By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Honda CBR1000RR (SC59) vs CBR1000RR Fireblade (SC 77)
2008 Honda CBR1000RR vs CBR1000RR Fireblade: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
At the turn-in point the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR settles into the bend and doesn't budge from its line. The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade's front drops in at the lightest push, and there's no fight in the bar. It's telling you what the tires feel the whole way.
So which one do you buy?
The CBR1000RR Fireblade has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Small edge: CBR1000RR Fireblade
Between the curbs, the CBR1000RR Fireblade asks a bit less of you at speed. The difference is better suspension. It's a fine margin, nothing more.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: CBR1000RR Fireblade
On a winding road, the CBR1000RR Fireblade comes out a touch ahead. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
Daily commuting & city riding
Inches ahead: CBR1000RR Fireblade
The CBR1000RR Fireblade edges it for the daily grind. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
What makes each one tick
2008 CBR1000RR
It's up near the redline that the 2008 CBR1000RR's inline-four pulls hardest, building in one smooth climb as the revs rise. Hard downshifts don't unsettle the rear, since the slipper clutch keeps the back end steady under heavy braking. Over a bump at speed, there's clear feedback coming up through the fork. The frame holds dead steady.
CBR1000RR Fireblade
From low revs the Fireblade's inline-four pulls hard and even, with the throttle answering precisely at any angle of lean. There's no abrupt hit. The brake lever takes a hard squeeze mid-corner, since the cornering ABS works in the background and doesn't intrude. Each upshift clicks home with a light action.
Nils rode the CBR1000RR Fireblade in Portugal and Qatar in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CBR1000RR Fireblade makes more peak power: 192 hp (141 kW) vs 178 hp (131 kW).
- The 2008 CBR1000RR has the larger fuel tank: 4.7 US gal (17.7 L) vs 4.2 US gal (16 L).
- ABS: standard on the CBR1000RR Fireblade, option (from 2009) on the 2008 CBR1000RR.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Nothing splits them on running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2008 CBR1000RR
What owners say
Strengths
- Exceptionally balanced and stable chassis
- Renowned Honda build quality and reliability
- Smooth, top-end-focused engine
CBR1000RR Fireblade
What owners say
Strengths
- Light, agile handling
- Smooth and tractable inline-four engine
- Excellent electronics package
- Slick gearbox and optional quickshifter
Known problems to check before you buy
2008 CBR1000RR
- Fuel pump impeller stalling (safety recall) Recall 24V864000 A manufacturing defect in the fuel pump can cause the rubber impeller to swell and lock, cutting off fuel flow and causing the engine to stall without warning. Honda issued a safety recall for affected 2008–2016 CBR1000RR models to inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly.
CBR1000RR Fireblade
- Fuel tank cap seal recall Recall 17V681000 NHTSA campaign 17V-681: the fuel cap seal may swell, creating emission leaks and risk of water ingress or fuel spillage. Honda issued a safety and emission recall to replace the fuel cap assembly on 2017 models.
- Timing chain tensioner rattle A small number of owners have reported premature timing chain tensioner failure causing a metallic rattle in the midrange.
What they share
- Displacement
- 999 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/50-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2008 CBR1000RR | CBR1000RR Fireblade | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.8 in (832 mm) |
| Wet weight | 439 lb (199 kg) | 432 lb (196 kg) |
| 2008 CBR1000RR | CBR1000RR Fireblade | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 178 hp (131 kW) | 192 hp (141 kW) |
| Peak power at | 12,000 rpm | 13,000 rpm |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (112 Nm) | 84 lb-ft (114 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,500 rpm | 11,000 rpm |
| 2008 CBR1000RR | CBR1000RR Fireblade | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.7 US gal (17.7 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| 2008 CBR1000RR | CBR1000RR Fireblade | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2008 CBR1000RR | CBR1000RR Fireblade | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option (from 2009) | Standard |
| Cornering ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Wheelie Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Option |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
