engine is damn smooth for being so small.  There are some rough spots between 4500 and 5500 rpm but not too bad.  This makes cruising at 65-70mph a little buzzy but once above that its smooth and if I would be on the highway most likely I’d be hanging out the 80mph range and it feels smooth.  I’ve found the low end power to be quite good considering.  It can pull smoothly from 30mph in 6th gear no problem.  It’s taking me awhile to get used to the higher revs that the engine runs at.  Above 11k rpm it pulls like hell.  

The brakes are awesome esp with the braided lines up front.

I find the motorcycle to be quite comfortable.  I haven’t gone on any rides longer than an hour but I don’t see  the CBR as being any less comfortable than my VFR.  I suspect my knees would be the first to start suffering though.

The best part of the CBR though is the way it goes through the corners.  The lightness and the way it’s balanced make it obvious when you start hitting the twisties that this is where it shines.  Very easy to make corner adjustments and it just dive into the corners.  

I rode two-up with my GF yesterday.  She actually said it wasn’t bad but it was pretty bad for me.  With no grab handles there was just too much pressure against my body even during steady cruising.  Sure, she probably was not using good technique but I can’t see going far with two people on the CBR.

I’ve always been critical of people who have used a sportbike for their around the town transportation and I know the 07+ CBR600RR is considered to have pretty tame ergos and a very flexible engine but my mind has been changed on the practicality of owning a sportbike.  I’ve got a luggage locker tail bag on which can accommodate my helmet and carry the crap I need to take with me to work.  The only reason I am hanging onto my VFR for now is because it can handle two-up decently and it will probably be much better on the cold mornings this winter. I’d actually like to trade it for something better for two-up.

[JoBu]

I find the motorcycle to be quite comfortable.  I haven’t gone on any rides longer than an hour but I don’t see  the CBR as being any less comfortable than my VFR.  I suspect my knees would be the first to start suffering though.

That is one of the traits I really admired on the old '99-'00 F4.  I'd love to pick up one of these again.  It was SO comfortable.  And, it was fast, decent for 2-up (with the old banana seat), nimble, and very forgiving.  I remember getting a tad above my head a couple of times on the bike and the recovery was completely devoid of drama.  That is why I bought one for my g/f at the time.  I haven't had the opportunity to try out the latest RR, but would like to.  I didn't care for the F4i at all.  Owners, please don't take offense...this is purely subjective.  But in comparison to the older F4, it was MUCH more uncomfortable and didn't feel as powerful.  

Congrats on the new bike, BTW...    Sounds like you found a bike that really suits you and I wish you many safe miles out of it...

Cheers,

Joe

[TuffguyF4i]

Beauty of a bike!!

I was very seriously considering a 600rr when a friend wrecked my current gsxr750.  It was too good of a deal to pass up.  

[Mastros2]

Swimmer, what made you decide on a ‘07+?  Anything you’ll like to add after owning the bike for a while?  I’m looking for a cbr (f4i or rr) for the track and light road use to compliment the vfr.

[swimmer]

Swimmer, what made you decide on a ‘07+?  Anything you’ll like to add after owning the bike for a while?  I’m looking for a cbr (f4i or rr) for the track and light road use to compliment the vfr.

I choose an 07+ CBR because compared to other recent 600's and earlier CBR600rrs it was supposed to have the most comfortable ergos.  I am not sure if that would hold true vs. an f41 since I think those were relaxed more than the RR.

Additionally the 07 was completely new that year and was lighter, improved suspension, better mid-range power delivery in addition to the aforementioned ergo improvement.

After owning the motorcycle for a few months including one track day I can say that I am very pleased with my choice.  If it was not for needing something for two-up (and probably also something better for cold weather - heated grips, power socket) I don't think I would keep my VFR.  I am as comfortable on my CBR as I am on my VFR (5'8.5" 150lbs) and lightness of the CBR just makes is much more fun to ride around.  I haven't taken the CBR on any longer trips yet so at that point I may be more appreciative of the VFR more stretched out leg position.

Comfort is pretty subjective.

The flexibility of the engine (6th gear is good from 25mph for me), smoothness of the engine, power of the brakes and, lightness are other positive attributes that stick out for me.  I get pretty good mpg as well.

My only complaint is that  for the track it requires to much wrist rotation to go though the throttle range.  I am putting on a quick turn throttle this  weekend to fix that.  That's pretty minor but I thought I should come up with something negative as well.

[Mastros2]

Thanks Swimmer, I'll keep that in mind when shopping around.  

[Rogue]

Congrats on the new CBR600.  The '07+ has always been high on my list of bikes to replace the Firebolt.  I'm just worried it won't have enough low end torque to satisfy me.  But I like top end power too so it's not like the CBR600 is not fast!  

Have you installed heated gear on your VFR?  Having a heated outlet for full jacket liner really transforms your idea of comfort on cold days.

[swimmer]

Congrats on the new CBR600.  The '07+ has always been high on my list of bikes to replace the Firebolt.  I'm just worried it won't have enough low end torque to satisfy me.  But I like top end power too so it's not like the CBR600 is not fast!  

Have you installed heated gear on your VFR?  Having a heated outlet for full jacket liner really transforms your idea of comfort on cold days.

Yes, I can use a heated vest on my VFR and it has heated grips.  I just don't want to add that stuff to my CBR.  Test ride a CBR, you might be surprised by the low pull.  Granted it's not much compared to some motorcycles but for a 600cc sport bike I think its pretty good.

[Rogue]

After using heated gear, I will never go back to having none.  All my future bikes will have this hook up.  

Yes, I need to test ride one to find out for myself.  The VFR is in the same boat anyway.  When I ride my Firebolt and VFR back to back, the difference in low end torque is really noticeable.  Neither bike is slow but the Firebolts jumps off the line and catapults itself down the road with that, instant torque feeling that makes it so much fun to ride.  The VFR800 will get up and go too but it needs those revs to maintain that momentum.  I suspect the CBR600 will be similar.  Not a game changer for me as long as the bike is fast.  

[swimmer]

After using heated gear, I will never go back to having none.  All my future bikes will have this hook up.  

Yes, I need to test ride one to find out for myself.  The VFR is in the same boat anyway.  When I ride my Firebolt and VFR back to back, the difference in low end torque is really noticeable.  Neither bike is slow but the Firebolts jumps off the line and catapults itself down the road with that, instant torque feeling that makes it so much fun to ride.  The VFR800 will get up and go too but it needs those revs to maintain that momentum.  I suspect the CBR600 will be similar.  Not a game changer for me as long as the bike is fast.  

The CBR feels like it has more torque than my VFR.  Just going by feel.

[Rogue]

Really?  Interesting.

[Skidmark]

Gents, I had numb hands on my '05 CBR F4i, if you are having the same problems, I would suggest a set of weighted bar ends over the plastic ones that come with the bike.  I put a set on and it made a large difference. You could also add the foam grips if you still have the need.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Weighted-Honda-Bar-Ends-CBR-600-F4i-F4-F3-F2-Chrome-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27add7436bQQitemZ170420290411QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories