New 2020 Honda CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade offering 160 kilowatts of claimed power at 14,500rpm and 14.5 metric horsepower for those of us still counting ponies to put that in perspective.
Both models Honda CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade and SP are running the same system making an aftermarket system. Seems quite unnecessary larger 52-millimeter throttle bodies are also now used with a rigid steel throttle shaft. The wire system is also further optimized with a focus on part throttle applications. Where control is exceptionally important the electronic system continues to offer riding modes with five power settings. Three levels of engine braking and wheelie control with Honda’s selectable torque control. Now including a slip change rate moderation system for the rapid wheel spin. Where previously it offered outright slip control.
CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade
A new aluminum frame and swingarm have also been used with Honda promising better handling and traction. With a show of 43-millimeter big piston forks and a balanced free rear cushion shock with this being a light variant. The forks offer preload compression and rebound adjustment with 120 millimeters of travel. While the shock features preload compression and rebounds adjustability. The new three-level electronic steering damper is also fitted and new Nissen radial-mount four-piston calipers with ABS. That can be switched between sport and track modes. The same Brembo rear caliper as found on the RC213V fitted to the new Fireblade. Weight with the outgoing model acclaimed 196 kilos at the curb and the new model now sitting at 201 kilos with the wheelbase increasing by 50 millimeters. While brake and trail were raising to 24 degrees and 102 millimeters respectively.
Overview
The new Fire Blade is running a short-stroke inline 4 with a bore of 81 millimeters and a stroke of just 48.5 millimeters which as noted matches the RC213V. The highlights being the move to that short-stroke engine a compact design with a new semi cam gear train. And starter motor running through the clutch main shaft as well as weight inertia. And friction reduction this includes titanium con rods forged aluminum Pistons a titanium muffler. A revised air intake system the exhaust was developed with a crop of itch.
Honda also mentions the bike center of gravity. And the balance of seeing considerable changes out weight distribution and offering a higher center of gravity for easier side-to-side agility. One of the biggest changes noticeable at a glance, of course, is the new styling and fairings with a big update to the front end. Where there’s a very cool set of integrated wings from the RC213V. Also featured the winglets are designed to reduce wheelies during acceleration and offer good braking stability.
