First Look: 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP
Paul Carruthers | November 4, 2013
Though likely a stopgap before the introduction of a brand-new CBR1000RR that’s rumored for 2015, Honda has introduced a new “special edition” version of its superbike – the 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP.
For starters, Honda engineers went at CBR’s 999cc inline four-cylinder powerplant, giving the bike a new cylinder head with modified intake and exhaust ports for more power and new pistons and connecting rods. The compression ratio remains the same at 12.3:1, however.
The SP also gets an upgrade in suspension with the new bike getting a three-way adjustable Ohlins inverted 43mm front fork and a new triple clamp. It also gets a new gas-charged Pro-Link shock from Ohlins as a rear-suspension upgrade.
Honda has also thrown Brembo monobloc calipers at the SP, but the U.S version won’t feature ABS (the Euro version with ABS is pictured). The SP also gets a lighter subframe that Honda says lowers the center of gravity.
The bike gets an upgrade in tires with Honda opting for Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SPs.
While CBRs always rank high in the street ride portions of shootouts, this one is definitely more racy. The clip-ops are wider and the footpegs have been moved farther back. It also gets a bubble windshield and a new solo seat cowl.
The bike also gets a new look with a special red/white and two shades of blue paint scheme along with gold-painted 12-spoke wheels.
Honda has yet to announce a retail price for the new SP.
