It was really long since the Honda thoroughly updated it's CBR 1000RR, which made the bike left behind in the era of advanced electronics incorporating Liter class bikes. The 2016 model was still heavily based on the yesteryear 2008 Fireblade, with just ABS and digital instrument console. Honda has now thoroughly updated its flagship CBR with a host of electronics, thanks to the technology developed for MotoGP. Here we make an overview of the 2017 Honda CBR 1000RR SP, for which the bookings were made open today in India. Design & Looks:
The design of the Fireblade SP is very simple and compact, built over the chassis very much similar to the previous generation bike. As the Fireblade was highly appreciated for its handling and feel by racers and street riders, Honda decided to build the new bike on the same good old chassis but with thinner walls. The aesthetics of the bike still remains similar to that of the older generation CBR, yet has some unique design cues. The bike gets an all new LED headlamp unit, just like the Ducati Panigale. The overall design is very much based on one of the very first CBRs, the CBR 900RR.Engine & Performance:
*** The 999cc liquid cooled inline four heart of the CBR 1000RR SP
The new CBR 1000RR SP has an updated engine which not only produces more power, but is also significantly lighter than the previous generation. The engine gets new pistons with Diamond like Carbon (DLC) coated piston rings, and the compression ratio goes up from 12.3:1 to 13.0:1. This combined with a higher rev limit at 13,000 rpm inturn makes the peak power to 178 bhp at crank. The updated motorcycle also gets redesigned air box, all new air intake ducts and a 2mm larger throttle body.
The engine gets many premium components as the ignition cover and casings are made from Magnesium, lightweight pistons and valves saving up 4.4 pounds all together. The exhaust canister is an all new design built using Titanium, which saves 6.17 pounds. The 999cc liquid cooled inline four motor produces 191.7 PS at 13,000 rpm and 114 Nm torque at 11,000 rpm. The clutch is a Seamless Shift Slip-assist Unit, while the transmission is a 6 speed unit with Quick shifter and Auto blip functionality.
Equipment:
*** Titanium fuel tank, Öhlins semi active suspension, Brembo dual 4 piston radical calipers and Titanium Exhaust canisters
The 2017 Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP has a premium build quality with top notch components. The fuel tank is made up entirely of titanium, while the fairing is much thinner to reduce the weight of the motorcycle. The bike gets Öhlins semi active suspension system as a standard equipment. The braking duties are carried out by Brembo dual 4 piston radical calipers upfront, while there is a single piston Brembo caliper at the rear. For seamless gear shifts, the Fireblade SP now gets a Quick Shifter for up and down shifts along with Auto blipping functionality.
The Instrument console is a single large TFT liquid crystal unit, it displays a plethora of information. The dash also gets an on-board computer for calculating average fuel economy, fuel consumption, remaining fuel and average speed. The Marchesini wheels of the Fireblade SP is also made from Magnesium alloy to reduce weight. The bike comes shod with Bridgestone rubber in standard 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/50 ZR17 rear dimensions.
Electronic Package:
The electronics package is where the new Fireblade is leaps ahead. The motorcycle incorporates a Bosch 5 axis Inertial measurement unit (IMU) that collects real time data required for the electronic rider aids. The electronic package includes a Wheelie Control System, Traction Control System, Rear Wheel Slide function, Engine Brake Control, Rear Wheel Lift Control and Cornering Angle Sensitive Anti lock braking system.
*** 5 different riding modes of the Honda CBR 1000RR SP 2017
The engine behavior can also be modified by using 5 separate riding modes. Mode 1, 2 and 3 are pre programmed while the User 1 and User 2 modes can be programmed by the rider by selecting suitable modes of traction control, 5 level power selector, engine braking and Öhlins semi active electronic suspension. Honda classifies Mode 1 for fast riding, Mode 2 for fun riding and Mode 3 for comfortable riding.
Final Impression:Honda has finally updated its long-term flagship Superbike after a really long time. The amount of work gone through for the new motorcycle is immense and is pretty evident as soon as you look at the spec sheet. With an electronic package almost equal to the RC213V-S, smooth engine and a well proven lightweight chassis, the new Honda CBR 1000RR SP is a thorough bred Superbike capable of competing with its rivals at the highest level.
By: Aravind Rb
