2008 Honda CBR1000RR Comparo Photo Gallery

Imagine a '07 CBR600RR with a turbocharger and you'll be in the ballpark. This bike is tiny, light, and agile, plus it packs serious open class power.

Photos of the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR Comparo. 2008 Superbike Smackdown V.

2008 Honda CBR1000RR - Superbike Smackdown V

The CBR1000RR is agile yet stable and is equipped with outrageous brakes.

The CBR's lines drew mixed reactions, dividing our test group into two camps.

Much more compact than its predecessor, this year's double-R feels down right diminutive when compared back-to-back with the other bikes.

As good as the CBR is on the track, it comes as no surprise that it takes top billing on the street as well.

The 2008 Honda CBR1000RR appears to be a return to the type of philosophy that made the original CBR900RR so popular: Take the performance envelope and make it big, make it encompass more than just one aspect of the riding experience.

If this were Highlander, the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR would be standing around four headless Superbikes, because in the end - there can be only one!

The Honda's radial-mount four-piston stoppers up front were judged on par with those on the Ducati 1098.

Up front the 43mm HMAS inverted fork is excellent and the rider-friendly Unit Pro-Link set-up is equally adept.

We picture the Honda engineers in lap coats, cackling like mad scientists as they inject a 600RR with their super-soldier serum. Cylinders widen, power increases and its appearance changes but its alive. It's alive!

The latest CBR is slim and compact, the lightest machine in our test next to the Ducati.

The Honda is quickest in the quarter mile as well.

It may not have the top overall hp numbers, but the Honda motor is a potent powerplant.

From 0-60 and 0-100, nothing beats the Honda.

We would keep the front wheel down, but it just don't wanna.

Imagine a '07 CBR600RR with a turbocharger and you'll be in the ballpark. This bike is tiny, light, and agile, plus it packs serious open class power.

After only one session aboard the CBR1000RR, it was clear this bike was something special. Not only does it feel familiar, but it is an absolute animal.

Left to right, the lightweight Honda turns quick.

A look at the CBR's compact instrument console.

2008 Honda CBR1000RR - Superbike Smackdown V