CBR1000RR

Although yesterday’s article provided a link to the Honda Europe web site with details of the 2004 CBR1000RR, we received our press kit from American Honda today with photos of the U.S. model, and additional details.

Since Honda is introducing several new models, we will provide a detailed introduction of the CBR1000RR in a later article. Nevertheless, the highlights include the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) discussed yesterday, as well as the cassette six-speed transmission, and, of course, the new 998cc in-line, four-cylinder engine.

Another interesting aspect of this bike is the Dual Stage Fuel Injection system — featuring two injectors per cylinder. Only one injector is working at lower rpm levels, with the second injector kicking in to enhance top-end power.

Of course, the CBR1000RR is virtually new from the ground up, and all of its major chassis components are new, including the aluminum frame, radial-mounted front brake calipers (gripping 310mm discs), the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system (inspired by the RC211V MotoGP machine, and first seen in production on last year’s CBR600RR).

Other features to note in the CBR1000RR include the new swingarm which is the “longest in class” according to Honda, and undoubtedly results from the very short (front-to-rear) and compact engine. The new ram air system feeds the powerful engine, which is cooled by a radiator dramatically larger than found on the CBR954RR (40% larger volume — clearly aimed at racing).

The steering damper may be the most interesting technology on the CBR1000RR. It allows modulation of steering damping based on road speed. Essentially, a relief valve is gradually closed as speeds increase making the flow of oil within the damper unit more difficult, and thus gradually increasing resistance. The result is light steering effort at low speeds and increased effort at higher speeds. Although the U.S. press material does not mention this, press material in Europe indicates this steering damper is also sensitive to rate of acceleration. Any experienced street rider knows that hard acceleration can be a significant factor causing steering instability, independent from the speed you are traveling. Since the oil relief valve is controlled by a powerful ECU, it would seem Honda could apply more sophisticated criteria than simple road speed to the operation of this damping system. We will clarify this later and report back to you.

Honda is the only manufacturer to introduce a new open-class sport bike for 2004 without providing a claimed dry weight figure. Is it possible Honda took a “wait and see” approach here? Kawasaki has claimed its new ZX-10R weighs 365 pounds — an incredible figure for an open-class machine. Honda could easily substitute a magnesium or titanium part, or parts, before announcing an official dry weight, as necessary, in order to be the lightest in the class.

Honda has not announced the price or availability date for the CBR1000RR.

599

Guess what? The U.S. is finally starting to get the middleweight naked bikes available in Europe. The new 599 announced by Honda appears to be, in essence, the Hornet 600 previously available only in Europe. It is an attractive, light and practical machine that has consistently received good press overseas.

At 401 pounds, the 599 is the lightest bike in its class. Although we have not ridden the 599, the pictures indicate the ergonomics will be similar to the 919 (i.e., upright and comfortable).

The in-line, four-cylinder, 599cc engine is derived from the CBR600F3 that went out of production following the 1998 model year. The motor has a fairly high 12-to-1 compression ratio, and is fed by 35mm flat-slide CV carburetors.

Carrying an U.S. MSRP of $7,099, the 599 will be available in the two colors shown (asphalt and yellow).

Two other new models of note include the VTX1800N with “neo-retro” styling and the Shadow Aero, displacing only 745cc and priced at only $6,199 ($6,499 in certain color combinations), but with a “big bike look” and an extremely low seat height (25.9 inches).

Perhaps the biggest news with all the large displacement VTX models is the ability to order your bike (or buy it off the showroom floor) in one of three distinctive build variations. This allows some showroom customizing of sorts and compliments the numerous Honda accessories available for the Honda cruisers. Take a look at Honda’s web site for all the details.

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