Miles done: 140
Mods: None yet
The CBR1000RR has been one of the house favorites at SSB for years thanks to its lightweight, ripping midrange and general easiness to hop on and have some immediate fun with. Now in its fourth year without any significant changes there are loads of parts available for it and plenty of mods for us to sift through to show you the best of the best. There’s rumored to be a new model coming for 2012, but that’s all the better in terms of picking one of these up for cheap from a desperate dealer trying to clear the floor for the new version (if there even truly is one).
Much to the dismay of, well, all non-CBR1000RR owners, we found it to be one of the best all around streetbikes for the money—but only after some choice modifications. There’s a lot of corked up power under the tank that’s easy to extract, and considering it’s already near the top of its class in midrange torque (in stock trim), a little modding goes a long way. Obviously we’ll aim to exploit that attribute to the fullest, making it a quarter-mile killer as well as an “I only need second gear” twisty road gobbler.
All of the mods on this project...
All of the mods on this project will apply to 2008-2011 models, so you could pick a used one up for cheap and mod it like ours with the cash saved.
Already eager to stop the party in a hurry, the CBR’s brakes are ample. But we’re thinking of making them outright ridiculous, single finger only binders. The brakes aren’t typically thought of as an aesthetic area, but there is a way to add style to the stoppers that will coincide with the performance upgrade.
Unfortunately the CBR needs as much of a visual makeover as it can get. Universally it may be recognized as one ugly bugger, but all hope is not lost. With some affordable upgrades we’ll try to change its unsightly stance and allow it to sit with the cool crowd. It’ll already be able to kick most of their butts in performance, but you gotta look good when you’re whooping ass.
Stick around because this is sure to be an interesting build that you’ll be able to borrow some ideas from and apply to your own ride (if you’re not going to buy a CBR1000RR and build it like ours, of course). Let’s get it on. ssb
License plate hanger
The license plate hanger assembly taints one of the most svelte tail sections on the market. There’s a cheap and easy solution for instant allure—no sawing or taping required.
Wheels
There’s certainly nothing wrong with the stock wheels, but why not lighten the load even further? Reducing unsprung weight with aftermarket wheels means quicker steering, plus improved style and true baller status.
Engine
While there aren’t outright peak horsepower numbers to get aroused over, the CBR does boast massive midrange. Wxe’ll capitalize on its strength and create a savage cycle that will wheelie off the throttle in third—no—fourth gear.
Front end
Did the Elephant Man mate with a Beluga whale? The awkwardly large forehead can be fixed with some minor mods
Brakes
The CBR family has been known for its great brakes since the Hurricane cleared the streets in ’87. But, they can always be better. We’re aiming for stupid strength with some sex appeal.