Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade: radical declaration of war with 217 hp

Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade

In Germany from 22,330 euros

EICMA 2019

Honda has always relied on absolute control rather than absolute performance with the Fireblade. That will be completely different with the 2020 model year. In the meantime, the prices for the new Fireblade have also been announced.

The Honda F.ireblade has always been a good superbike, but the CBR 1000 RR never reached the absolute sunny spot either in comparison tests or in motorsport. Honda focused on balance and drivability, the competition on more radical approaches – and scored – in motorsport and in racetrack comparison tests.

With the Fireblade 2020, the tide should turn for Honda. In motorsport, Honda is already setting the course for success through HRC. The next CBR 1000 RR will have the most powerful inline four-cylinder engine of all superbikes, announces the HRC management. When it comes to the chassis, too, you want to plan more radically.

Compact row quad with 217 hp

At EICMA 2019, the Japanese are finally showing their cards. The new Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade – note the additional R in the name – is a completely newly developed motorcycle that has been uncompromisingly optimized for use on the racetrack. The new, ultra-short-stroke inline four-cylinder adopts the bore / stroke ratio (81 mm x 48.5 mm) from the RC 213 V-S and numerous technologies from the racing machine. Unlike the competition, Honda continues to rely on even firing intervals. The connecting rods are made of titanium, the pistons with spray oil cooling are made of forged aluminum. The valve actuation was switched from bucket tappets to rocker arms. The valve diameter increased. The valve train is driven by a new "semi-cam" system. The control chain is driven by the control gear located on the crankshaft via the cam idler – this shortens the length, which in turn saves overall height. The expected variable valve control is not found in the Fireblade. The throttle valve cross-section grew to 52 mm. The entire engine itself became much more compact. Of course, the performance has increased. Honda mentions 217 hp, and an impressive 14,500 tours are mentioned as speed. The maximum torque of 113 Nm is available at 12,500 rpm.

Honda

The assistance systems based on a six-axis inertia measuring unit have been supplemented by a launch control, the electronic steering damper works in three stages. There are also three driving modes that can be called up.

More stability and more braking power

The also newly developed aluminum frame now has a longer swing arm in the style of the RC 213 V-S. With a wheelbase of 1,453 mm, a steering head angle of 24 degrees and 101.2 mm caster, the new, ready-to-drive 202 kilogram blade should be more directionally stable. The aluminum rear frame screwed on from above offers a driver’s seat height of 830 mm.

Honda

The rear Showa central spring strut with 137 mm travel and the Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-L) system is now supported on top of the engine. At the front, the Japanese rely on a longer, fully adjustable 43 mm Big-Piston-Fork (BPF) from Showa with 120 mm of travel. New Nissin four-piston calipers, in conjunction with 330 mm discs and a two-stage ABS, ensure optimum braking performance. The rear is supported by a 220 disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper. At the front it stays with the 120/70 tire, at the rear a 200/55 tire should provide more traction.

Winglets in the fairing

In addition, the fairing and the position of the driver have been uncompromisingly geared towards aerodynamic performance. The flatter tank is almost 16.1 liters. In addition, the fairing has integrated winglets (three on each side) and a ram air channel in the front that leads directly through the steering head into the significantly enlarged airbox. The manifold pipes have oval cross-sections, the titanium muffler with flap system is provided by Akrapovic.

Honda

A full-color, fully customizable five-inch TFT screen in the cockpit, which is operated using four buttons on the left handlebar, LED lights all around and a smart key system round off the high-tech package.

Fireblade RR-R also as SP version

In addition to the normal CBR 1000 RR-R, the new superbike is again offered in an SP variant. It comes with even higher quality, electronically controlled suspension elements from Ohlins (NPX fork, TTX36 shock absorber) and Brembo Stylema pliers plus a pump on the front wheel. At the rear, the SP takes over the Brembo brake system of the RC213V-S. The ABS has a racetrack mode. The ready-to-drive weight should be 201 kg.

Honda has not yet given any mileage data. At the beginning of January, Honda published the prices for Germany. The basic version will be available from 22,330 euros (ex works). The SP is a little more expensive and costs 26,330 euros ex works. . The normal blade as well as the SP in Matt Pearl Morion Black and Grand Prix Red are available.

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