Honda has announced the 2024 model of its flagship superbike, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which features a host of improvements to its engine, chassis, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. The new Fireblade SP is designed to deliver even more performance and control on the track and on the road, with a revised engine tune, a lighter and more flexible frame, a new swingarm, and new winglets.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is powered by a 1,000cc inline four-cylinder engine that produces 215 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. For 2024, the engine has been tuned to deliver more mid-range power and acceleration, as well as improved throttle response. The changes include revisions to the cylinder head, compression ratio, valve timing and springs, a lighter crankshaft and con-rods, and shorter gear ratios. The engine also features a two-motor throttle-by-wire system that offers more precise control and feel at lower rpm, and more engine braking if required.
A More Pliant and Precise Chassis
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has an aluminum diamond-style frame that has been modified to improve steering accuracy and traction. The frame has a new, more pliant character that reduces lateral stiffness by 17% and torsional stiffness by 15%. The swingarm is also new, and is taken from the Honda RC213V-S, the road-legal version of Honda’s MotoGP bike. The swingarm is designed to optimize rigidity and weight distribution, and to enhance rear grip and stability.
Race-Quality Suspension and Brakes
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is equipped with full, race-quality suspension from Öhlins, featuring Smart Electronic Control (S-EC03) with Spool Valves and OBTi user interface. The front suspension is a 43mm Öhlins NPX fork, while the rear suspension is a TTX36 S-EC3.0 shock. The suspension is fully adjustable and can adapt to different riding modes and conditions. The suspension also features a new preload guide on the instrument panel, which helps the rider to set the optimal preload for their weight and riding style.
The brakes are also from Brembo, and feature new Stylema R four-piston calipers at the front, and a two-piston caliper at the rear. The brakes offer excellent stopping power and modulation, and are complemented by a Brembo master cylinder and brake lever. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP also features Cornering ABS, which has an extra RACE setting for more aggressive braking on the track.
New Winglets and Riding Position
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP sports a new look, with new winglets that are inspired by the Honda RC213V of 2018, which was ridden by Marc Marquez to his fifth MotoGP title. The new winglets maintain the same level of downforce as the previous model, but with 10% less yaw moment in cornering, which means less drag and more stability. The winglets also improve the cooling efficiency of the engine and the radiator.
The riding position of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has also been adjusted to allow more control and comfort for the rider. The handlebars are 5mm lower and 3mm closer to the rider, while the footpegs are 5mm higher and 2mm further back. The seat height is unchanged at 830mm, but the seat is narrower and more tapered, which makes it easier to move around on the bike.
A Full-Color TFT Screen and a Smart Key
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP features a full-color TFT screen that offers intuitive control of the riding modes and settings. The rider can adjust the power, engine brake, HSTC, wheelie control, and start mode, and also access information such as speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, lap time, and more. The screen also has a smart redline indicator, which changes according to the engine temperature, and a shift light, which can be customized by the rider.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP also comes with a smart key, which allows the rider to start the bike and access the fuel tank and the seat without using a physical key. The smart key also activates Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal, which flashes the hazard lights when the bike decelerates rapidly, to warn other road users.
A Limited Edition Carbon Edition
For those who want an even more exclusive and distinctive version of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, Honda is also offering a limited edition Carbon Edition, which features carbon fiber parts such as the rear hugger, the front mudguard, the under cowl, and the airbox cover. The Carbon Edition also has a unique serial number plate on the top yoke, and a special Carbon Edition logo on the fuel tank.
The 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and the Carbon Edition are expected to be available in early 2024, with prices to be announced later.
