Just got back from the dealer and I am so fired up to say this bike is bad to the bone. Its cold here in Michigan so I couldnt get crazy on her but this thing is a beast. Bring on the contenders, however I really dont think there will be any. I got the red and silver and this thing looks awsome; the paint job looks custom. I have to say there is definately a new standard set by Honda. When I looked at the other liter bikes they all looked jumbo in camparison and outdated. This bike looks smaller than the 600's, the wheel base is super short. I bet this thing is a whellie monster. I cant wait to ride this thing on the track and take her up over 150 or so, see what she really does. Only one complaint, the seat is cheesy looking. They have a gap between the rider and passenger seat that is cheap looking plastic, almost looks like they built the seat to short for the space.

 

Congrats on the new ride!

 

My favorite smiley:

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Good for you!
I love that bike! I wish I had the money to pick one up.

 

Congrats on your new bike! I picked mine up this weekend - same red/silver scheme. You're right about the fit and finish. This bike is flawless and quite exotic looking for a Japanese bike. if you havnt seen your bike in bright sunlight yet, it is truly stunning with the candy red paint.

I took it out on Sunday (twisties) and a bit yesterday (around town). Still breaking it in so kept it under 8 grand on Sunday and let her breath to about 9 or 10 yesterday. Yes, she is a beast. A VERY smooth beast engine-wise. But much more than that, she holds a line and transitions better than any open bike I have owned. this bike will be an absolute joy as a track day bike. it truly is that good!

complaints?

brakes are fine, but not superb. needs lines and maybe a different pad compound.
the powerband is soft below 5 thousand or so with the stock pipe and emissions tuning. now, realize, i have not ridden a modern (last 3 years) open bike other than an R1 (which was way peakier), but I'm spoiled with my interceptor as far as mid-range grunt. but this is a nit-pik at worst. i suspect the torque dip can be tuned out.

let me know when you have a chance to open her up

 

Compared to all the other bikes the Honda is much torquier than the rest down low, the other bikes are all over 6-7 k before power comes on. My 07 RR comes on instantly, I can pull the tire at about 18mph just hitting the throttle. My 08 doesnt feel that low but its close, but I notice it pulls much harder at 5 k. I'll see what it really does in 500 miles, for know Im ridding 7k and lower.

 

Thanks for the feedback, especially about your '07. I'm glad to see they kept most of the class leading torque down low. I have another 100 miles or so and then we'll see what she does on top.

 

why only 7k?fine to take to redline- just vary rpms- shift alot

 

For the first part of the break in I have found that keeping the rpm's lower for the first couple hundred miles is a must otherwise you get a clunky motor. I have had Honda's for many years and have tried all different ways to break the bike in and have found keeping under 7-8 k for the first 200 is critical, after that you can really vary the rpm's, they key being VARIOUS speeds and rpm's.

 

Congrats on your new bike!