Honda's CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP a Truly Revolutionary Two-Wheeler
Slated to do battle with our world's best superbikes, the clean sheet design Honda CBR Fireblade SP is their first all-new such model in 12 years.
Entirely New
Honda's CBR is a legendary nameplate in the world of sportbikes, one that's long provided riders with a serious performance at reasonable prices. But while it might seem hard to believe, it's been 12 entire years since Honda unveiled an all-new superbike. The CBR has received several facelifts and updates along the way, but the machine you're looking at here - the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP - a completely new from the ground-up design.
Photos: Honda
Staring With Power
To do battle with the likes of BMW, Kawasaki, and Ducati, Honda knew they had to create something extra special. And the Fireblade SP is most certainly that. For starters, it packs a powerful 1,000cc inline-four cylinder engine producing 215 hp. That engine also packs the same 81 mm x 48.5 mm bore and stroke as the brand's MotoGP racer, which is no coincidence.
Photos: Honda
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Race Inspired
Honda is keen on not just competing, but winning the World Superbike Championship with its new signing, Alvaro Bautista. To that end, they've added 26 hp to the outgoing CBR model while also giving it a European-compliant exhaust designed to meet tightening regulations. From there, the all-new model draws heavily on MotoGP technology.
Photos: Honda
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Upgraded Bits
That includes the suspension, which has been completely overhauled from the previous-gen CBR. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP uses an all-new aluminum diamond frame with increased vertical and torsional rigidity, but decreased horizontal rigidity, for maximum levels of grip and feel. It also features a longer aluminum swingarm developed through Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been optimized and an adjustable Start Mode joins Power, Engine Brake and Wheelie Control; a quick shifter is standard. Honda’s Grand Prix efforts.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Tech Goodies
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been optimized and an adjustable Start Mode joins Power, Engine Brake and Wheelie Control, with a standard quick shifter included. The Fireblade SP is also outfitted with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), three-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), and second-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension and user interface.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Serious Stuff
Bringing all of this to a stop in a hurry are Brembo Stylema brake calipers that bite down hard on 330mm rotors through two-level ABS. The bodywork and riding position has been designed with a laser focus on aerodynamic performance, and the fairing features MotoGP-derived winglets to generate downforce. A full-color TFT screen and Honda Smart Key add a nice bit of tech to the whole package.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Competitive Spirit
"From our earliest days, Honda has been committed to developing class-leading motorcycles capable of winning races," said Chris Cox, American Honda’s Manager of Experiential Marketing/Public Relations. "Developed around technologies and information gleaned from Honda’s Grand Prix racing efforts, the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP highlights the brand’s competitive spirit, and we’re excited for riders to experience the latest in our storied line of sport motorcycles."
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Reclaiming the Crown
It's easy to see, looking at the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, that Honda is rather serious about reclaiming its rightful place atop the superbike world. And they'll get a chance to do just that when the latest and greatest CBR goes on sale in June of 2020.
Photos: Honda
>>Join the conversation about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
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