R1 vs CBR600RR...

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mmmnaked said:
Everything you can do on a 600, you can do on a 1000. It takes a little more finesse, that's all. There is nothing advantageous or inherently more fun about a 600, especially on the street. People who claim otherwise just haven't owned a liter bike. Then there are folks like BrianP who prefer to ride a 125 vs a ZX10R, but that's understandable because the difference in size and weight is massive, whereas the difference between a 6 and a 10 is marginal.
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I disagree.

I've ridden just about every 600 and 1000 built since about 2004 in street and race trim and there is a significant difference in riding them
 
Yeah but you race competitively. This guy rides on the street. What's significant to you is probably insignificant to casual riders.

I've ridden all the supersports in all engine sizes as well and to me the differences are negligible. Beyond the time it naturally takes people to familiarize themselves with the feel of a new bike, they're all essentially the same.
 
reciprocity said:
I disagree.

I've ridden just about every 600 and 1000 built since about 2004 in street and race trim and there is a significant difference in riding them
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Could you elaborate on that? Differences between the CBR and R1 would be nice since you have the experience, or just generally between 600s and 1000s would be helpful as well.
 
E. Honda said:
So I was found an 09 R1 for a pretty decent price and was considering moving up from my 08 CBR.

I love the cbr even though its my first bike and don't have much to compare it to, but I'm a bigger guy (about 6'2" 230lbs) and figured a 1000cc would suit me better now that I have a few years experience.

Anyone have experience on both that could point out any major differences? Does the R1 handle much differently? Is the upgrade to 1000cc a huge difference in power? Any issues with the 09 R1 or R1's in general?

I was pretty surprised at how narrow the R1 felt. Wondering if there are any other surprises I might get.

Any input would be appreciated
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I highly doubt that in a year or two of owning the 600 you even scratched the surface of that bikes potential, but anyways thats besides the point.

If you want more power go for a gsxr 750, it has about 25% more power than a 600 and is pretty much the same weight/dimension as a 600. (give or take 5-10 lbs depending on the year) More uuuumph same handling. Win win.


My experience from 600-750 = dayyyyyyyyumn
600-1000 = my heart nearly exploded

My advice, which you probably wont take, is stick with the 600, get a 750 if you absolutely must get something bigger. But instead of jumping onto a bigger ride go take some riding courses, or hit the track. \you'll be a much better rider that way
 
Dohhh said:
I highly doubt that in a year or two of owning the 600 you even scratched the surface of that bikes potential, but anyways thats besides the point.

If you want more power go for a gsxr 750, it has about 25% more power than a 600 and is pretty much the same weight/dimension as a 600. (give or take 5-10 lbs depending on the year) More uuuumph same handling. Win win.


My experience from 600-750 = dayyyyyyyyumn
600-1000 = my heart nearly exploded

My advice, which you probably wont take, is stick with the 600, get a 750 if you absolutely must get something bigger. But instead of jumping onto a bigger ride go take some riding courses, or hit the track. \you'll be a much better rider that way
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Thanks for the advice. You're right that I am most likely not even close to riding the 600 to its potential (although ive been sporadically riding since i got my licence 7 years ago, only owned this bike for 2). I have been learing gradually and been happy with what I can do with the bike for the most part. I was planning to take some kind of advanced riding course at the track next season.

This situation came up not because I'm bored/over confident but because I was offered a deal where I could basically trade my 08 cbr for a 09 r1 with half the kms. Seemed tough to pass up..although the trade doesn't appear that simple anymore...
 
E. Honda said:
Thanks for the advice. You're right that I am most likely not even close to riding the 600 to its potential (although ive been sporadically riding since i got my licence 7 years ago, only owned this bike for 2). I have been learing gradually and been happy with what I can do with the bike for the most part. I was planning to take some kind of advanced riding course at the track next season.

This situation came up not because I'm bored/over confident but because I was offered a deal where I could basically trade my 08 cbr for a 09 r1 with half the kms. Seemed tough to pass up..although the trade doesn't appear that simple anymore...
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Hey another factor is insurance, did you bother to check how much it would go up?? because for me it was a 20% increase from 600-750 and 80% from 600 to 1000
 
Amazing how about 50% of the people spewing their knowledge on this thread about the differences have obviously never ridden a 1000cc sportbike.
 
I've been looking for an 09-11 R1 to demo so I'd like to know if you find one
 
I rode a freinds 09 R1...my *** and legs are still burnt. For me this is really the deal breaker on the bike. It does seem to put a fair amount of pressure on your wrists as well. First gear is really tall so city driving will take more effort. If you were to raise the bars and heat wrap the exhaust it would make a world of difference. The bike is super smooth and handles quite well (without adjusting anything yet). The sound is absolutly amazing!!! (akro slipons).

