2009 Honda CBR 1000RR
The big news for the 2009 Honda CBR 1000RR isn't its new Repsol paint job, but its revolutionary electronically-controlled combined ABS system.
This makes the Honda Fireblade as it’s known in Europe and the CBR1000 RR here in the states the world's first ever ABS-equipped Superbike. This system takes none of the enjoyment out of riding this incredible superbike and it feels just the same to ride as a normal Blade/RR, even on the track. The system stays in the background until the moment you get into a difficult braking situation, then the 'brake-by-wire' kicks in. This is a landmark motorcycle and surely the shape of things to come. Why would you ever want a bike without it?
It might not make the ultimate power of its 1000cc rivals, but the magic of the Honda Fireblade/RR is its grunt and searing acceleration. The Honda's gem-like 163bhp in-line-four-cylinder 999.8cc motor is capable of powering the Bike to the naughty side of 180mph, but more impressively it can do 150mph in a quarter of a mile. The power is easy to use, all the way through the rev-range and the throttle response perfect. This is one of the all-time great engines 
On track, the nimble, but stable machine handles a lot like the RC212V MotoGP machine it's styled to look like. The suspension is plush and soaks up bumps on the road nicely, while giving lots of support and control on the circuit. On the standard model the brakes have lots of feel and power, but the C-ABS model takes the braking to a whole new level. The ABS system stops the wheels locking in an emergency, but unlike more crude mechanical systems, there's no pulsing at the lever, just smooth constant braking pressure. In normal conditions, if you only use the front brake, the system will apply a small amount of rear brake to keep the machine flatter, which increases stability on the way into a corner, this rear wheel braking technology was something that was developed back in the 90’s on the CBR 1100 XX- Blackbird.
