2023 Honda CBR1000RR: Buyer’s Guide, Pricing And Specs

Introduced in 1983, the Honda CBR lineup has included some of the best sports bikes ever made. In 1992, Honda released the CBR900RR Fireblade, one of the most influential bikes and the first to adorn the RR insignia, which stands for race replica. By the early 2000s, Honda revealed a couple more top contenders in the sports bike world, such as the CBR929RR and the CBR954RR, but in 2004, it finally created the first iteration of the CBR1000RR. Like its predecessors, the CBR1000RR maintained its incredible handling with plenty of smooth, manageable power.

Since its debut, there have been adjustments to the CBR1000RR, improving handling, power, and efficiency, but the core of it maintains the predictable power curve, which helps riders with confidence in and out of curves. There is little to worry about when buying a new Honda, but let’s consider what to expect in the 2023 model.

What’s New for 2023?

Not much has changed since the previous generation of the CBR1000RR before 2017, except perhaps the color scheme. Honda now features a red bike with white and blue stripes to accent it, but it used to feature more red, white, and black. Otherwise, there is little to be changed that could improve the current CBR1000RR base model, at least, according to Honda.

2023 Model Highlights

• Grand Prix Red
• Optional Gyro-Assisted ABS
• TFT instrument display
• Assisted slipper clutch

2023 Honda CBR1000RR Performance And Capability

The 2023 Honda CBR1000RR still uses its famed 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, which has been delivering the same type of performance expected from Honda since the first CBR. The use of Diamond-Like Carbon coating on the engine’s pistons for improved seal and magnesium covers enhances the bike’s lightweight durability and exemplifies Honda’s attention to detail.

With a peak engine speed of 13,000 rpm, the CBR100RR gives plenty of room to open up its capabilities while providing a smooth transition of power, ensuring optimal performance whether navigating city streets, winding canyons, or tearing up the track. It also uses an assisted slipper clutch that replicates the bikes Honda uses on the racetrack. A slipper clutch reduces the strain on your hand while pulling in and releasing it while simultaneously ensuring a smoother shifting experience.

Performance Specifications

Design And Styling

Though the style hasn’t changed much in this generation of the CBR1000RR, its color, named Grand Prix Red, comes in an upward sweeping stripe from the front mid-fairing panel across the gas tank with small accents behind the seat on the fender. The color scheme is a nod to the Grand Prix, as the color arrangement is reminiscent of a French flag, the origins of Grand Prix racing.

The CBR1000RR utilizes a slimmer radiator compared to previous generations, which tucks in tighter while still maintaining its efficient cooling. The reduction not only presents a sleeker design but also slightly enhances the aerodynamics. One trend Honda hasn’t followed yet is the aero winglets, and some claim they aren’t needed for the most part, anyway. The tank and fairings for this generation of the CBR are slimmer not only for better aerodynamics but also to give riders more area to tuck into away from the wind.

The display features a TFT display that not only weighs less than the previous LCD screens but has an easier-to-read layout. Around the bike, the integration of LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals not only enhances visibility but also aligns with the bike’s minimalist and sleek design.

Specifications And Dimensions

Chassis And Handling

The chassis is also crafted with an aluminum subframe and prioritizes lightweight agility without removing its rigidity. Overall, the design creates an agile, lightweight motorcycle that provides a comfortable ride over longer journeys. High-performance components in the racing replica, such as Tokico four-piston radial-mounted front-brake calipers, Showa inverted forks, and improved shocks, contribute to a highly responsive riding experience, capable of allowing riders to make quick adjustments in various unexpected road conditions. The Honda electronic steering dampener also detects speed and changes the stiffness as you accelerate to accommodate for the changes in handling.

The Honda selectable torque control and wheelie control are standard features that enhance the rider’s experience even further in split-second changes, improving confidence. The throttle-by-wire controls also have multiple options on how responsive you want the power delivery to be, giving you complete control over the acceleration, even in a panic. Additionally, for an added cost, the availability of an anti-lock braking system with rear-lift control enhances braking precision, and an angle sensor improves it during corner entry. With its power-to-weight ratio in mind, the Honda CBR1000RR keeps performance in mind while simultaneously improving the rider’s ability actually to make it around the track.

