
The Honda CBR models are a series of sport bikes several of which (400RR, 600RR, 900RR, 929RR, 954RR and 1000RR) are marketed as race replicas, having the suffix RR after the engine size designation. With the exception of the single cylinder CBR125 and CBR150, all CBR motorbikes have inline engines (as compared to the V-twins in the VT, VTR and VF/VFR series). Less sporting models with inline engines make up the CB Series.
The frame was lighter, slimmer, and more compact than that of the 2006 CBR600RR. The frame was produced using what Honda calls Fine Die-Cast (FDC) technology, which allowed them to build a lighter frame without compromising strength or rigidity. The handling of the new bike was sharpened by its 22 mm (0.87 in) shorter wheelbase, as well as by the designer's focus on strict mass centralization. Despite the shorter wheelbase, the 2007 model's swingarm was 5 mm (0.20 in) longer than that of the 2006, made possible by the more compact dimensions of the new bike's engine.
The suspension of the 2007 model was carried over almost unchanged from the 2006 bike, with the same 41 mm (1.61 in) inverted fork in front, and Honda's Unit Pro-Link rear suspension configuration damping the rear wheel. The new three-spoke cast aluminum wheels were also lighter than those on the 2006 bike, which further contributed to the enhanced performance of the suspension. The brakes featured dual radial-mount four-piston calipers and twin 310 mm (12.20 in) discs at the front, and a single-piston caliper and a 220 mm (8.66 in) disc at the rear. Hidden below the steering head was an updated version of the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) system, which was also available on the CBR1000RR.
The smaller, sharper-edged new front upper fairing was dominated by the large central ram-air duct which fed the airbox through an opening in the steering head section of the frame and was separated from the sides of the fairing by a large gap which Honda said was for air management purposes. The tail-section was similarly smaller and sharper-edged, riding atop a heavily restyled under-seat muffler.
The motorcycle carried over with only color scheme changes for the 2008 model year.