Hi, I'm new here. I have a bike and want to add another one to my "stable". I'm looking into buying either an '05 1000rr repsol ( I believe it's the same as '06 and '07 models) or may be an '08 (same as '09 '10 and '11 they were unchanged other than ABS). Could some one give me pros and cons for both models, if they have a common problems or recalls. Help greatly appreciated :-) thanks.

 

welcome to the site, sportrider.

the model years break down:
04-05

06-07

08-...

and i think the repsols have hit all the odd years. the 04 models look dated to me, but still a potent bike. the 06 is still a fine machine. the 08+ have had some oil consumption issues -- the closer to early 08 you get, the more likely that is.
all models are very well balanced, and very rider-friendly (for literbikes), but for my money the 08+ is still the best all-around ride.

 

i would go with the 07 repsol. They are all great bikes, i think you should stay away from 08 and 05 might have some stator issues. i would just see what visually appeals to you the most and get that one, if you can afford it go newer.

 

Late 07 Repsol or HRC for me, i would love an 08 and beyond but Honda's reluctance at talking about the obvious oil consumption issue has put me off them until it's been sorted. A bike using 1 litre of oil every 800-1000 miles is just too much for me.

 

The 08+ machines are simply the best litre bikes that Honda has built to date.

 

I would agree 100%, i think they are a better bike than the 07.... BUT... if you use the bike as i do, all year round, then i can not take the chance of buying one with the oil issue, no seller in their right mind will tell you that it does burn oil, so you would only know weeks after. I cover over 12,000 miles a year on my bike, that would equate to 12 litres of oil, plus the 4 litres used in the annual service..... 16 litres of oil in a year , holy mother of god, i would not expect a Scania HGV to use that. The risk (at the moment) is just too great (for me), but of course if you do low miles and keep it in the garage most of the time, then it may be no issue.

 

Unfortunately, all year riding is not a possibility in Alberta, Canada. I bought mine before the oil consumption issue was known. My copy hasn't used excessive amounts of oil and I don't baby it.
I suppose if there is enough bad press they may get cheap fast and you can spend all the money you save buying it on oil. LOL

 

I've heard many many 08+ owners say they didnt have any oil consumption issues.

 

Thank you for the advice. I really like the body style of '05 thru '07 models. But if performance wise the '08+ models are better i would get the later model. I'm wondering if high oil consumption damages the engine on the long run (pistons or exaust for example). I love this exhaust (i dont think it would be legal here though) on '08 model though : http://www.racetaylormade.com/tmpage...hondafire.html

 

where you at?? thats the only exhaust I would want to put on a 08+