2008 Honda CBR1000RR: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2024
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The engine burns oil at the rate of 1 quart per 500 miles regardless of how it's operated. Absolutely ridiculous. Most other owners know this is a common issue with faulty piston rings and no recall has been issued. This problem only results in unnecessary wear and tear on other engine components, higher cost of ownership and much higher emissions. Honda, please fix your bike!!”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 honda cbr1000rr motorcycle. While changing the oil in the vehicle, the contact noticed that it was burning oil too fast. The contact stated that the motorcycle had been burning oil too quickly ever since it was purchased a year ago. The motorcycle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the motorcycle was burning too much oil. The motorcycle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 honda cbr1000rr. The contact stated that the engine oil had to be constantly refilled due to excessive oil burning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the piston rings failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,915.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“On january 18th 2015 I was riding my motorcycle honda 2008 cbr1000rr on mulholland hwy in aguora hills at speed about 45mph on a straight road. A head was mild turn to the right. Just before the turn my engine seized, blocked rear wheel and motorcycle with me continue straight out of turn into the cliff about 25 feet deep. Unfortunately there was not any guardrail to prevent fall into the cliff and avoid injuries. I got a multiple injuries. I contacted honda safety department and they referred me with my motorcycle problem to dealer.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 honda cbr cbr1000rr motorcycle. The contact stated that engine oil had to be added to the vehicle every 700-1000 miles. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure and stated that the oil consumption was within specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2013
“My 2008 honda cbr1000 burns an excessive amount of engine oil. Over the course of my ownership I have noticed that my bike burns on average 1 qt of fully synthetic motor oil in about 1000 miles of use. This is an excessive amount of oil and I am constantly refilling oil and worrying about the extra strain on the engine due to this high amount of oil consumption. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2013
“Just changed oil on my 2008 cbr1000rr again to find my oil low after 2000 miles. Its burning 1.2qt every 2000 miles and seems to be burning more as I put more miles on the bike. I have owned many of honda cbr1000 and this is the 1st to ever burn oil and the amount is far too much to be called normal. *js”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2012
“It burns a quart of oil every 600 miles. This is crap! The bike only has 3000 on it. I am really glad I checked it before it got any lower. Honda says this normal. What a load of you know what! Come on honda just admit you screwed up and recall these bikes and fix them. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2012
“The 2008 cbr1000rr I purchased at the beginning of 2012 with approx. 4,000 miles on it burns an excessive amount of oil. I have put approx. 2,000 miles on it and have had to add 4 liters of oil . At 7,000 rpm and higher it blows smoke out of the exhaust . From what I've read this is a common problem amongst the 2008 and 2009 models. The dealerships head mechanic said that they have never heard of such a problem{adventure motorsports in twin falls idaho}. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2012
“My 2008 honda cbr 1000rr burned 1.5 liters (of 3.2 total liters) of fully synthetic premium repsol engine oil, in 1000 miles of highway driving at 65 mph. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007, 2009-2017 CBR600RR, 2008-2017, 2021 CBR1000RR, and 2010, 2012-2013 VFR1200 motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's numbers for this recall are KR2, KR3, KR4 and KR5. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 24V-113.
HONDA IS RECALLING 12,894 MY 2008 CBR1000RR MOTORCYCLES. A COOLANT HOSE CLAMP LOCATED ON THE WATER PUMP COVER MAY BREAK DUE TO FATIGUE CAUSED BY VIBRATION GENERATED AT CONTINUOUS HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEW COOLANT HOSE CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 866-784-1870.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact CBR1000RR by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.