Old's Cool Modded CBR929RR VS. Stock CBR1000RR

A good way to start modding your aging bike is by upgrading the parts that are likely worn out anyways: braking system (master cylinder, lines, rotors and pads), exhaust and rear shock. Then you can expand the mods list as your budget permits

2001 Honda CBR929RR
The 929 era was a troublesome time for Honda. Yamaha's R1 had taken a big chunk out of the CBR900RR sail, and Suzuki's GSX-R1000 was about to assert itself as one of the most groundbreaking sportbikes ever.

Despite these threats the 929 typically finished on the top of the box in the AMA's Formula Xtreme series-a class that actually meant something to everyday riders.

By today's standards the 929 is an underpowered wimp, but with some basic tweaks it can still hold its own with the big dogs.

Nasty And New
"Straight power is what the new 1000 is all about. It's the whiskey-slammin,' tatted-up bar breezie that has you hangin' on for dear-life.

It's fast in every sense of the word, but what it does lack is heart-not to mention it's about as pleasant to look at as a dog's ass.

And like that wild bar-hound ride you'll soon lose interest as the novelty of a stock RR quickly wears off. You can't ignore its potential and if you've got the bills to mod one, have at it. But in the real world with strapped budgets like my own, I'll stick with my 929." - Justin

2008 Honda CBR1000RR
Since the Suzuki GSX-R1000 was introduced there hasn't been a bike to match it-until the 2008 CBR1000RR knocked it off its perch with the perfect blend of power and agility.

The 1000 leaves a bit to be desired aesthetically, though it looks fine from the rider's seat. That was a strike against it from the start, but Honda's latest evolution of the original CBR900RR hits a home run in every other category. Its motor packs a midrange wallop that other liter bikes lack, and that power continues right up the rev limiter. Because of the 1000's stock gearing the 929 manages to feel punchier though, despite what the two indicate on paper.

Through tight spots in traffic and maneuvering at slowe speeds gives an indication of just how far the CBR line has progressed. It's a true work of magic to make a liter machine feel like a 600 at slow speeds, and while doing just that the 1000 also makes the older bike's age obvious as the 929 seems almost clumsy compared to the lighter and more nimble 1000.

Conclusion
There are very few sportbikes on the road that haven't been modified in one way or another. Whether it's custom paint, a pipe or just a set of flushmount turn signals we all do what we can. While making our bikes unique we also strive for performance gains, and our goal was to see just what impact some smart and basic mods would make to a seemingly tired old bike.

Is spending money to mod your current ride a smarter option than buying something fresh and new with better performance from the get go? That depends where your values lie.

Obviously a CBR1000RR will walk all over a stock CBR929RR, but did the mods even the playing field? Yes-to a point. Mild engine and final drive upgrades dramatically improved the 929, but a power deficit is still a deficit. But, for "usable" power the older bike was more fun to ride at speeds under 80 mph. Stoplight to stoplight action typically had the 929's front end in the air while the 1000 was still finding its legs.

In braking performance the 929 lifted the rear wheel as easily as the 1000, though the newer bike felt much more stable and composed. The aftermarket rotors add an aggressive look that stock discs can only dream of, and they hit harder at the first bite as well.

The overall result was surprising but makes sense. In town riding was more fun and definitely more comforatable aboard the older bike. Its peppier bottom end (thanks to the steeper gearing) and softer suspension made anything south of 60 miles per hour exciting.

Once we let the bikes stretch their legs on the faster boulevards and highways the 1000 clearly was untouchable. Where the 929 starts to taper the 1000 kicks in-wheelies off the throttle in third gear are normal on the new bike, while grandpa's 929 can only dream of such fun.

Your aging bike has potential to run with the best of them up to a certain point, and if your riding style doesn't require absolute performance then you can rest content. Our head to head comparison ended closer than we expected but when the heat is really on, the new bike is untouchable.