Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade India launch: What to expect?

Honda has commenced the bookings for the upcoming CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Fireblade SP. The two models will arrive via the Completely Built-up (CBU) route in India. Here we tell you what to expect on the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Fireblade SP.

Design

The two models were revealed at the 2019 EICMA Show in Milan. The chassis technology of new Fireblade is heavily inspired by the RC213V-S. The company has increased wheelbase to 1,455mm and rake and trail of 24°/102mm (from 1405mm, 23°/96mm). The updated setup is claimed to deliver improved stability.

Honda has brought several weight-saving measures to its litre-class supersport motorcycle. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade uses a light-weight aluminium frame with 2mm thick wall sections. The titanium connecting rods and the rod bolts thread directly into the rod body so there’s no separate fastening nut.

Both models come equipped with twin-LED headlamps, multiple air vents, aerodynamic winglets, full-colour five-inch TFT-screen and a sharp tail section. The winglets on its fairing are derived from the manufacturer’s MotoGP machine, the RC213V.

Colours

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade will be available in two colour options – Grand Prix Red and Matte Pearl Morion Black. The SP version, on the other hand, will be offered in Grand Prix Red colour only.

Engine

In terms of mechanical specifications, both variants of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade use a 999cc, inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 215bhp of maximum power at 14,500rpm and 113Nm of peak torque at 12,500rpm. The power output is higher by about 29bhp over its predecessor.

Hardware

The shock absorption tasks on the standard model are performed by 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) at the front and a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-L). Anchoring power on the base version comes from Nissin-sourced calliper at the front and a Brembo calliper at the rear.

The SP variant, on the other hand, uses higher-spec components. The suspension setup comprises of semi-active Ohlins EC 43mm NPX forks at the front and an Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC mono-shock at the rear. Braking setup includes Brembo Stylema callipers for the front and a Brembo monoblock calliper at the rear.

The electronics package works with new Bosch six-axis IMU. The electronic rider aids include Throttle-by-Wire, three riding modes, ABS, wheelie control, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and launch control. Both variants also get Showa’s new three-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper.

Price

Expect the upcoming models to carry a considerable price premium over the discontinued Fireblade. The old model was sold at Rs 16.43 lakh. The standard CBR1000RR-R could arrive closer to Rs 17 lakh while the SP may retail close to 18 lakh levels.

All prices are ex-showroom India