Old's Cool Modded CBR929RR VS. Stock CBR1000RR

Who wouldn't love to buy the latest and greatest sportbike on the market? After eagerly absorbing all of the media hype and researching thoroughly you're ready to make a purchase. There're a few obstacles in the way though; your credit score is lower than George Bush's approval rating and cash is too damn tight to buy a new ride straight up.

What're the options then?

Instead of pouting about a poor economy or six mouths to feed you could look to improve what you already have. Hell, at some point your bike was likely pretty hot stuff, and just because it's a little long in the tooth doesn't mean it can't be rejuvenated with some smart mods.

But just how deep should you dive into the aftermarket parts market to update your ride? Obviously it doesn't make sense to spend too much on mods, because there's a logical cash line not to cross-the modifications shouldn't be more than about a third of the price of a new ride.

Our goal was to learn whether upgrades would bring a dated bike up to scratch, or if it's simply a lost cause and not worth the hassle.

Naturally, the older bike would get slaughtered on the track without extremely costly chassis and engine mods, and for that reason we based our evaluation on where the majority of us ride-the streets.

Tried And True
"I've owned this 929 since new. It's been a slow evolution, but in the end I'm happy with the understated bike I've created. Now on the steep side of a decade-old, I'll admit she's showing her age. Still, despite the grey hairs, the two bikes were more alike than I anticipated. In fact, only above 100 mph does the new Honda show its muscle, and in the real world the brakes are comparable, as is the handling and the ergos-I'd even say the 929 is slightly more comfortable. Sure, the new bikes are dope, but until I've got the coin, I'm not sending her off to pasture just yet." - Justin

2001 Honda CBR929RR
Honda's CBR929RR was quite an animal back in 2001. Lightweight, fuel injected and packed with racing pedigree, the 929 was at the top of the performance charts. At the time, its styling was cutting edge as well.

The AMA's Formula Xtreme used to be a vulgar display of liter bike tuning. Big horsepower on a nearly stock chassis made for very exciting racing-both for spectators and fans. The CBR929 was a major force in the series, and for good reason-its light stature and linear power made it receptive to modifications.

It's been a while since we had a leg over one though, and despite being massively down on power to the 2008 CBR it still has light handling characteristics and smooth and consistent power delivery.

Appearance is a pretty significant factor in choosing the right motorcycle, and despite its age the 929 still looks pretty intense- one advantage our Erion Racing themed 929 holds over the newer bike's questionable looks. A few minor fashion mods were added to update the 929 comprehensively, including a smoked windscreen and polished rims which make it unique in the process.

What should have been an immediate and obvious deficiency in power (the 929 is about 25 horsepower down on the 1000) was remedied by a gearing change from an aftermarket sprocket. This actually turned the tide in the older bike's favor when taking off from traffic lights and hustling around in the first three gears. On the freeway the 1000 walked away time after time, but for second and third gear canyon or boulevard riding the 929 had the upper hand-all from a sub $100 sprocket.

A full exhaust system and Power Commander gave a mild increase in power, but the improvement to the riding experience goes deeper than just numbers with such mods. For many of us the engine tone of an inline four cylinder bike gets our pulse pumping, and such was the case on the 929. Where the CBR1000's engine tone was whisper quiet and rather dull, the 929's Micron pipe gave the impression of speed and inspired a further twist of the throttle to provoke the harmonious tones. However indirect the effect on performance actually is, this case in point forms a strong argument to install an aftermarket pipe-be it slip-on for sound or full system for extra power and weight savings.

Smart Mods: 2001 CBR929RR
Slapping on a bunch of random aftermarket parts will likely leave your bike handling and looking worse than before you started.

A basic rule of thumb is to avoid combining "bling" items with performance parts. On a limited budget it typically results in a mishmash machine. Instead, pick a theme and stick to it.

Rearset
A chronic problem with older bikes is that many ancillary items like clip-ons and rearsets show severe signs of age. With their deteriorated appearance comes hindered performance, and as a solution for both issues a set of fully adjustable Sato 'sets did the trick.

Exhaust
It's hard to find a bike without an aftermarket pipe, and ours is no exception. Though not adding the significant amount of power needed to even the field with the 1000, the full system did improve looks and sound and reduce weight dramatically.

Tires
Just because it's a dated bike doesn't mean we were gonna stick time period tires on it. Good rubber makes a huge improvement in grip and confidence, and Pirelli Diablo Corsas offered a great deal of both.

Your tires indicate what sort of rider you are, and these babies are all business.

Sprocket
AFAM's +2 rear sprocket transforms the motor's low-end character.

Brake Rotor
Braking has always been a strong point on the 929, and despite a lack of chic radial mounted calipers its stoppers are very potent. To increase bite and feel further we added Galfer Wave rotors, and after a short bedding in period they proved a valuable upgrade and got the 929's braking power right on track with the 1000.