Honda opens bookings for2 020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, Fireblade SP

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has opened bookings for its litre-class motorcycle – the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP – in the super sports category. Both machines will be introduced as completely built-up units (CBUs) in India, with deliveries commencing from end-August 2020.

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP were first showcased at the 2019 EICMA Show in Milan under Honda’s super sports line-up. While, both versions of the new Fireblade have been designed from the ground up – in terms of engine, handling and aerodynamics – for outright track performance, the Fireblade SP additionally gets second-generation Ohlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension and user interface, new Brembo Stylema brake callipers (330mm discs with two-level ABS) and a quick shifter.

Newer and lighter

The new CBR1000RR Fireblade is powered by a 999.9cc in-line, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that develops peak power of 214hp at 14,500rpm and 113Nm of torque at 12,500rpm. It deploys an all-new bore and stroke (81mm x 48.5mm), same as the MotoGP’s RC213V motorcycle. The pistons forged out of aluminium are the same material used in the RC213V and now lighter by almost five percent.

The bike uses a lightweight 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. The design reduces weight by approximately 50 percent compared to a steel rod and is the same design as the RC213V-S rod.

Commenting on the new launches, Atsushi Ogata, MD, president and CEO, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India said, “By introducing the best models from Honda’s global line-up, we have proved our strong desire to take our racing DNA in India to another level. The legendary Fireblade has been synonymous for perfect handling, balance and sheer riding enjoyment for the last 28 years.”

As is expected with a top-flight litre-class machine, there are a host of electronic rider aids assisted by a new Bosch six-axis IMU. There are nine levels of traction control, along with launch control and ABS, and all of this can be accessed and controlled via the new 5.0-inch colour TFT dash.

In the UK, the 2020 CBR1000RR-R costs £4,000 (Rs 389,000 lakh) more than the 2019 CBR1000RR, and the SP costs an additional £4,000  more. The 2019 Fireblade was on sale in India with prices starting at Rs 16.43 lakh, and so we could see base prices for the 2020 model sit near the Rs 20-lakh mark.