Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade

No motorcycle connects rider, machine and road like a sportbike. The immediate acceleration, the chassis that feels like an extension of your own skeleton, the power, the handling—and the bigger the sportbike, the more intense the experience.

Honda’s CBR1000RR has long been the ultimate Superbike for experienced aficionados, and the 2015 CBR1000RR is really something special. First off, we’re celebrating Honda MotoGP rider Marc Marquez’s back-to-back World Championships with some special graphics packages on the standard and SP models. Then there’s the CBR1000RR ABS version, with the most sophisticated brake package in the class. But here’s the biggest news: Track-day enthusiasts need to check out the CBR1000RR SP Repsol Edition version. With fully adjustable Öhlins front and rear suspension, Brembo front brakes and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC premium tires. The SP also includes a special lightweight subframe with solo seat cowl. The SP doesn’t stop there, with hand-selected engine parts for weight and balance, including pistons and connecting rods.

The original 1992 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade created a revolution in open class Super Sport motorcycle design. Its combination of big-hitting litre-bike power and light, middleweight-size chassis created a breathtaking – yet very useable – riding experience on open road or closed circuit.*

From 2004 to date the CBR1000RR’s story is one of constant evolution and development. Honda’s ‘Total Control’ concept – a design philosophy running continuously through every single model – has resulted in a motorcycle in total balance, combining exceptional performance and handling with a satisfying ability to extract the very best from every rider.

In 2014 the CBR1000RR Fireblade was updated with improved peak power and mid-range torque, revised riding position and added the track-focused CBR1000RR Fireblade SP*.

For 2015 and inspired by 2013 and 2014 MotoGP champion Marc Marquez the 2015 Honda Fireblade will be available with special Repsol #93 replica paint.

The 2015 CBR1000RR Fireblade will be available in three colour options:

Vibrant Orange (Repsol Replica)

Ross White (Tricolour)

Graphite Black

•999cc Liquid-Cooled Inline Four-Cylinder
•Assisted Slipper Clutch
•Twin-Spar Aluminum Chassis

New colour version
 

The 2015 CBR1000RR is available in three trim levels. The Standard model is available in Red, tri-color, and with Repsol graphics. The ABS model is available in Red, and the SP comes wrapped in Repsol graphics inspired by the two-time MotoGP Champion Marc Marquez and track-ready race parts.

Front and Rear Suspension

The CBR1000RR standard features top notch suspension components both front and rear. Up front, the 43mm Big Piston Showa fork is smooth and responsive; in the back, the Unit Pro-Link design uses a balance-free rear shock with a double-tube design for a smoother response and better road-holding feel (traction performance).

LCD Instrumentation

The CBR1000RR’s full-screen LCD instrumentation includes a lap timer, trip and fuel-consumption computer, five-level customizable shift indicator, gear-position indicator and peak-rpm memory function.

Revolutionary Doesn’t Begin to Describe These Brakes.

The available Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS) is the first of its kind on a Superbike. Even the most critical motorcycle testers rave about how well they work. Find out what the experts have to say about this revolutionary feature.

Engine

The engines peak power of 133kW – up 2kW – arrives at 12,250rpm; torque peaks with 114Nm delivered at 10,500rpm.

Bore and stroke is set at 76mm x 55.1mm with compression ratio of 12.3:1. A nickel-silicon carbide (Ni-SiC) surface treatment on the cylinder walls reduces friction and ensures reliability.

As ever, the all-round usability of such a potent engine – especially throttle control at partial openings – has been a principal factor for Honda’s engineers. Key is the Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection system (PGM-DSFI).

Remapped to match the revised cylinder head and uprated power and torque output, PGM-DSFI delivers precise fuelling and an accessible power delivery, especially at low speeds and low rpm, where response is particularly refined, predictable and progressive.

