Honda’s habit of surprising at motor events continues worldwide. The Japanese company has showcased the new version of its potent Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade which is called the CBR1000RR SP. The SP is a revised version of the CBR1000RR. There are a host of changes in every department and this version is much more track oriented compared to the regular Fireblade.
When it comes to the engine, the Honda CBR1000RR SP gets a revised cylinder head, exhaust system, polished inlet and exhaust valves, new hand selected pistons and conrods. All these changes are made to increase the mid-range torque and top end-thrust of the motorcycle and will help the engine spin faster. This should help the Fireblade achieve faster lap times. But how is this extra power and torque controlled now?
Well the party piece in this new SP version is the top notch Ohlins front shocks which are fully adjustable and were only found on European motorcycles. Usually Japanese litre class motorcycles come with Showa, KYB, etc. The brakes on this SP version come from Brembo and are monobloc callipers which are found on European motorcycles, only until now. The CBR1000RR SP also comes with sticky Pirelli Supercorsa SC tyres. Honda has raised the bar with the new SP version which is undeniable. Weight has been shredded with a new lighter rear subframe which compromises of the rear pillion seat. The Honda CBR1000RR also gets revised clip-ons and foot peg position for a more dedicated riding position.
The Honda CBR1000RR comes with combined ABS as standard and omission of traction control continues which is due for the RC bike (coming this month, but not at the EICMA). The new SP version of the Fireblade seems promising for track focused riders and this new move from Honda shows that the Europeans with their fancy electronics are giving them a tough time. However, the new RC V4 may change everything in the world of litre class motorcycles.
