2012 Honda CBR1000RR First Ride Photo Gallery

Honda’s new Balance-Free shock proved to be the most noticeable and significant improvement to the CBR1000RR’s chassis.

View photos and images of Honda’s new and improved Superbike as Motorcycle-USA test rides it in the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR First Ride from Infineon Raceway.

New 12-spoke cast aluminum wheels give the CBR a very high-end look.

Rear tire traction is a big improvement over the 2008-2011 machine.

Although the ’12 Honda CBR1000RR’s ergonomics are unchanged they still work well for out test rider’s six-foot tall frame even without the benefit of adjustment.

On the street the CBR’s new suspension felt as complaint as before and generally delivered a very plush yet sport ride for a street bike.

At 441 pounds with a full 4.7-gallon tank of fuel, the CBR is one of the lightest 1000cc bikes available.

The updated engine mapping and fuel-injection settings gave the already smooth CBR even more powerband linearity at low revs and throttle angles.

New bodywork is supposed to provide a calmer air pocket for the rider behind the windscreen. We didn’t feel a difference.

Mid-range power—the CBR has plenty of it which is a big plus for the street and smaller, point-and-shoot racetracks like Infineon.

Due to track conditions, it was hard to get an accurate read on the CBR’s new Showa big piston fork, however we did observe that it reduced chassis pitch during hard braking which equates to enhanced stability during corner entry.

A spoiler in the chin of the front fairing creates more down force.

Updated wheels and bodywork make the ’12 CBR1000RR much better looking than before.

The U.S. spec ’12 CBR1000RR comes in three colorways at a base price of $13,800. C-ABS is an $1000 up-charge.

The ’12 CBR1000RR’s all-digital display not only looks cool, it’s easy to toy with and read.

Honda’s new layered fairing contributes to better engine cooling and aerodynamic efficiency at speed.

The cockpit of the ’12 CBR1000RR is accommodating and works well on both the street and racetrack.

The Showa Balance-Free gas charged shock continues to offer three-way adjustment. Although it lacks a separate high-speed adjustment circuit, you’d have to be Casey Stoner to miss it.

The aesthetics of the ’12 Honda CBR1000RR are a big improvement.