As many of you know, I completely lost my sanity several weeks ago (the exact timeframe is up for debate, but let's call it that) and bought a proper sport bike - a 2006 Honda CBR1000RR in this case, known to the rest of the English-speaking world as the Fireblade. I think I prefer its foreign moniker to its rather vacuum-cleaner like (sorry Clarkson) official designation, so that is how I shall henceforth refer to it.
The specific Fireblade in question was purchased used from the second owner with 7,800 miles showing on the clock, newish Michelin tires, a full carbon fiber Yoshimura exhaust, and a Power Commander 3. Condition is excellent - the only visible flaws are from an apparent zero-speed drop on the left side; I'm guessing the kickstand wasn't quite secured and it became a victim of gravity. You wouldn't see the scars if you weren't looking for them. Black is the color, and it is fucking sexy. I've previously claimed that I would never buy another black vehicle after the 'vette unless the price was really right, and this purchase did not break that promise. As usual, my inner cheap bastard was pretty pleased.
2006 was a great year for the Fireblade. The motor remained more or less unchanged from the previous model year, producing an advertised 172 bhp from a displacement of 0.999 liters. That motor, however, was pushed forward and down to make the bike less of a wheelie monster, while the front wheel was brought in and coupled with Honda's all-new electronic steering damper (HESD) to make it more controllable. It is unburdened by ABS, traction control, linked brakes, and other bullshit.
Riding this monster for the first time was an interesting experience for this relative newcomer to the street bike game. I've only been riding on the street for a little over a year, with a few more years on dirt bikes previously. I have been driving fast shit since I was a kid, though, so dealing with horsepower is not an unfamiliar feeling for me. Nonetheless, the fact remains that what is realistically more like 180 hp through almost exactly 600 lbs, including the rider, is something that could accurately be described as "life changing." At low RPM it feels exactly like a Honda: quiet, unassuming, efficient. Around 4 grand, it wakes up. Throttle response becomes extremely delicate, gears become more or less irrelevant around town, an angry growl emanates from the single out-the-back exhaust. Past that, things get scary. The powerband is shockingly linear for such a tiny, high revving 4 banger, and with a redline of 12,200 RPM, you need to be on your game. Firmly planting your ass in the seat and squeezing your thighs around the tank is a good way to prepare for the complete madness that ensues when ripping through the admittedly notchy 6-speed gearbox. Staying tucked will keep the front wheel mostly on the ground even at full throttle and high revs; throttle letoff is recommended between gears as "speed shifting" tends to create an interesting angle between your line of sight and the horizon, particularly between 1-2. Second gear will bring you to 111 mph with the front tire 1-2" above the road surface, third is in the vicinity of 130. I've not yet gotten braver than that.
Rideability is shockingly good for such a purpose-built sport bike. I purchased a Sargent seat as a nod to my damaged lower back, and it has made quite a difference. Overall, comfort is pretty impressive - after an hour or two in the saddle my spine doesn't cry out in pain, my generally shitty knees aren't complaining, my ass isn't completely numb, and my balls aren't in my stomach. Low-speed maneuvering is interesting, as the Fireblade's low center of gravity means you have to fucking lean if you want it to turn. This is not an issue at higher speeds, although I often find myself leaning off of the bike through the twisties to really get it low. It's a bit big to be truly good on the twisty mountain roads we find around here, although it can be done. It is quite evident that this beast was built to conquer more open road courses; she just begs for big, high speed sweepers one after another, with a couple good straightaways in there for good measure.
Overall, I could not be happier with the '06 Fireblade. I am absolutely certain that you cannot get a higher performance vehicle for the price - if you can, I will happily buy you a beer.
All for now, gotta sleep so I can ride tomorrow. Stay vertical, my friends.
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