Touring - CBR 1000RR

[trapp120]

I've been thinking about finding the perfect SPORT touring bike lately, and it wasn't until I pulled into a motel in Ogden, UT and saw a 2008/9 CBR 1000RR with sidebags, that I found it. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but I've always loved the 600RR ergo's, just not the low power (especially if it was loaded down). The 1KRR seems to fix that albeit the ergo's are still a bit too track oriented.

I don't really have a question, just wanted to see if anyone here has thought of doing multi-day, multi-state tours on one. I've looked at the bag options (not great outside of a Ventura rack and some soft-bags), but on 1000RR.net, some people have definitely done it. The ability to have all of that power, with Honda reliability, a Sargent seat, touring screen, and some heli-bars would be perfect.

...that and I've given up trying to make my 1198 a tourer

[Sport-Touring]

[hmadams]

I am thinking of doing the same thing.  The optional Honda seat is suppose to be good, and the way the tag is mounted I can see attaching a piece of steel to hold soft bags away from bike.  I think it would be the best of both worlds and you will never long for power or handling, comfort maybe, but never handling and power.  

[trapp120]

I don't think it's unreasonable. I really wish I would have talked to that guy in Utah, he was probably in his 40's out there on a solo trip. So, obviously, it's not just for 21 year old guys. I know it can technically be done on any sport bike, but if you can handle the ergo's of a superbike for a few hundred miles in a day - the 1KR will feel like a fast couch in comparison.

I'm excited that Sargent makes a seat for it, but that does nothing for luggage. I've seen some people fab a GIVI topcase bracket to an extra pillion seat, but that's pretty extreme. However, that may be the best option. Combine a 10L - 15L tank bag with a 46L top case and you've got a pretty capable touring mount.

Part of the reason I'm thinking of this is because the VFR is a little down on power when loaded, and double downshifts to pass quickly is a little more effort than I'd like to put into it - especially when I've got a stretch of double trailer semi's buffeting wind.

[evilted]

Beside the comfort & accessory limitations already noted (and the fact that there will be fewer touring oriented accessories available for a CBR):

You won't be able to run as much powered gear, I'd guess.  No idea what the CBR's stator output is, but it's probably not as generous as a purpose built tourer.  This is only likely to be an issue if you want to run more than GPS, radar detector, MP3 player, phone charger type of stuff.  Cold weather touring on a CBR during the short days of the year (where you might want accessory lights) might be out.

Not sure about tires, but 190/55-17 is used exclusively on sport bikes AFAIK.  You may have limited options as far as touring tires go.  That said, on a relatively light CBR you can probably get some very good mileage out of sport tire like the Corsa III (which is at least a dual compound available in 190/55-17) even assuming you have a hard time finding more touring oriented tires while out on the road.  I got somewhere between 4000 and 4500 miles out of a Michelin Pilot Power on the back of my loaded Sprint, and it was all cross country highway miles.  It had an obvious flat spot when I replace it, but I probably could have managed another 500 miles on it.

And the CBR, by virtue of its size, isn't really suited to 2-up riding, particularly if you are carrying luggage or camping gear (e.g., a tent & sleeping bag).

But yeah, I don't see why you couldn't tour on a CBR provided that you can stand long days in the saddle on a sport bike.  I know I'm too old for that -- after 2 years of procrastinating, I finally installed the Genmar bar risers on my Sprint.  

[trapp120]

Good call on the tires, I need to look into that. I don't have an issue running PP's, BUT, 4k can leave you replacing a tire mid trip. My Road 2's are great, held up to a 6k trip and it still looks new. My SuperCorsa's look worn after 1,200 miles. Obviously different compounds, but if I could put some Road 2's on a 1KR that would be great.

Not knocking PP's, as I LOVE that tire, just not the longevity so much.

[evilted]

Yeah, the Dragon Supercorsa is not a high mileage tire.  That's why I switched to the Corsa III on the 1098, and it's definitely holding up better especially since I have only been using it for short trips lately to make sure it's run occasionally.

I only had the Pilot Power on the Sprint because I flatted my Conti Road Attack way out west.  They didn't have anything other than non-touring tires in  180/55 (only the most common tire size around) at the Triumph/Ducati dealership where I had the tire replaced.

Good call on the tires, I need to look into that. I don't have an issue running PP's, BUT, 4k can leave you replacing a tire mid trip. My Road 2's are great, held up to a 6k trip and it still looks new. My SuperCorsa's look worn after 1,200 miles. Obviously different compounds, but if I could put some Road 2's on a 1KR that would be great.

Not knocking PP's, as I LOVE that tire, just not the longevity so much.

[atypical1]

Wrong on the tires. The CBR uses a 190/50 and you can find every single touring tire in that size.

Just get the bike and enjoy it. Don't worry about what any of us in the peanut gallery think.

james

[evilted]

Am I?  Do you have a CBR1000RR in the garage with a factory fitted 190/50?  If so, I defer.  


http://www.motionslive.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=03912928X7K11K2009J10I11I36JPMQ1466R0&veh=101398&CatDesc=Motorcycles&ModelYear=2009

http://www.honda-motorcycles.org/2009CBR1000RR.php

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/24272/Buyers-Guide-Specifications/2009-Honda-CBR1000RR.aspx

Wrong on the tires. The CBR uses a 190/50 and you can find every single touring tire in that size.

