Description
Additional photos of this CBR1000RR Repsol are available here for your perusal.
In 2004, Honda released the first full liter-sized model in the CBR double-R range when they replaced the 954RR with the 1000RR. Designed by a team led by Kunitaki Hara, the 1KRR was an all-new model, not sharing any components with the outgoing model. Though it was powered by an inline-four and not a V5, many parts of the first CBR1KRR were based on Honda’s RC211V MotoGP racer, the bike Valentino Rossi used to secure back-to-back world titles.
The CBR1000RR was constructed around an advanced aluminum twin-spar chassis derived from Honda’s premier class racer. Other pieces born out of HRC’s R&D department included the hybrid aluminum swingarm and all-new Pro-Link rear suspension. Soaking up the bumps up front is a 43mm inverted fork supplemented with the new Honda Electronic Steering Damper that was developed alongside Kayaba.
Inside the MotoGP-derived frame was an all-new liquid-cooled, 998cc, four-stroke, DOHC (16-valve), inline-four with dual-stage fuel injection and two-stage ram air regulated via a 32-bit ECU. The 1000RR’s engine was good for a claimed 172hp and 85ft-lbs of torque, translating to a sub-three-second (2.7) 0-60mph time, and a top speed of over 175mph. In addition to keeping the dry weight under 400lbs, Hara and his team went to great lengths to optimize mass centralization. Alongside its compact engine, the RR featured a low, centrally-located 4.8-gallon fuel-cell. The RR also got 17” aluminum alloy hollow-spoke wheels and radial four-piston brakes biting dual floating 310mm discs. The CBR1000RR didn’t boast the most aggressive performance, but it was touted as being much easier to control and more comfortable than its liter-sized competitors.
One area the bike did stand out in was its appearance. With bodywork inspired by the RC211V, line-beam headlight, and under-tail exhaust, the first 998cc CBR-RR more than looked the business. In 2005, Honda took things one step further and released the iconic Repsol Edition model — the most coveted of the 1KRR’s.
The eighth generation of the RR (2nd generation of the CBR1000RR) was produced in 2006 and 2007, with barely any changes except for liveries. As it goes with progress, you got more power, less weight, and better handling. Upgrades included a higher compression ratio, double springs for the intake valves (which were given more lift), a higher redline, bigger front brakes, lighter swingarm, and a new front fairing design. The MotoGP-replica Repsol livery also returned, and in 2007 it got an extra dash of red across the nose, just like the bikes of Hayden and Pedrosa.
There’s not much to say about this 2007 Repsol (VIN: JH2SC57457M300262), as it has 0 miles on the odometer. The only issue we can find is a slight mark on the left side of the engine case.
Otherwise, it’s been very well-preserved and it looks like it did in a Honda showroom back in 2007. Say hello to your next possible time machine!