Chassis And Suspension

2023 Honda CBR1000RR Price and Availability

The 2023 Honda CBR1000RR is available in its base model for $16,599, or for an additional $300, it can be purchased with the enhanced ABS optional package. Shipping charges may be attached, so it’s best to contact a local Honda Powersports dealer to discuss the options as well as the availability.

Pricing And Features

2023 Honda CBR1000RR Versus Its Competitors

How The Honda CBR1000RR Compares To The 2024 BMW S 1000 RR

• 	2023 Honda CBR1000RR	2024 BMW S 1000 RR
  Make	Honda	BMW
  Model	CBR1000RR	S 1000 RR
  Engine/Motor	998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke	999 cc Inline-4
  Horsepower	183 HP	205 HP @ 13,000 RPM
  Torque	76.7 LB-FT	83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM
  Transmission	6-Speed	Claw-shifted 6-speed gearbox with straight cut gears
  MSRP	$16,599	$18,295

The 2024 BMW S1000RR has shocked and amazed the world of sports bikes. With its superior horsepower and traction control, the BMW is clearly the winner in top speed. That said, the Honda CBR1000RR has an undeniably superior mid-range and proven reliability. As a daily driver, it would make far more sense to buy a Honda. But what about the track? On one hand, you could argue that the BMW is going to eat up the Honda, but on the other hand, the smooth power-to-weight ratio and exceptional handling on the CBR might take a non-professional rider around the track much faster.

If you’re looking for an infinitely tunable bike with all the technological options for traction, braking, and throttle response, the BMW is a better option. Just remember that one clumsy mistake can cost you far more in repairs than a Honda might. If you don’t primarily ride the track, go with the Honda. It will handle the conditions of the street and won’t be too intimidating to use and abuse.

How The Honda CBR1000RR Compares To The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

• 	2023 Honda CBR1000RR	2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
  Make	Honda	Kawasaki
  Model	CBR1000RR	Ninja 1000SX
  Engine/Motor	998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder four-stroke	1,043 cc Inline-4
  Horsepower	183 HP	140 HP
  Torque	76.7 LB-FT	81.7 LB-FT
  Transmission	6-Speed	6-Speed, Manual
  MSRP	$16,599	$13,699

Between the Honda CBR1000RR and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, the choice may come down to preference and riding style. While the CBR is a superbike that focuses on speed and handling, the Ninja is a high-performance sport-touring bike focused on delivering comfort along with performance. The Ninja is quite a bit heavier than the CBR; however, it comes with many more creature comforts, including charging ports for your phone, removable side cases for storage, and more comfortable seating for you and a passenger.

Overall, the CBR might get you around the track faster, but the Ninja will get you to more tracks. It’s also worth noting that the Ninja comes in around a few thousand dollars cheaper than the CBR. For a comparable engine size, that’s quite a price difference.

Is It Worth Buying a 2023 Honda CBR1000RR?

While the HondaCare® Protection Plan is one of the best in the business, it’s crucial to weigh out what is important as a buyer, which should be performance for the price. The 2023 Honda CBR1000RR doesn’t disappoint performance-wise; however, it should be noted that there haven’t been any major changes to the bike since 2017. Even when reaching out to AHM Power Sports via email for this buyer guide, Customer Relations responded;

“At this time, 2022, 2023, and 2024 CBR1000RR models are on our website. For information, please visit this website.”

We didn’t press for more answers as, from a performance standpoint, the answer was obvious; not much changed. If you want to upgrade from your current lineup in your garage, now might not be the time. If you’re looking to add a Honda CBR1000RR to your collection or for a first-time buyer, this is where it could become tricky. Purchasing a used CBR1000RR presents its own list of issues, and if you just want warranty services and customer care, a new bike could be a great option. From our standpoint, saving $5000 or more on an older model would at least enable us to buy an upgraded model whenever it actually comes out, making the 2023 CBR1000RR… not worth it.