HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE (2006 - 2007) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
Power: | 170 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Low (388 lbs / 176 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesEvery once in a while a sportster comes along that is just right. The 2006 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is one of those machines.
- Related: Latest Honda Fireblade review
It delivers polished, glitch-free 180mph potency with almost no effort and yet blends this not just with the expected Honda build quality and class, but also a fat, hum-dinger, wheelie-pulling midrange that makes it more sheer fun than any since the 92 original Honda Fireblade. The latest Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is quite simply a class act.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAlmost beyond criticism, too – for the road. Of all the Japanese superbikes the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has the best road balance of sharp (yet steady thanks to the HESD electronic steering damper) steering, stability, tautness and comfort. Even on standard settings all but the most extreme riders will have nothing to complain of on the back of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. On track the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade lacks the GSX-R/ZX-10R’s rapier steering, but only just…
Engine
Next up: ReliabilitySewing-machine-like, free-revving effectiveness is what we’d boringly become used to with Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades. This reworked, stomping midrange laden, explosive weapon changes all that. 100mph wheelies have never been so easy as on the lates Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. Yet the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is also idiot-proof, docile and real-world responsive, too. I’ll take three.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is typically Honda: excellent fit and finish, far better than most durability and, so far, no reliability issues (which, after all, is as it should be with a bike so thoroughly developed…). You can't go far wrong with a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentWhat price do you put on being the best? OK, so the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is slightly more pricey than its rivals, but overall it’s worth it. The Suzuki and Yamahas are older models and the Kawasaki is less refined, lacks the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade's all-round class and is no beauty either. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades hold their values better, too. Find a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade for sale.
Equipment
What the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade needs, it’s got. Quality suspension, brakes, HESD damper, span adjustable levers etc, and it’s all quality stuff. The very nicest bits of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade however (pillion seat cover, tint screen etc) are Honda accessories.
Specs |
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Engine size | 998cc |
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Engine type | 16v transverse four, 6 gears |
Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 176kg |
Front suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Rear suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/60 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 44 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £190 |
New price | - |
Used price | £150,000 |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 170 bhp |
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Max torque | 84.5 ft-lb |
Top speed | 174 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 10.8 secs |
Tank range | 135 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2006: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade launched.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE (2006 - 2007)
17 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE (2006 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE (2006 - 2007)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £250
This and the Suzuki gsxr1000 k1-7 are the best sports bike for people that enjoy getting the best out of themselves with a smile from ear to ear
Great top end rush yet smooth and enough torque to get you motoring.
It’s a Honda
Basic for today but just as I like a bike you have to ride the thing without all the nonsense bikes come with today
Buying experience: I paid top money for a 2006 in 2024 with only 1,300!miles from new but it’s worth every penny.
Year: 2006
Brilliant bike
Buying experience: Dealer
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £250
Great bike feels planted as good as it gets before all the aids on later bikes .
Great motor , silky smooth , think MCN have the end stats mixed up with 2004 and 2007 as says less bhp and slower top end on 07 ?
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £220
Excellent bike easy to ride
Very comfortable for a sports bike.
Fast, smooth,
The only thing I would improve is the decals should be lacquer over the paint. Not just put on top of the the paint.
Buying experience: Private £4650 paid £4300
Version: Black
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £150
Started my biking life on a Honda ns125r back in 1992. Had a suzuki after passing test then kawasaki then triumph which were all ok except you just can't beat a honda especially this year of Fireblade nearly 30 years on and I wished I'd have stayed with honda for reliability build quality comfort ease of use and the performance handling and looks are just second to none for such an older bike. 5 out of 5 stars for the Fireblade 👍
Got to be the HESD system.
Buying experience: I brought from a dealer. Took a friend to get some oil for his bike in the morning. Came back smiling in the afternoon with a Honda cbr1000rr 2006 with 4700 miles on the clock
Version: Fire blade 1000rr6
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £100
Style & performances
Dislike sewing machine sound
Best bike ever
Pod and tail tidy ass standered
Buying experience: Dealer
Year: 2007
WOW! What an insanely brilliant motorcycle this is :-) It's blisteringly fast but also very easy to ride, fuelling/throttle response is perfect making it the easiest bike I've owned to ride at 30mph through towns & villages, it's also so perfectly balanced that riding at walking pace in traffic is a doddle. It has incredible acceleration in any gear and is so easy to flick it into turns, can't think of anything not to like - just buy one!
Rear brake could be slightly stronger but I've got used to it.
Pulls like a train :-)
Not had it long but have owned Honda's before and never had a problem!
Better mpg than I expected!
Would prefer to have a Gear Indicator and Lap Timer...
Version: RR7
Year: 2007
Only bought this bike two days ago after trading up from a CBR600F1 PGM-FI. The Blade has so much torque and has eaten up the 400 miles I've covered in two days. The handling at first felt like the bike didn't want to turn in like a 600, but once you get used to it, it will move. Brakes excellent, so strong, especially up front and gives plenty of feel back. Comfort, actually better than I thought and economy very good as you're not constantly changing gears. Finish is Honda quality and with a bit of Autoglym and WD40, looks like new for an 8 year old bike. Biggest bike I've owned and certainly the best..Love it....
Traded my CBR600FA in last weekend for a 2007 CBR1000RR. Blimey, what a difference. Monster engine with surreal power from anywhere in any gear. Brakes are shoyt, even though the previous owner has fitted braided hoses and new pads. Great riding position, even though I'm 6'4" it's comfortable on the daily motorway commute, feels like I could go a loooong way without getting out of the saddle. Had a play on the local A road circuit the day I picked it up an there's definitely a bottomless supply of pace and grip for the road. This bike is unquestionably way over the top for road use but so far I have no regrets buying it. I do miss the revvy nature of a 600 though, maybe a Gixxer 750 would be the best of both worlds. If you like pinning the throttle and listening to an engine scream this isn't the bike for you. If you want something that requires small delicate inputs resulting in stomping performance, that doesn't grumble at being leant over and that holds its line beautifully then trade up!
