[MachRider]

I have two 1000RR's in my garage right now, a 2006 and a 2009. I have ridden 2006/7/8/9 1000RR's, but never back to back.

The 06 (and presumably the 07) has a kickin' motor under 6k RPM! My 08 and 09 felt like they didn't make serious power until 6-7, but the older ones make some damn nice power! The engines on the newer ones feel like they are made for the track whereas the old bikes feel closer to street bikes, at least to me. I still prefer the styling and motor of the 06/07, the only thing I prefer about the new one is the amazing handling!

Is this engine dilemma normal? I wish I could get that low end in my 09!

 

[DuncanC]

Gearing factory on that 06? I haven't rode a 08/09 but everything I have read says they have the most low-mid range torque of the current crop of jap liter bikes.

 

[Red_Rocket]

I would have to agree. I was in the dealership today talking to the sales rep about the same thing. The butt dyno says my '06 was more torquey down low and my 08 feels like it comes on in the mid range. The 08 also has alot more engine braking than I am used to. I still haven't pushed it to the rev limit as I am still getting used to the bike.

 

[spoolin7]

my '06 might have felt better under 5k, but above that, the '08 kicks its ass. all you have to do is look at the dyno graph of an '08 or '09. they make massive midrange in comparison

 

[Rocky1]

i want to friggin ride an 08-09 i have yet to ride one besides down the street and back. i wanna take it to the track tho and see the real difference...

 

[MachRider]

I will tell you that back to back on the track, the 08 outclassed my 07. On surface streets and twisties, though, I found the 07's power way more usable. The extreme power in the 08 is just asking for a death sentence if unleashed on the street.

 

[Rocky1]

I will tell you that back to back on the track, the 08 outclassed my 07. On surface streets and twisties, though, I found the 07's power way more usable. The extreme power in the 08 is just asking for a death sentence if unleashed on the street.

i like the sound of that. On the track i mean haha i dont like the death sentence part. But ive heard this from a few folks that have had the opportunity to ride both years on track and it only makes me more and more curious and wanting to go buy an un-needed, un-necessary bike to start my collection

 

[jeramyRR]

The 08 purposely has a little lower power below 6k rpms than the past year models.

 

[MachRider]

Just talked with my dad about it (he's actually a Honda executive). He says they made the change to stop guys from getting themselves in trouble on starts. The newer bike is pretty hard to go out of control on a start, whereas slightly aggressive starts on the 06/07 can lead to losing it in a wheelie.

 

[spoolin7]

The extreme power in the 08 is just asking for a death sentence if unleashed on the street.

i don't see how anyone could think that! the '08 is very manageable! is your bike stock or modified?

 

[RRaisedHaze]

Just talked with my dad about it (he's actually a Honda executive). He says they made the change to stop guys from getting themselves in trouble on starts. The newer bike is pretty hard to go out of control on a start, whereas slightly aggressive starts on the 06/07 can lead to losing it in a wheelie.

Yeah I could see that. I love the low end on the 954RR personally. I wish that the 1000RR had some more of that, it makes it feel like much more of a bike on the street.

 

[Rocky1]

i don't see how anyone could think that! the '08 is very manageable! is your bike stock or modified?

Either or the bike is only a death sentence because of the way your riding it. But would be the same case with any bike...

 

[fastrob691]

Full system filled in the dip from low end to 5500-6000, so very much linear now. Look at a dyno graph on an 08 where is shoots up and falls on its face, then clears out again, mine is smooth with full system, intake flapper and tune. Feels stronger down low now, still not 04-06 strong but once she hits 6000 all is forgotten. I love this bike.

 

[Niner1000RR]

I have noticed at one track (PBIR) that just about any liberbike on the track will walk away from me in the 6/10th of a mile straight.

Other than that I think it's pretty on par with my previous one...

 

[Promarkt]

Looks like the 08-09 is geared taller (total ratio) in the first two gears than an 06-07. Even if you were to gear the 06-07 with a 41 tooth rear sprocket (instead of the 42), the 08-09 would still be taller in the first two gears. After that, 3rd, 4th and 5th are shorter than the 06-07. I think this might be some of the reason the 08-09 feel like they have a little less bottom.

 

[loonytoons]

keep it above 6k.

 

[spoolin7]

I have noticed at one track (PBIR) that just about any liberbike on the track will walk away from me in the 6/10th of a mile straight.

Other than that I think it's pretty on par with my previous one...

do you have a z-bomb or irc? i had that problem before i installed the z-bomb

 

[Niner1000RR]

Nope, bone stock! Only thing I've done is put a 002 190/55 on it.

 

[fastbydrmike]

You need a pipe and the Z-bomb and your 08 will be a different bike! Truly amazing!!!!!!

Mike

 

[Comeback]

The 08 is dull below 5-6K, but a -1 front sprocket will fix this a bit.
I think Honda in the 08 made a great engine (apart from some like me that have serious vibrations to deal with) with a massive midrange and that is where most of spends time......
Everyone is so concerned about the low end these days that a twin might be a better choce for some......