HONDA FIREBLADE
H
onda’s flagship superbike has been
redesigned from the ground up for 2020,
including a new frame and engine design
which lean heavily on the Japanese manufacturer’s
championship-winning RC213V MotoGP bike.
Honda says the four-cylinder engine draws
heavily on the RC213V-S’s combustion efficiency
and low-friction technologies, while also sharing
its bore and stroke; it also features titanium
con-rods and forged aluminium pistons.
CBR1000RR-R receiving Showa suspension
front and rear, while the SP receives second-
generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control
(S-EC) suspension and user interface.
It’s a similar story in the braking department,
with the base bike utilising Nissin calipers while
the top-spec SP gets Brembo Stylema brake
calipers. Both, however, bite down on 330mm
discs and feature two-level ABS as a backup.
On the electronics side, Honda Selectable
Torque Control (HSTC) has been optimised and
adjustable Start Mode added to Power, Engine
Brake and Wheelie Control; a quick shifter is also
a standard feature on the CBR1000RR-R SP. The bodywork and riding position have
an uncompromising focus on aerodynamic
performance, and the fairing features
MotoGP-derived winglets to generate
downforce. A full-colour TFT screen and
Honda Smart Key are the finishing touches.
A new aluminium diamond frame features
a longer RCV213V-S-style swingarm, with
six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU),
3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper
(HESD) on both versions of the Fireblade. As yet there is no info on when we will see the
new Fireblades make their way to Aotearoa, or
indicative pricing. We’ll be sure to post when Blue
Wing Honda – NZ’s Honda motorcycle distributor –
makes an official announcement for our market.
In the suspension department, the difference
in spec is more pronounced with the base
2020 FIREBLADE SPECS:
MAX. POWER OUTPUT:
160kW @ 14,500rpm
MAX. TORQUE:
113Nm @ 12,500rpm
KERB WEIGHT:
201kg
84 KIWI RIDER