At throttle openings of up to 25% the PGM-DSFI delivers relatively fine and consistent changes in power and torque output – perfect for extracting maximum drive at full lean. As throttle openings become larger, the changes in output are progressively greater and the overall result is an engine that responds with great accuracy to rider throttle input, giving superb feel from the rear tyre and highly usable, linear acceleration.

The MotoGP-derived slipper clutch ensures full power transmission together with ultra-smooth gear shifting and light feel at the lever. In the critical hard braking, back-shifting corner-entry phase it decreases the torque passed from engine to the rear wheel, reducing the chance of traction loss and increasing stability.

Chassis

The CBR1000RR’s die-cast aluminium twin-spar frame balances the strength, rigidity and lightness required for Super Sport-specification handling and a favourable power-to-weight ratio. Tightly wrapped around the main components, it also contributes to mass centralisation, a guiding principle of Honda’s racing and road-going design philosophy. Rake is set at 23° 30’ with trail of 96mm and wheelbase of 1,410mm. Kerb weight is 200kg with front/rear weight distribution of 52.6%/47.4%

The aluminium gull-wing swingarm is deliberately long. It operates through MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link rear suspension to deliver outstanding traction and rider feedback.

In 2014, in response to customer feedback, the riding position was made more aggressive. The footpegs were set 10mm further back, and the handlebars made wider, and brought 1° lower and 5° forward compared to the previous model.

A Showa 43mm inverted telescopic fork employs Big Piston Front Fork (BPFF) technology. Their unique construction – with larger damping volume – effectively reduces hydraulic pressure generated under compression and extension.

This results in finer control during the initial stroke and smoother damping, maximising tyre contact with tarmac. Improved overall handling, excellent feel for front tyre traction and enhanced stability during hard braking follow. Spring preload and rebound and compression damping are fully adjustable.

The rear suspension features a fully adjustable Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion. Instead of a conventional single-tube layout, the system uses a double-tube design: the damper case and an internal cylinder. The damper piston has no valves – instead the damping force is generated as displaced oil passes through a separate damping component.

This allows pressure changes within the shock to be controlled more smoothly than normal. And because there are no small amounts of oil being used at high pressures damping response and reaction are improved, and damping force can function smoothly during load input. Moreover, damping weight is generated consistently when switching from tension to compression due to even pressure changes.

The Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion delivers more consistent damping, plus improved shock absorption and greater traction as more consistent contact is maintained between rear tyre and tarmac. To allow easy and fast adjustment of compression and rebound damping the adjusters are placed on top of the shock body, offset to the left.

For well-balanced steering the second-generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) monitors speed and tailors damping force accordingly. It enhances stability at high speed by minimising the effect of sudden steering angle changes, while also leaving the steering untouched – and light – at low speed.

Working hand in hand with the sophisticated Showa suspension, rigid 12-spoke cast aluminium wheels offer superb handling and rider feel; the front 17in x 3.50in wears a 120/70ZR17 tyre, the rear 17in x 6in a 190/50ZR17.

Machined from a single piece of aluminium – to save weight and optimise rigidity – the four-piston front brake calipers are radially mounted and work 320mm floating discs. The rear single-piston caliper and 220mm disc add subtle levels of control.

Equipment

A compact car-style ‘wave’ design ignition key offers security and greatly reduces the chance of breakage.

The CBR1000RR uses multi-function LCD instrumentation with a cockpit display dominated by the digital bar-type linear tachometer that scrolls left to right as engine speed increases. Beneath this are the main numerical readouts: gear position, coolant temperature, speedometer, clock/lap time, trip/fuel efficiency/fuel consumption and odometer/numerical tachometer. At the bottom of the display are lights for headlight high beam, neutral and indicators.

Clear and easy to read in all light conditions, the tachometer has four display modes: Conventional, which uses black LCD segments to show current rpm; Reverse, which employs black LCD segments to show remaining rpm. Peak Hold indicates rpm in the conventional way and also leaves a tell tale segment showing the peak rpm achieved while Single Segment uses a single block to show current engine speed. In addition the odometer may be switched to display engine rpm numerically.

