Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade: Top 5 Highlights Of The Upcoming Superbike

What makes the upcoming Honda superbike so special? We give you the details

Honda is gearing up to launch the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade variant soon in India. In fact bookings for both motorcycles have commenced across our country for a token amount of Rs 3 lakh. Before Honda’s latest superbike makes its India debut, let’s look at its top five highlights. 

Also Read: Exclusive - Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Price Details

Most Powerful Production Honda Bike

With the competition marching ahead and most even breaching the 200PS mark, the Honda Fireblade was feeling a bit left out. Honda was also facing heat from its fans with engineers under pressure to deliver. They've delivered and how!  

Instead of working on the older motor, they went into the HRC department, looked at the specs of its MotoGP machine, and decided that the new bike would share the same ‘over-square’ 81mm bore and 48.5mm stroke as the RC213V MotoGP bike. The end result is that the 1,00cc inline-four motor despite meeting BS6 emission norms churns out 217.5PS and 113Nm of torque. That’s an increment of 25PS more power than its predecessor! 

The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade also features keyless ignition. This wasn’t included just for convenience but to add a centrally located ram air duct which wouldn’t have been possible with a traditional key unit. To reduce reciprocating mass, the boffins have added titanium connecting rods and forged pistons.

Also Read: Upcoming Two-wheeler Launches In August 2020

Overhauled Dynamics

Apart from more firepower, Honda has also ensured that the handling dynamics of the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is much better than the older bike. The aluminium frame is mounted on the engine in six locations and the brand claims it has increased vertical and torsional rigidity by 18 and 9 percent respectively, while horizontal rigidity has decreased by 11 percent. 

Honda has also made sure it is among the lightest superbikes in its class, at just 201kg (kerb). Honda claims the changes made to the frame have improved the dynamics, making it among the best handling bikes in its class. It has also made the riding posture more aggressive for better leverage while cornering hard. 

It’s Got Wings!

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is the first production Honda motorcycle to get winglets for additional downforce. While Honda is a bit late to the winglets party, it’s the first among its Japanese counterparts when it comes to offering this kit. 

The winglet structure comprises three internal ducts. The Japanese brand claims it generates the same amount of downforce as the ones used on Marc Marquez’ 2018 RCV213V MotoGP machine. Apart from downforce, the winglets also improve the high-speed stability of the bike. The winglets are standard on both the variants and aren't exclusive just for the SP variant. 

Electronics Galore

Another aspect where the previous-generation Fireblade felt archaic was the lack of electronic aids. Honda engineers have gone all out with the new CBR1000RR-R which gets a six-axis IMU unit, launch control, wheelie control, three power modes, bi-directional quickshifter, nine-level traction control and cornering ABS (with two modes). All the above can be controlled via a new TFT display that also shows lean angles.  

Standard vs SP: What’s Different?

The styling, engine specs, features and frame remain identical on both machines. The only difference between both the variants are the components. Braking hardware on the standard CBR1000RR-R consists of twin 330mm diameter discs clamped by Nissin four-piston radial calipers, while the SP variant features premium Brembo Stylema calipers. Rear brakes on both the variants is a 220mm disc with the Brembo unit used by the RC213V-S.

The standard variant employs fully adjustable Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) and Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-Light) rear monoshock. The CBR1000RR-R SP variant features fully adjustable second-generation Ohlins semi-active suspension at the front and back. A neat feature of this suspension system is that it allows riders to store three setups that they can switch on the move. Both the variants sport Showa’s new three-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) which is controlled by the IMU for better stability.