Honda CBR1000RR-R

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

Honda's renowned Fireblade, first introduced in 1992, grabbed the world by storm, turning into a magnificent 1000cc machine and leaving a legacy both on and off the track. The motorcycle served as a model for several professional racing bikes, and it even made an appearance in the Isle of Man TT. The mythology of Fireblade has grown over time, and in 2023, we got two new variations produced in collaboration with Honda Racing Corporation. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP deserve the original Fireblade's history.

Honda's flagship sports motorbike, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, competes in the litre-class division. The motorbike is available in two versions: the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, both of which are imported via the Completely Built-Up (CBU) route.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Design and Style

The engine, handling, and aerodynamics of both models are all geared for maximum track performance. The fact that the RC213V-Street-legal MotoGP machine's engine and chassis technology, as well as the aerodynamics of the RC213V MotoGP bike, were used to create these bikes leaves no doubt about what they could achieve on the tarmac.

Honda introduced the two models at the 2019 EICMA Show in Milan. The RC213V-S, which was built on the company's MotoGP motorbike, the RC213V largely influenced the new Fireblade's chassis technology. According to Honda, the new Fireblade has a longer wheelbase, rake, and tail for improved stability.

Like the MotoGP bikes, they equipped this Speed Roadster with a Titanium Muffler with an internal exhaust valve for maximum performance and a roaring growl.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Engine and Gearbox

A 999cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC engine propels both iterations of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. At 14,500 rpm, the motor is optimised to produce 214 HP of maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The BS6-compliant engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission with a wet, multi-plate Hydraulic Clutch type setup.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

The front brake discs of the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP are 330mm in diameter to boost braking force. The front callipers are Brembo Style, while the rear calliper is the same as the one used on the RC213V-S. Brembo also provides the brake master cylinders and front brake levers, ensuring complete braking performance. The wheelbase of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is barely 57.3 inches, and the swing arm is 24.5 inches long for super-responsive handling. With a rider on board, the crankshaft centerline is 33mm farther from the front axle and 16mm higher for better front/rear balance. The rake angle is 24 degrees, and the trail is 102 mm. For better traction on the track, the swing arm has been lengthened by 30.5 mm. In addition, horizontal swing arm rigidity was reduced by 15% while vertical rigidity remained the same. A lightweight aluminium frame with 2mm thick wall sections is used on the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. For improved feel and performance, vertical and torsional rigidity has increased by 18% and 9%, respectively, while horizontal rigidity has dropped by 11%. There is no separate fastening nut for the titanium connecting rods and rod bolts because they thread directly into the rod body. The design, which is similar to the RC213V-S rod, decreases weight by roughly 50% when compared to a steel rod.

Instrument Console of Honda CBR1000RR-R

2023 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade features a larger, higher-resolution instrument screen than previous CBR models. Engine temperature, riding modes, speedometer and tachometer, shifter setting, ABS level, gear position, remaining gasoline, and much more are all available from a menu of screen configuration settings. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has an Ohlins NPX fork that is electronically regulated. Cavitation inside the damper is reduced by adding a pressurised damping system to the NIX fork used by the preceding CBR1000RR SP, which helps to stabilise damping force and increase bump absorption.

Key Features of Honda CBR1000RR-R

Twin-LED headlamps, multiple air vents, aerodynamic winglets, Brembo brakes (exclusive to SP), full-colour 5-inch TFT metre throttle-by-wire system smooths and improves throttle response, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), lightweight, power on demand, OHLINS second-generation smart EC suspension (EXCLUSIVE TO SP), 2-Channel ABS with IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), smart key, and titanium muffler are some of the key features of the new Honda CBR1000RR-R.

Top Speed and Mileage of Honda CBR1000RR-R

2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R mileage is 16 kmpl (company-claimed) and in terms of performance, the 1000cc superbike can speed up from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, achieving the top speed of 299 km/h (electronically limited).

Honda CBR1000RR-R Colour Options

The new CBR1000RR-R will be offered in two variants and two colour options; Fireblade is available in Grand Prix Red and Matte Pearl Morion Black, and the Fireblade SP version is only available in Grand Prix Red.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Competitors

The Kawasaki Z650 RS, BMW R NineT Scrambler, Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special, Indian Motorcycle Springfield Dark Horse, Ducati Panigale V4, Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Road King, Aprilia RSV4 2021, and Kawasaki ZH2 are the top competitors for the new Honda CBR1000RR-R.

Conclusion

It's well-made, well-equipped, and dependable, but its layout is standard, and it even comes with cheap rubber brake lines, making it feel less unique than its competitors. For the discerning road rider, Honda's Fireblade has always been the go-to superbike. Others have come and gone, surrounded by their own fanfares, but the Blade has remained a best-seller. Simple, light, effective, easy to use, and wonderfully crafted. Best Honda has reversed course for the 2020 model, yearning for racing success. If you plan on attending track days, the increased power is well worth the investment. You'll also get a longer, more flexible chassis for better stability and feel, MotoGP-inspired wings, smoother rider aids controlled by a six-axis IMU rather than a five-axis IMU, Ohlins' latest evolution semi-active gas forks, an upgraded colour dash, top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema callipers, and a new look.