The lap timer features four modes. The display can also show fuel consumption, average fuel efficiency, distance travelled and total elapsed time. To assist debriefing after a session, lap time recall mode shows the fastest lap time and the lap on which it was set.

To ensure gear shifting at the optimum engine rpm, the 5-level shift indicator display uses highly visible white LEDs, adjustable for brightness. They illuminate sequentially as engine rpm rises, finally blinking at a chosen pre-set rpm (default is 13,000rpm but this can be set between 4,000rpm and 13,000rpm). The interval between sequential illumination can also be set at 0, 200 or 400rpm.

2.4 Electronic Combined ABS

Honda’s high-performance electronically-controlled Combined Anti-lock Brake System (electronic Combined ABS) is an option on the CBR1000RR.

Electronic Combined ABS has a high level of precision and adjustability, due to the fact that it is a ‘brake-by-wire’ system. A dedicated ECU converts hydraulic pressure from the front and rear brake into an electronic signal passed to power units which in turn generate hydraulic pressure at the calipers.

The system’s electronic control has numerous benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the “pulsating” effect on the brake lever associated with conventional motorcycle ABS technology. It also allows the system to be activated instantly as soon as tyre slip is detected, minimising loss of grip and eliminating the possibility of locking a wheel. It also means there is absolutely precise control of the speed at which the brake callipers are activated. The result is extremely stable and neutral bike behaviour, giving the rider maximum feel and confidence, even under hard braking,

The combined element of the system varies the distribution characteristics of braking force as the front or rear brakes are applied and released. The system is set up so that when the rear brake is applied gently, the front brake is not activated. This allows the rider to use only the rear brake for small adjustments to speed, useful in Super Sports riding such as when settling the bike for corner entry.
 

Accessories

The CBR1000RR can be personalised with a range of Honda Genuine Accessories. And like all Honda Genuine Accessories those for the CBR1000RR fit perfectly because they have been developed alongside the model. They are all subject to Honda’s rigorous testing procedures to make sure they adhere to our exacting quality standards, which is why they’re offered with a two-year Honda warranty.

Hugger

A painted hugger protects the rear shock absorber from dirt splashes and also adds a high-class, sporty look. The single-piece unit is available in bodywork colours to create a seamless sporting entity.

Carbon-fibre accessories

A range of carbon-fibre accessories give the CBR1000RR the ultimate sports finish and underline the machine’s rich racing heritage. The carbon-fibre hugger is based on that used on the Repsol Honda RC213V in MotoGP and features a Honda Racing logo. An optimised number of carbon layers ensure the perfect balance of weight, handling and durability.

Similarly, at the front end, a carbon-fibre mudguard also reflects the CBR1000RR’s racing pedigree with a Honda Racing logo, while its soft edges and clear coating exude class.

A set of quality carbon-fibre crankcase covers protect the powerplant with an advanced composite cover on the left and, on the right, also protecting the clutch cover, a guard featuring the Honda Racing logo.

Seat cowl

To add a more focused sporting look to the CBR1000RR, a rear seat cowl gives a sharp and aggressive finish. It replaces the standard pillion seat pad, yet still offers the same easy access to the underseat storage area. Available in 3 different colour versions and featuring the famous Honda Racing logo, it offers a classic performance image.

High windscreen

A black-tinted high windscreen – 27mm higher than standard – gives added wind protection, while complying fully with European homologation regulations. It also integrates perfectly and, even with its side stays, does not compromise visibility, drivability or manoeuvrability. To underline the CBR1000RR’s racing heritage, a Honda Racing logo is featured on the high screen.

Other CBR1000RR accessories:

Averto alarm
A series of tank pad and fuel filler cover sets
A comfort seat E-cushion
A rear maintenance stand
2 indoor cycle covers and an outdoor cover
A tank bag
A wheel sticker set
A Honda OptiMate 5 battery optimiser
A fairing scuff guard set