THE FIREBLADE : HONDA CBR 1000RR

HONDA CBR 1000RR

Honda CBR 1000RR

Deriving it’s roots from the far back in 1992 from it’s predecessor CBR 900RR, the CBR 1000RR, also known as “Fireblade” is a racing inspired super sports bike produced by Honda sice 2004. Honda CBR 1000RR is one of the best superbikes world has seen. From the start, CBR 1000RR has helped Honda to remain a respected name in World Superbike Championships and Moto GP. It is powered by a 999cc liquid cooled in-line four cylinder engine.

CBR 1000RR (2004 – 2005)

Honda CBR 1000RR (2004)

The First generation 999cc was a caompact and new design. It came with different bore and stroke dimensions, race-inspired cassette-type six-speed gearbox, all-new ECU-controlled ram-air system, dual-stage fuel injection, and center-up exhaust with a new computer-controlled butterfly valve. The chassis included an organic-style aluminum frame composed of Gravity Die-Cast main sections and Fine Die-Cast steering head structure, inverted fork, radial-mounted front brakes, and a centrally located fuel tank hidden under a faux cover. Additionally, the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) debuted as an industry first system which aimed to improve stability and help eliminate head shake while automatically adjusting for high and low speed steering effort. It also featured the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, a center-up exhaust system and other advanced technologies from the world of racing. The direct air induction system helped the engine offer excellent output characteristics and quick throttle response in the mid to high rpm ranges.

The 999cc in-line four cylinder engine produced a 172 bhp with 103.6 Nm of torque. It was capable of reaching from 0-100 kmph in just 3.1 seconds! The top speed was 285 kmph.

CBR 1000RR (2006 -2007)

Honda CBR 1000RR (2006)

The 2006 CBR offered incremental advancements over the earlier model with more power, better handling and less weight.  While retaining the basic structure of the 2004 model year engine, the 2006 model year engine featured straight cylinder head intake ports and larger exhaust ports. Adjustments to the shape and timing of the valves raised the efficiency of combustion, intake and exhaust, resulting in a more advanced engine with stronger torque at low to midrange speeds.

Other changes included –

_ Revised Cam timing

_ New Exhaust System

_ Revised Suspension

_ New Chassis Geometry

_ New lighter Swingarm

_ Revised front fairing design

The power and top speed remained same as 2004 model.

CBR 1000RR (2008 - 2011) – REDESIGN

Honda CBR 1000RR (2008)

Under the concept All the Best in Super Sport, the 2008 CBR1000RR was designed to be No. 1 in rideability, design and power. The model featured a back torque limiter system adopted from the RC212V, as well as an assist slipper clutch that reduced clutch lever load. The traditional rideability of the CBR series was also enhanced. Lightweight wheels and monoblock brake caliper contributed to a design that was more lightweight and compact, while the new shorter muffler helped concentrate mass. The engine had a completely new cylinder block, head configuration, and crankcase with lighter pistons. A new ECU had two separate revised maps sending the fuel and air mixture to be squeezed tight by the 12.3:1 compression ratio. Ram air was fed to an enlarged air box through two revised front scoops located under the headlamps.

Honda made a very focused effort to reduce and centralize overall weight. A lighter, narrower die-cast frame was formed using a new technique which Honda claimed allowed for very thin wall construction and only four castings to be welded together. Almost every part of the new bike was reengineered to reduce weight, including the sidestand, front brake hoses, brake rotors, battery, and wheels.

The power output remained the same at 172 bhp but top speed increased to 286 kmph. It was capable of reaching from 0-100 kmph in just 2.9 seconds!

In 2009, Honda introduced optional company fitted ABS (Anti-lock brake system) on CBR 1000RR.

In 2010 model Honda increased the diameter of the flywheel for more inertia. This improved low-rpm torque and smoother running just off idle. The license plate assembly was redesigned for quicker removal when preparing the motorcycle for track use. The muffler cover was also redesigned for improved appearance.

CBR 1000RR (2012 -2016)

Honda CBR 1000RR (2012)

Marking the 20th anniversary of the CBR series, the 2012 CBR1000RR has been designed with a focus on the ease of handling that is indispensable to a super sport bike. In every aspect, the motorcycle has reached a new level of maturity. The front and rear suspensions, which have a significant impact on handling, have both been given completely new structures. The rear uses a Balance-Free Rear Cushion, in which a valve-less piston slides inside the cylinder, pushing out oil that passes through a separate specialized component to generate damping force. The front uses a Big Piston Front Fork with a larger pressure-receiving area for smoother generation of damping force. The engine features revised fuel injection settings for enhanced control when the throttle starts to open from fully closed, giving riders access to high power with even greater peace of mind. Further, it had improved software for the combined-ABS System, new 12-spoke wheels, aerodynamic tweaks, an all LCD display and other minor updates.

It had a max power of 171 bhp and 106 Nm of torque and top speed merely decreased to 280 kmph, but acceleration from 0-100 kmph decreased to just 2.6 seconds – fastest till date. 

CBR 1000RR (2017 – Present)

Honda CBR 1000RR SP (2017)

In 2017, with the 25th anniversary of the Fireblade, Honda has updated its flagship CBR with new features such as throttle-by-wire that works with selectable ride modes and new bodywork. Some of the new features on the SP model are revised frame and fuel tank made of titanium and a 13:1 compression ratio. It features a retuned engine which now produces a claimed 189 bhp and a 14kg weight reduction. It is capable of reaching 281 kmph.

Other new features include –

_ 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for the management of ABS unit

_ 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control traction (HSTC) system

_ New ABS system that manages the Rear Lift Control (RLC), Wheelie Control, safe trail braking in    the corners

_ Five levels of power delivery

_ Three levels of engine braking control.

_ 4-piston radial mount monobloc brake calipers from Brembo

Honda CBR 1000RR (2017) Instrument Cluster

There is an even more exotic limited production "SP2" variant, with Marchesini forged wheels and with larger valves. Only 500 units will be made. The CBR1000RR SP2 uses the all new Ohlins Smart electronic control suspension system with three pre-adjustable modes, Gyro Assisted ABS Component and Lightweight Sub-frame.

Honda CBR 1000RR SP2 (2017)