Never really ridden a 600 much on the street and never rode a honda so I cant help with that side.
 
Don't worry, all those "R"s in the name make up for the 400CC difference, so you can stick with the Honda...
Haven't you seen all those typeR stickers on the carbon fiber hooded, space shuttle exhaust winged cars? They don't do that for nothing.
 
redridernl said:
Have you tried... wearing pants?
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He's not the first to complain about excessive heat. A friend of mine actually traded in his 3 week old 09 R1 because of that issue.

Personally I would've just swapped an aftermarket exhaust and got some header wrap. I heard the heat is mainly due to the emissions equipment, in addition to the routing of course.
 
E. Honda said:
So are you saying the R1 can perform better, but the CBR suits your needs and/or riding style?
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The R1 has such an easy power delivery, that it makes going fast TOO easy. I had an SV1000....and it was pretty effortless too, but no where near as smooth as the R1.

The CBR600 is pretty smooth too, but it's not like you have to keep catching yourself from going licence losing speeds. I don't know how you Supersport litre bike riders keep your licence.... seriously.

Plus, take a track course.... then decide on what you want to do. It opens your eyes and teaches you lots.
 
I really think I need to ride one before I can decide.

Soooo...anyone with a newer R1 willing to help out with a test ride? Obviously some form of compensation can be worked out.
 
This spring I sold my 2007 CBR 600RR (white/silver) and bought a new 2009 R1 (yellow/blk) - first litre bike after 10 seasons on 600s!!
Got a great deal on the R1 and was able to sell CBR for very close to asking price.

Had this particular CBR for 3 seasons. I used it for commuting to work 25 km one way - city/high way mix.
Sport-toured on a few weekend trips that were each 2,000 km+ long - loaded up with tank and tail bags
Also did several track days - stock suspension, aftermarket controls

So far this year on the R1:
I've commuted - in the heat and in the rain that this season has given us.
Did a 3 day trip to Lake Placid, NY - Vermont - New Hampshire - Quebec 2,200km round-trip
Did 2 track days at Calabogie - stock trim and tires.

So here is my comparison review:
Firstly what you've read about the heat from the R1 exhaust is true. A hot day in stop and go traffic and I need to stand up off the seat when at a complete stop. Not pleasant at all. I need to find a solution to this because it really is that annoying. CBR was never- ever an issue.

I like not having to shift the R1 as much when commuting - I can cruise along at city speeds all day in gear 1-2. Only thing is I need to feather the clutch a bit more on the R1 when moving off from a standstill.
R1 wins for commuting

Sport-touring is a pleasure on both bikes purely in the I-only-have-one-bike-and-its-a-supersport kinda way. CBR was buzzier at certain RPMs. gas consumption was about the same for me. When 6th gear super-slabbing I'd get 20km more per tank on R1. Comfort-wise CBR is easier on the wrists, R1 has a better seat. Draw between the 2

On the track is where I felt the most differences for the obvious reasons.
R1 I almost high sided on cold tires - I learned to be smoother on the throttle after that!!
Such a wickedly smooth motor and I didn't feel the extra weight (at least 30lbs more(?)) of the R1 vs the CBR600 when cornering and braking. Less engine braking effect. The slipper clutch is nice! The steering on the R1 is quite responsive
Note: Im slow and cautious on the track and never on the limit :p I was riding pretty much the same pace with the 2 bikes. Again, take this as the limits of the rider and not the bike.
For the track I'd take the R1 - great sound when you open her up (even stock) and I enjoy powering out of corners and parking into them LOL

Not: fairing removal is so much easer on the R1 - pleasure to work on vs the CBR with the snap-in tabs. "Snap" being the operative word. I love rear preload adjustment of R1 (allen key) vs OEM shock of CBR (knuckle breaking stepped collar)

So in summary go for the R1! Seems like the planets have aligned for you to just do it. Geez you don't need me to convince you, right???

In terms of test ride - PM me
 
RD23 said:
So here is my comparison review:
Firstly what you've read about the heat from the R1 exhaust is true. A hot day in stop and go traffic and I need to stand up off the seat when at a complete stop. Not pleasant at all. I need to find a solution to this because it really is that annoying. CBR was never- ever an issue.
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Read up on removing the cat with a Y-pipe
 
Either CBR or R1 get some good tires. Note that your weight + the bike's power/weight on a litre will make it more difficult to steer in typical street riding.

Just a heads up. Otherwise litre are quite the thrill!

I personally would prefer a v-twin or V4 bike for the street. Those are fun as hell once you get your throttle control in check.
 
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