'04 U.S. Model Preview
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Hmmm. I guess I'm a tad disappointed that the 'spy pics' were authentic after all.
I would never buy a bike for how it looks, and that's good for this Honda. Since all we can judge the 1000RR on is looks at this point, we might as well have at it...
In the most positive way I can say, I honestly hope it rides better than it looks; I don't think it's going to win any shootouts based on its appearance alone. With the 600RR already a year old, the design isn't exactly fresh and new, and although it (this general new design theme) has grown on me, it just doesn't approach the excitement and sleek (dare I say sexy?) look of the '04 R1. The increase in displacement is going to be this bike's biggest plus, and I'm guessing the total balance, handling, and feel of the ride will be near-perfect, so it's going to be a contender.
That said, I do like the solid black RR more than a little. All business and no flash!
Some thoughts...
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What's up with the rounded (ala 954) swingarm on the brake side, and the squared, boxy design (ala 929) on the drive side? What is it, a Jekyl-n-Hyde thing?
The exhaust cooling 'intake vents' on the tailsection look kinda awkward. The 'ram air' intakes also look like a bit of an afterthought, instead of being smoothly integrated.
The lowers definitely come up too high, like highwater pants on an old guy with a fat arse. This doesn't matter a bit on the solid black RR, but it makes the red and silver ones look like crap, IMO. Maybe some paint would help them out, but they'd still look too big. Chain will rejoice; the monochrome scheme looks the best!
The seat is shaped a little differently, but doesn't look any more padded than the 954's, so it'll likely get some complaints.
So much for the speculation that the brake resevoir in a previous photo had been 'Photochopped', or that the heel guards on the rear pegs were imaginary.
I like the damper and the instrument cluster, and the tailsection, even with the stock undertail exhaust, looks sweet. The front fender is also more organic than on past models, and it looks great.
The bike looks pretty good overall. I don't know; maybe it will grow on me some more as time goes on...
I would never buy a bike for how it looks, and that's good for this Honda. Since all we can judge the 1000RR on is looks at this point, we might as well have at it...
In the most positive way I can say, I honestly hope it rides better than it looks; I don't think it's going to win any shootouts based on its appearance alone. With the 600RR already a year old, the design isn't exactly fresh and new, and although it (this general new design theme) has grown on me, it just doesn't approach the excitement and sleek (dare I say sexy?) look of the '04 R1. The increase in displacement is going to be this bike's biggest plus, and I'm guessing the total balance, handling, and feel of the ride will be near-perfect, so it's going to be a contender.
That said, I do like the solid black RR more than a little. All business and no flash!
Some thoughts...
-----------------
What's up with the rounded (ala 954) swingarm on the brake side, and the squared, boxy design (ala 929) on the drive side? What is it, a Jekyl-n-Hyde thing?
The exhaust cooling 'intake vents' on the tailsection look kinda awkward. The 'ram air' intakes also look like a bit of an afterthought, instead of being smoothly integrated.
The lowers definitely come up too high, like highwater pants on an old guy with a fat arse. This doesn't matter a bit on the solid black RR, but it makes the red and silver ones look like crap, IMO. Maybe some paint would help them out, but they'd still look too big. Chain will rejoice; the monochrome scheme looks the best!
The seat is shaped a little differently, but doesn't look any more padded than the 954's, so it'll likely get some complaints.
So much for the speculation that the brake resevoir in a previous photo had been 'Photochopped', or that the heel guards on the rear pegs were imaginary.
I like the damper and the instrument cluster, and the tailsection, even with the stock undertail exhaust, looks sweet. The front fender is also more organic than on past models, and it looks great.
The bike looks pretty good overall. I don't know; maybe it will grow on me some more as time goes on...
Yeah,
I'd be they could still be finalizing engine specs...
I also think the side shot of the fairing is very 999'ish... The way it extends forward with the somewhat harder edge. It was done for a reason, form will follow function, so thats why it looks like it does, in every way...
Swingarm is like that I would guess due to the chain drive alignment. Possibly being reinforced on that side for the force it'll see from the chain... Dunno really...
I'd be they could still be finalizing engine specs...
I also think the side shot of the fairing is very 999'ish... The way it extends forward with the somewhat harder edge. It was done for a reason, form will follow function, so thats why it looks like it does, in every way...
Swingarm is like that I would guess due to the chain drive alignment. Possibly being reinforced on that side for the force it'll see from the chain... Dunno really...
Joined
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887 Posts
TAZ....I pray that you have your flame suit on!
I can already see it now..it's gonna sounds something like this:
'TAZ, you're an a-hole that doesn't know anything about bikes....you're blinded by the fact you ride a Yamaha...yada, yada, yada'....get ready dude....
Personally, I think the bike is about an 7 out of 10...I do wish the swingarm was a bit beefier like the 600RR or the '02 and '03 RC even, but I'm sure it's that way for a reason...the R/B scheme is kinda nice...it has always been Honda's best scheme IMO...the all black is too sweet!!!..it kicks major azz...
On another note, did anyone happen to check out the 'other' '04 models? what about the Nicky rep RC? $11,599 is waaay to freakin high though..what about the Silver/Black 600RR....that is pretty cool also....
I can already see it now..it's gonna sounds something like this:
'TAZ, you're an a-hole that doesn't know anything about bikes....you're blinded by the fact you ride a Yamaha...yada, yada, yada'....get ready dude....
Personally, I think the bike is about an 7 out of 10...I do wish the swingarm was a bit beefier like the 600RR or the '02 and '03 RC even, but I'm sure it's that way for a reason...the R/B scheme is kinda nice...it has always been Honda's best scheme IMO...the all black is too sweet!!!..it kicks major azz...
On another note, did anyone happen to check out the 'other' '04 models? what about the Nicky rep RC? $11,599 is waaay to freakin high though..what about the Silver/Black 600RR....that is pretty cool also....
About the basic numbers...
So far they are only rumors from different European magazines, but they seem real enough.
Power: 162-165HP
Weight: 385-392 lbs./175-178 kg (Definately a step in the wrong direction)
:-(
I'm, sure this will start quite a debate... Involving the R1, naturally!
-N.
So far they are only rumors from different European magazines, but they seem real enough.
Power: 162-165HP
Weight: 385-392 lbs./175-178 kg (Definately a step in the wrong direction)
:-(
I'm, sure this will start quite a debate... Involving the R1, naturally!
-N.
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