The annual EICMA show in Milan is always a treat, showing off the latest bikes from our favourite manufacturers for the coming year. This year was no different, with plenty of updates to some of our old favourites for 2020 as well as some incredible new bikes making their debut
For Honda, that not only meant that the new CRF1100L Africa Twin was making its debut to the public, but it also turns out the Big Red Wing has another class headlining model on the way for 2020 in the shape of a fully updated Fireblade – as two new CBR1000RR-R models.
Honda’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 4-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.
In 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.
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.
In the suspension department, the difference in spec is more pronounced with the base 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 branking 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 2-level ABS as a backup.
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.
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.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Specs
ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Engine Displacement (cm³) 999.9cc
No. of Valves per Cylinder 4
Bore x Stroke (mm) 81mm x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio 13.0 x 1
Max. Power Output 160kW @ 14,500
Max. Torque 113Nm @ 12,500
Oil Capacity 4.0L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM-DSFI
Fuel Tank Capacity 16.1L
Fuel Consumption 16.0km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12-6 YTZ7S
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper
Transmission Type 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME
Type Aluminium composite twin spar
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2100 x 745 x 1140mm
Wheelbase 1455mm
Caster Angle 24o
Trail 102mm
Seat Height 830mm
Ground Clearance 115mm
Kerb Weight 201kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a Big Piston Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm stroke
Type Rear Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke.
Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion with preload, compression and rebound adjustment.
WHEELS
Rim Size Front 17 inch x 3.5
Rim Size Rear 17 inch x 6.0
Tyres Front
120/70-ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP Bridgestone RS11
Tyres Rear
200/55-ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP Bridgestone RS11
BRAKES
ABS System Type 2 Channel
Front 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper
Rear 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments TFT-LCD
Security System HISS
Headlight LED
Taillight LED