This week’s Car of the Week article is a little different, mainly because the vehicle in question is actually a bike. Sophomore Luke Floyd is the proud owner of this week’s featured bike, an orange and black Honda CBR600RR race bike.

“I’ve always liked bikes,” Floyd said. “Bikes are more fun than cars because you’re outside, exposed to the elements, instead of enclosed in a box.” Although cars are arguably safer and keep you dry in the rain, the cost of purchasing and owning a bike is significantly less than a car. The cost of a top-of-the-line race bike would be comparable to that of a mid-priced car, something that many people find attractive, including the occasional speed-demon and adrenaline junkie.

“As of right now, the CBR is completely stock,” Floyd said, “but we have got some mods planned.” A popular first modification is an exhaust upgrade, which is exactly what Floyd plans on doing as well.

One of the major differences between car and race bike enthusiasts is in the attitude they take regarding aftermarket modifications. “I personally would modify a bike to improve it’s performance, rather than cosmetics,” Floyd said. “What’s the point of having a bike that looks good, but doesn’t go fast?” The general consensus amongst owners of race bikes is that performance is what matters most. They were designed from the factory to go fast on the street and the racetrack, not to look good cruising down Santa Monica Boulevard.

Much like cars, bikes come in many forms. You have got track-ready race bikes like Floyd’s Honda CBR600RR, as well as classic cruisers like Harley-Davidson’s. The beauty of the automotive world is that there is something out there for everyone