Coming to terms with the Fireblade...The first couple of times I rode the Honda I found the riding position hanging over the gas tank somewhat extreme. The bike was astonishingly light compared to others I've ridden (dirt bikes excepted), and changes directions like it's telepathic, though the clip on handlebars mean you don't get a lot of leverage when turning.
While the riding position is pretty extreme compared to the adventure and sports touring bikes I've ridden recently, it's the bike's geometry that really surprises. The rake on the front wheel is nearly vertical, and feels like it's right under your hands rather than stretched out in front of you. This results in those telepathic direction changes.
One of the most shocking things about riding the Fireblade is its acceleration. I've yet to own a bike where I can't turn the throttle to the stop opening it up... until the 'Blade. It's so light it pulls strong through the first sixty-five hundred RPMs, but then it lunges to the redline in a startling manner. Even in higher gears I haven't turned the throttle to the stop yet.
The CBR900RR is described as a bike that is engineered to exceed your abilities but is accessible enough to show you how to improve them, and that's just how it feels. As someone who has gone out of his way to explore motorcycling, it checks a box for yet another aspect of the sport to discover. I won't be putting big miles on the CBR, but they'll be highly intentional and informative ones.
