EICMA 2019: Honda reveals the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP

<i>MotoGP race inspired and more track-focused, the 2020 Fireblade makes 13 per cent more power has been revealed at the EICMA 2019, Italy</i>

The name ‘Fireblade’ for Honda quite literally has the best recall, known for its perfect handling, balance and the excitement offered. Born to Race as Honda claim, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Fireblade SP draw their inspiration from the RC213V MotoGP racing machine and the street-legal RC213V-S. Both the new Fireblades have been unveiled at the EICMA 2019 along with the rest of the Honda’s EICMA 2019 line-up for the future such as the SH125i, the CMX500 Rebel and the CRF1100L Africa Twin.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

More power, more focus

Both the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Fireblade SP get a brand new frame and a more powerful motor with MotoGP-inspired technology. The new Fireblade is powered by the Honda’s most powerful inline four motor that shares the same bore and stroke as the RC213V-S.

As a result, the Fireblade’s motor now puts out 13 per cent more power compared to its 2019 model. The 2020 Fireblade makes 214bhp at 14,500rpm as opposed to the 186bhp at 13,000rpm power output from the previous model. The new motor makes 113Nm of torque whilst weighing in at 201kg.

Sports Package

Honda also revealed the ‘SP’ variant of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade at EICMA 2019, featuring best in the business suspension and braking goodies to elevate its track performance to yet another level. The most sophisticated upgrades being the second-generation semi-active Ohlins Electronic Control which features a set of 43mm NPX forks and Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC rear shock absorber.

To help stop the quick sprinter, the Fireblade is fitted with Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mounted front calipers and the Brembo monoblock caliper at the rear, as used on the street-spec RC213V-S.

Aero package

The aerodynamic package on the CBR1000RR-R takes its shape from Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) multiple-championship- winning MotoGP machine – the RC213V. The 2020 Fireblade also features a new Bosch six-axis IMU which replaces the the five-axis unit in the previous model. The unit is more precise and allows even better control of the bike’s behaviour by using complex calculations of yaw, pitch and roll.

Fast and loud

The CRB1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP are equipped with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic exhaust end can and will be available in two paint schemes: an HRC-inspired Grand Prix Red and a Matte Pearl Black.