2017 Honda CBR1000RR and CBR1000RR SP Test Preview
Rennie Scaysbrook | January 23, 2017
We’re on location at the magnificent Algarve International Circuit, commonly referred to as Portimao Circuit in southwest Portugal to ride the brand new Honda CBR1000RR and CBR1000RR SP.
The Honda CBR1000RR SP looks fast just standing still, doesn’t it?
Referred to around the world as the Fireblade (but oddly—and sadly—not in the U.S.), the last time the CBR got a major overhaul was way back in 2008, with only a handful of chassis and cosmetic changes since that time. While that 2008-2016 model was indeed a good one (click here to read our farewell test of that model), it was the last of the analogue superbikes and from another technical age, one that was ushered in by bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R1, Ducati Panigale, Aprilia RSV4 and the original techno junkie, the BMW S1000RR.
That’s all about to change for 2017. Honda’s sick and tired of getting its ass kicked in the technology department and is firing back with a bike that’s got everything the competition has, complimented by that legendary Honda chassis and brute of an engine.
The standard Honda CBR1000RR doesn’t have the bling of the SP range, but it’s still a 189hp weapon!
The standard CBR1000RR gets ABS, traction control (Honda’s Selectable Torque Control system – the same as the Honda RC213V-S with nine different levels), Rear Lift Control (RLC), Wheelie Control, Selectable Engine Brake (SEB) and the Riding Mode Select System (RMSS), a claimed 189hp at the crank and 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork and Balance Free Rear Shock.
The SP takes that one step further, with semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control suspension (S-EC), magnesium engine covers and a titanium muffler and gas tank. There’s also Brembo four-piston radially-mounted Monobloc calipers and colors that look like they’re straight out of the HRC test department.
It’s going to be one hell of a test at one of the world’s most spectacular circuits and you will be able to read all about it and see the bike in action via our YoutTube channel in the coming days at Cycle News.
In the meantime, if you want more details and these magnificent Hondas, click here to read the full First Look from the base model CBR1000RR, and click here to read the full First Look of the CBR1000RR SP.
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