[ Kenny Sagawa, Webike News Chief Editor ]
As have notified in my previous column, Honda has officially unveiled its new CBR1000RR.
This is the latest information announced by Honda Motor Europe Ltd on October 4 at the INTERMOT (International Motorcycle Fair) held in Cologne, Germany.
Inherits the "joy to maneuver" and adopts the radical "total control"
Honda has presented two types: CBR1000RR Fireblade SP and CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2. Its concept is to inherit the "joy to maneuver" which has been carried on since the debut of CBR900RR in 1992, while drastically reducing its weight, increasing its output, and improving its light maneuvering performance.
The new CBR1000RR has newly adopted the comprehensive electronic control system developed based on the RC213V-S to support the joy to maneuver in various riding situations.
According to the press release, the "Power Selector," the "Selectable Engine Brake," and the "Honda Selectable Torque Control" that enables the rider to change the output characteristics according to the rider's taste or riding condition, will be available on this model. In addition, the "Ohlins Smart Electronic Control" that controls the suspension can be programmed to unrivalled levels of precision.
It is also equipped with the new ABS system which controls the braking force according to the lean angle. In conjunction with its light weight and optimized vehicle balance, the new CBR1000RR achieves the radical "Total Control," meaning that it has maximized the joy of maneuvering.
The latest riding support system which is now becoming the mainstream of the supersport
In other words, the rider can choose from several riding modes depending on his riding condition. The onboard computer automatically calculates the output characteristics, the engine brake level, the intervention level of the traction control, the effect level of the cornering ABS, and even the setting of the Ohlins electronic control suspension.
It is a system that controls the whole motorcycle; from its engine characteristics to the postural change of the vehicle body. It is the most latest riding support system also adopted on the current BMW S1000RR or Ducati 1299 Panigale, and it is becoming the mainstream technology of the supersport nowadays.
Being the subsequent manufacturer to invest this system, Honda should have achieved something awesome!
"CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2," the track-focused model
Honda has also unveiled its track-focused model, "CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2" simultaneously. Based on the SP model, it features a newly designed cylinder head with new valves, combustion chamber and pistons, assuming the use on tracks or races. It also comes with Marchesini aluminum forged wheels to reduce the weight under the spring and to upgrade its sports performance.
Also, the "race kit" which refines its track performance will be available.
Assuming from these information, the engine of the SP2 is probably completely different from the SP1, and it could be upgraded even more. According to its picture, the basic SP2 package is offered in a public road version with safety parts installed. Which means that SP2 is practically the upper grade model of the SP1. It will probably be given a reasonable price for that.
Becoming the world's strongest supersport
The new CBR1000RR strongly inherits the DNA of the Fireblade that has been passed on from its initial model. Yet it has also been drastically upgraded by having the comprehensive electronic device of the latest technology.
Using its "Total Control Performance" that has been polished over the years, it is, no doubt, aspiring to the top rank of the supersport motorcycle.
As for information, the new CBR is scheduled to be sold in Japan too. So let's wait and see!
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See Accessories for HONDA CBR1000RR Fireblade