Unfortunately in September 2010 I had my first bike, Honda CBR600RR-07 stolen so in November 2010 I moved onto the CBR1000RR-06 Fireblade. Overall it is great but not quite what the 600RR was in some ways, the 600 was not as quick and needed to be revved as do all 600's, is lighter than the Fireblade so will turn quicker although if you ride the Fireblade with some altered suspension settings, i.e. track settings, it will turn quickly and due to the added power will hold a constant line very nicely. Unfortunately the previous model, i.e. 04-05 had problems with the stator and rotor which unfortunately is becoming common with many 06-07 models and for this reason I can not give it top scores throughout. The power and performance of the Fireblade is amazing although at slow speed/revs in can be a little rough therefore a higher gear is required than you would use with a 600 although the Fireblade can pull in any gear due to massive torque. In any gear this bike will pull hard even with two up just make sure that the weight of over the front for 1st-3rd gear hard acceleration. Unfortunately to get the same thrill of the 600 through the twisties you will need to be driving the gears and revs to the limit which will mean a very skilled rider on the road or a quiet track due to the speed you will be going.
There was no way I could hand it back after the test ride. It's an absolute dream to ride. The word 'staggering' comes to mind often when I'm on it, in fact I'm in awe at what it's capable of (far better than me) and the superb engineering and technology involved. The wave of torque (for a camy four) and responsiveness of the engine has to be felt to be believed (quite addictive). The pinpoint steering and sure footed handling is exquisite (goes around corners like it's on rails, maintaining it's line absolutely) BT-016's help! And the brakes are incredible, very powerful but with enough feel. I continually marvel at what it does - just makes you want to ride it. The journey is 'definitely' far more interesting and exciting than the destination! Over all, despite its 'scolded cat' performance, the complete package makes a sublime sports road bike. If these are the attributes you appreciate in a motorcycle, buy one; you won't be disappointed. Will be hard to change when the time comes.
The best road hypersports bike out there, better than the 2008/09 I think. Rode GSXR K6/7 and R1 (2008) and it walks all over them in the real world. Can't fault the build quality either. I've done 800 miles in a day on it, and done a 49 round Brands Hatch. What more could you possible want? Get one.
Simply stunning! The most user friendly, mad mother of a bike I have ever ridden. Yeah R1 is good and gsxr is fast but this is the greatest. If you've not ridden one then you need to...
absolutely fantastic, moved from a cbr 600 to the blade, wow!!! had it since July 07, not another bike out there i would exchange it for, even the 08 bikes......ok the 1098r is tempting but not in my price range....
Upgraded from the 600RR to the 06 1000RR. In many ways the 1000 is a better road bike, despite the superbike performance! It has much of the low down torque of a big twin with the screaming top end! This can make for more relaxed riding if you so wish. Of course if you wind the throttle open there is a significant difference over the 600RR and it is quite addictive! However, the 1000RR is not a better bike in every way. The 600 IS more flickable and this IS noticeable on the road (Steering damper on the blade?), the 600 is smoother (fewer annoying vibrations) and the 600 lets you thrash it / get the rev counter dancing around the red line. Do this on the blade and you are likely to be on one wheel / in trouble with the law! It is a shame about the vibrations because the 1000RR is a better fit than the 600, it is physically a bit bigger and this is generally a good thing on the road. The vibs don’t shake the mirrors like a twin but can make your hands numb after prolonged 70MPH stints in 6th, something the 600 does not do. Although I mention the 600 is more flickable, on sweeping corners the blade’s package is just SO complete. The pro link rear, stable front end and linear power makes it very confidence inspiring and very fast, especially as there is loads of linear drive from low revs allowing one gear to drive you in, through and out. In slower corners the 1000 takes just a bit more effort than the 600, but not much. In many ways it is more fun! On the track with a good rider on board I am guessing that the standard damper would be a bit of a hindrance. On the road I think it does help. Glad I upgraded.. yes definitely. Smoothness of a 600 next time though please Honda, it is the only reason I marked the engine down one. Personally I prefer the silver engine / swing arm but the black looks cool too!
Ive had lots of bikes, this is the best. A test ride sold me. Handling gives loads of confidence. Engine plenty, comfy(lot less cramped than millie), v.good brakes. No fuel gauge&slipper clutch a shame.Had to have a litre bike just to experience one. Is it all too much&sometimes scary? Yes. Am I going to sell it? No way!!
What a difference five years makes. The new blade is smoother, corners like its on rails, has tremendous torque for when your lazy with the gears and has such a high rev range that you wonder when's it going to stop. I use it for commuting every day and its fantastic, fly past the lane wanderers with its power and have great confidence in the brakes when ever you need them. Strengths: Whatever Honda did to the riding position has been brill for comfort over distances and 'feel' from the bike & tyres. Handling is excellent and while it could be described as neutral it really adds to your confidence. The engine is just fantastic, bimbling along at filtering speed, but howling power when you need to or want to let it off the leash. Weaknesses: Commuting and carrying stuff with the new bike has thrown up a bit of a problem as the new blade has a plastic tank? WHY!!! I didn't need to have that many grammes weight saved Mr Honda, press some metal ones as optional extras, I'll buy one. The paint finish to the tank is already looking dodgy. Another thing I have found uncomfortable is the way the brakes strangly judder in certain situations. Feels like ABS???? but its not.