The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has been redesigned from the ground up with heavy input from the HRC MotoGP™ development program. The engine and chassis technology lean heavily on that of the RC213V-S 'Street legal MotoGP™ machine', with aerodynamics drawn from the RC213V MotoGP™ bike. The Fireblades engine, handling and aerodynamics are built for outright track performance.
To help achieve the maximum power output and the required valve size, combustion efficiency and friction reduction, the
RR-R SP's engine shares the same ‘over square’ 81 mm bore and 48.5 mm stroke as the RC213V-S – a radical change from the
76 x 55 mm of the previous design, and the largest bore size among current inline four-cylinder 1000 cc machines.
The engines durability has been improved by reducing internal friction, the cam lobes are now coated in Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) – similar to the RC213V-S. This is the first time this process has been used on a mass-production motorcycle. The cylinders also feature a build-in bottom bypass (patent-pending) which circulates cool water from the radiator into the main water jacket, while the area below uses non-cooled water. The outcome is a lower, more even temperature at all points across the bores for less distortion and friction.
The valve train is driven by a new (patent-pending) semi-cam gear train system. To drive such high-rpm/high-cam lift performance the chain is driven from the timing gear located on the crank shaft via the cam idle gear – making it shorter in length and reducing weight.
A ram-air duct located in the front fairing tip feeds through the headstock, around the steering stem and into the airbox; this smooth path is made possible by the application of Honda’s Smart Key System. The area of the opening for this system is equivalent to that of the RC213V MotoGP™ machine and it's design provides high ram pressure in a stable manner at a wide range of speeds.
The 4-2-1 exhaust downpipes have optimized diameters and oval cross section to improve gas flow. The smaller, lightweight titanium exhaust muffler was developed in conjunction with Akrapovic, to help deliver both low-rpm torque and high-rpm power; a valve stopper (patent-pending) helps stop exhaust-gas leak when closed while also reducing noise, allowing the mufflers total internal volume to be reduce by 38%.
Throttle By Wire (TBW) has been enhanced for faster response through a range of part throttle applications - such as gradual opening as you exit a corner – minimizing any delay in torque delivery. It's derived from the RC213V-S to provide more linear delivery and puts precise throttle control - and a natural feel - in the rider's right hand.
Three default riding modes feature options to change the engines output and character. Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and
Wheelie (W) control can all be adjusted within the modes.
Wheelie control uses information gathered by the IMU on pitch angle, along with front and rear wheel speed sensors to maintain torque and manage any front wheel lift without sacrificing forward drive.
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) adjusts through 9 levels and off. HSTC has been optimized for the 2020 machine and now adds slip rate control to moderate rapid wheel spin. In conjunction with the existing outright slip control, HSTC is smooth in operation while helping deliver maximum rider confidence.
The RR-R SP is also equipped with Start Mode for race starts. It limits the engine RPMs at 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 and 9,000 RPM set-points, even with a wide-open throttle, helping the rider focus on clutch release (and lights) alone. A quickshifter is also fitted as standard, with performance optimized for racing performance and reliability.
To reduce width the engine is started by rotation of the clutch main shaft rather than the crankshaft. This Patent-pending, design allows for a more compact crankshaft while double use of the primary driven gear (which is smaller, with fewer teeth) to also transmit rotation from the starter motor saves space; the engine is shorter in length due to reduction in distance between the crankshaft, counter shaft and main shafts.
A completely new aluminium diamond frame uses the rear of the engine as the upper shock mount; the swingarm is longer and based on the RC213V-S design. The rigidity balance, weight distribution and steering geometry have been carefully adjusted to improve stability,handling and traction
A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) replaces the five-axis unit of the previous design; this provides a more accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. The (IMU) also controls the new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).
Equipped with Showa’s new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD). A lightweight through-rod design that mounts on the bottom of the steering stem and attaches to the bottom yoke, HESD is controlled by input from the wheel speed sensors and IMU; 3 levels of control are available.
The RR-R SP features new, second-generation, semi-active Öhlins Electronically Controlled suspension (Smart-EC) with
43 mm Öhlins NPX forks and TTX36 shock. This suspension works in conjuction with the Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) to offer finer adjustment of settings.
New Brembo Stylema four-piston radial mount brake calipers are operated by a Brembo master cylinder and brake lever. They are now 10 mm larger with a 330 mm diameter discs; the 5 mm disc thickness also helps dissipates heat more efficiently. The rear brake caliper is the same Brembo unit used by the RC213V-S.
Rear lift control and ABS-managed brake force relative to lean angle were a feature of the previous design. For the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP the system gains two switchable modes; ROAD mode focuses on road-riding performance, with high brake force and less pitching, while TRACK mode offers performance in braking from much higher circuit speeds.
The 6-inch wide rear rim incorporates new hub geometry, to save weight while maintaining rigidity and mounts a larger 200/55-ZR17 sized tire up from the previous 190/50-ZR17.
The RR-R SP's new aggressive fairing design was no mere styling exercise; the goal in development was to create class-leading drag coefficient and restrict lift under acceleration while improving braking stability. This was achieved by adding an aerodynamic fairing, windscreen and mudguard and the fuel tank cover was lowered by 45 mm (compared to the previous design) to allow for a more compact riding position.
To help generate downforce at track speeds – and maintain the smallest possible frontal area – the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP employs winglet structures that effectively generate the same downforce as the RC213V MotoGP machine. The results are a reduction in wheelies under acceleration and increased stability on braking and corner entry.
Fully customizable, full colour 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control, operated via a simplified four-way switch on the left handlebar.
With the addition of the Honda Smart Key System, the ignition now operates without having to insert a key, as does handlebar lock. Adding convenience in day-to-day use and has allowed for the use of a competition-style top yoke while freeing up space for the ram air system.
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