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2007 Vs 2008 1000RR

26347 Views 37 Replies 22 Participants Last post by  Drooder
Hello, I'm new around here and just checking in. I just bought a brand new '07 CBR 1000RR (last one the local dealer had) about three weeks ago. Although cost was not a motivating factor in my decision to go with an '07 over an '08 I did save about $3000 going this route so it's a classic win-win situation. My decision was more based upon looks, with both sitting side by side on the showroom floor it was a no-brainer for me, the '07 was a much better looking machine, especially the sexy undertail exhaust. Please no hate mail as I realize beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and some will prefer the looks of the '08, so each his own in that department. Lurking around a few CBR forums I also picked up there may be some quality control issues with the '08's especially high oil consumption reported on some, notchy shifters, spoty paint quality etc. with no such problems reported on the '07. So for better or for worse when it came time to spend money, I came home with a shiny new '07. I now have close to 400 miles and the bike is starting to loosen up a bit so I can get an idea of how it will perform. My initial impressions are that this is a very quick handling machine. It's almost 100 pounds lighter than my ZX-14 so especially in transitions, there is a big perceived difference. So far this has not resulted in higher corner speeds as I am still getting used to the bike and gaining confidence. I'm sure that as soon as I get some more miles on this bike I'll be able to carve the twisties much better. I have an annoying midrange vibration at about 6000 on my bike, more noticeable because the 14 has dual crank balancers and is dead smooth from idle to redline. I assume this is normal for the '07? Power wise I think this bike stock has more power than I'll ever be able to use on a track. It does not feel like it has overwhelming horsepower but what it does have seems to be very useable, no crazy power hits to upset you in midturn but plenty enough for unintentional wheelies coming off of slow corners as I have already found out.
Ok, I guess my question is for you guys that have owned or ridden both '07 and '08s, should I have bit the bullet and gone with an '08 and lived with the looks or did I make the right decision? So far, no mods except for a Graves Fender Eliminator and stripping all the excess junk off the bike, passenger pegs, reflectors etc. In the power department if I have one complaint it would be the torque curve seems to have a lot of hills and valleys. Any mods I do in the engine compartment would be aimed mainly at smoothing out torque delivery. If I added a little power throughout the power curve, I wouldn't mind that either.

Kruz
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I had the 06 with the same exact mods as my 08. (just your basic power commander, ignition module, full exhaust, tune, air filter all that stuff) and the 08 is a superior machine performance wise. Looks are totally subjective though. The 08 just feels more nimble. Easier to turn in, and you definitely feel the difference in weight. Power wise, I'm going to have to go with the 08 on this debate. It just feels more powerful. 06 was easier to work on as well. but, I dont think you made a "bad" decision.. I mean, it's still a blade... :thumbsup:
I suggest...
1. removing or disabling the intake flapper
2. A new exhaust (Arata, Akrapovic, Arrow, Sato, your choice)
3. Some BMC Race or DNA air filters
4. A Power Commander (PCIII) and a custom tune

These should add a bit of midrange power (actually all the way up) and the custom tune and PCIII will smooth it out. I've done all of them and it is very smooth and powerful now.
I'm going to have to go with the 08 on this debate.
I think you will never come to a conclusion on which is a "better" overall bike since people all have their own way of perceiving it. Both bikes are great machines and you couldn't have gone wrong either way you went. :thumbsup:
I think you will never come to a conclusion on which is a "better" overall bike since people all have their own way of perceiving it. Both bikes are great machines and you couldn't have gone wrong either way you went. :thumbsup:
Now that's diplomacy!:thumbsup:


Kruz
I suggest...
1. removing or disabling the intake flapper
2. A new exhaust (Arata, Akrapovic, Arrow, Sato, your choice)
3. Some BMC Race or DNA air filters
4. A Power Commander (PCIII) and a custom tune

These should add a bit of midrange power (actually all the way up) and the custom tune and PCIII will smooth it out. I've done all of them and it is very smooth and powerful now.
These sound like the mods I will need to do. If as you say it smooths out the power flow and adds a bit more huevos in the process that's sounds like a can't miss deal. Didn't mean to start a pissin match between '07 and '08 owners:stirpot: it's bad enough we have to fend off the R1, Gixxer and Zixxer crowds let alone squabble with each other.:popcorn2:


Kruz
also -1 +2 and a 520 will make it feel like a completly new bike. WELL worth the money.
Welcome and -1/+2 520 is a noted difference aside from the PC/Air Filter and mapping. Have fun
I notice you guys with '07s have all done the "flapper" mod. Does this make a noticeable difference and if so what is the effect?

Thanks,

Kruz
+1 on a gearing change.

As for the flapper mod, it's really easy to disable (like 5 minutes). You can find lots of information if you use the search bar, but I like this site and it showed the easy way to do it.

You can thank Speedy! for all the info:
http://www.hooliganbiketech.net/hondacbr1000rrweb/1000RR_frameindex.htm
No, you fugged up. Lighter, faster, and better looking is the 08-09. :)
2007 Vs 2008 1000RR
2008 wins.

did I make the right decision?
That is something only you can answer. Go find someone who will let you ride an '08-'09. As long as you are satisfied with the money you've spent, you made the right decision



and welcome.

No, you fugged up. Lighter, faster, and better looking is the 08-09. :)
Funny and true. :laugh:
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I rode a CBR929RR from the day I bought it (in 2000) until I got absolutely spanked by the 2003 GSXR1000s (and I had Erion cams/exhaust/PC/etc, about 140rwhp)... had GSXR1000s ever since, and never had a problem with CBRs in the canyons or at the track...

... until now ~ hence why I bought an 08 CBR and let my last GSXR go.

I say for $3k in savings it would have been a tough choice for any of us, and based on looks alone, the 07 takes it I think... but I'm concerned only with how it rides, and the 08 is the new king :)
yea like said, you can't go wrong with either.

Have to agree in the looks department, the 06-07 wins hands down. In the performance department, the 08+ wins HANDS DOWN!

my 1000RR rivals my 600RR at the track!
I would work on the suspension before adding "power mods"..If you think it handles good now..Do a ohlins rear shock setup(set to your weight),spring the front for your weight and a 190/55 tire..NIght and day difference in its ability to "flick"

The power mods do make it a lot more fun and smoother..But i rather have the suspension stuff first..
Congrats, hella sweet bike. Dunno about $3K less, you would have to have gotten it OTD for $6500-7000 as the 08s are being given away right now in most places.

If you want to see an 07 to aspire to, look at the 2008 Bike Of the Year (BOTY), that is as sick as a bike gets, IMO.

Lol @ 2008 rr, like a kindred soul, I tell ya.
welcome
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