Just get the bike and enjoy it. Don't worry about what any of us in the peanut gallery think.

james

[atypical1]

Am I?  Do you have a CBR1000RR in the garage with a factory fitted 190/50?  If so, I defer.  


http://www.motionslive.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=03912928X7K11K2009J10I11I36JPMQ1466R0&veh=101398&CatDesc=Motorcycles&ModelYear=2009

http://www.honda-motorcycles.org/2009CBR1000RR.php

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/24272/Buyers-Guide-Specifications/2009-Honda-CBR1000RR.aspx

Here's a suggestion. Before you get all high and mighty why don't you go visit the Honda motorcycle site. I'll defer to it for specs regarding a Honda motorcycle

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/cbr1000rr.aspx

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

Specgroup: Chassis / Suspension / Brakes -
Front Suspension    43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Rear Suspension    Unit Pro-Link® HMAS™ single shock with spring preload rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel
Front Brake    Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 320 mm discs
Rear Brake    Single 220 mm disc
Front Tire    120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire    190/50ZR-17 radial

james

[evilted]

Wow, who peed in your Cheerios there, James?  

I guess by "high and mighty" you mean my pointing out the many reputable sites claiming the bike is shod with a 190/55-17 rear tire, and that I didn't reflexively agree with your then undocumented counter-claim?

It would be really funny if the Honda site were wrong.  Wouldn't it?  I mean I think so....

Here's a suggestion. Before you get all high and mighty why don't you go visit the Honda motorcycle site. I'll defer to it for specs regarding a Honda motorcycle

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/cbr1000rr.aspx

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

Specgroup: Chassis / Suspension / Brakes -
Front Suspension    43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Rear Suspension    Unit Pro-Link® HMAS™ single shock with spring preload rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 5.4 inches travel
Front Brake    Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 320 mm discs
Rear Brake    Single 220 mm disc
Front Tire    120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire    190/50ZR-17 radial

james

[atypical1]

Wow, who peed in your Cheerios there, James?  

I guess by "high and mighty" you mean my pointing out the many reputable sites claiming the bike is shod with a 190/55-17 rear tire, and that I didn't reflexively agree with your then undocumented counter-claim?

It would be really funny if the Honda site were wrong.  Wouldn't it?  I mean I think so....

What's more reputable than the Honda site? Sure, it could be wrong couldn't it?

Here's the corporate press release:
   
01.08.09
2009 Honda CBR1000RR/ CBR1000RR ABS - Specifications
Model:    CBR1000RR/ CBR1000RR ABS
Engine Type:    999cc 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 3D mapping
Transmission:    Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive:    #530 O-ring - sealed chain
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

james

[gritsngravy]

Not to interrupt this lovely bitch fest but if the OP is NOT stuck on getting the latest cbr there are left over '07's that might make for a better sport tourer.  

There is one member on this board that has an '07 (i think) zx10r that he fixed up with a LSL bar kit, lowered pegs, cushy seat for touring.   Nice set up.  

I'm not that into having the ultimate track bike for the street riding so I went with the VFR option.  If wifey wants to come along we take honda's best selling sport tourer -- the accord.  

[atypical1]

I think that sport bikes make fantastic sport touring bikes and think that the OP would be happy with any sport bike of the last 4 years or so. I absolutely concur with the idea of getting one that's a year or two old as they are all great bikes!

james

[trapp120]

55/50...whatever. I think the tire is the least of the concerns, especially if you can get 3k/4k out of a grippy Power rear.

And, no. I've got quite a few bikes, it really isn't about "can I find a sport bike to tour"...I actually WANT to tour an '08/'09 1KRR. I'd honestly rather tour the 1198, but luggage options are a joke, not too mention I may have reliability issues and definitely would have to be replacing tires quickly. I have a very capable tourer in the VFR, but I lack a high-powered option.

I'm not going to be bummed if no one here has toured one, just gives me incentive. However, the responses are great and I don't mind the arguing because honestly it's less shit I have to figure out on my own. Tires, stator, luggage, great - I don't even think the 1000rr forum has gone this indepth.

[county]

Personally I think you're right, however to compete for Sport-Tourer of the Decade a lotta people are gonna insist that you put a big anvil in each side bag.  You know, to help hold the bike down thru the twisties.

[Lon]

I thought the ergos on the 1098/1198 were slightly more comfortable than the 08/09 CBR1000RR.  The GSXR1000 was -way- more comfortable.  Maybe it's just me.

[Ferine41]

I thought the ergos on the 1098/1198 were slightly more comfortable than the 08/09 CBR1000RR.  The GSXR1000 was -way- more comfortable.  Maybe it's just me.

The GSXR comes with factory adjustable foot pegs too. With some bar risers it should be pretty comfortable. The white or black ones look really nice too

A shot from left field... if it's more power you were looking for, what about a busa or zx14? They are much more comfortable, with TONs of power. Lots of people sport-tour on them. They are much better for two up if you wanted. It seems like the back seat on a full sport bike was made to run to the corner store and back. I'd hate to be on the back for any period of time.

A buddy of mine got is bike impounded this past weekend, and he had to ride on the back of my K1200s for about an hour to get him home. It was doable, but if he was a she, it may have been better. We were sitting far apart, lol, and I refused to sit up. Anyhow, my point is that the seating position on a K12s is very similar to a busa or zx14. You lean a little more forward on those bike though.

[Joey Stalin]

Please buy my bike. I've done all the work for you.

https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,38110.0.html

[XLR8]

There are a few members here who regularly tour on a sport bike. They take off on multi-day trips with nothing but a toothbrush, credit card and messenger bag. Check the ride reports for inspiration. The last one was something about a trip to Laguna Seca.  

[garry]

To the OP: did you attempt to put the Multistrada luggage on your Duc like Gary Egan did for the Cannonball Run attempt (not sure if it ever happened though). He used the bags for extra fuel, but it looked really clean.

RE: touring on a sportbike

If you can ride all day on a sportbike (say 400 miles) and feel pretty good at the end of the day, then just slap some soft luggage on that bitch and ride. I did it for 2 years on a 2005 ZX6R: