Cycle News Staff | November 4, 2019
Today, Honda announced the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and base model RR-R at EICMA and here are the juicy details.
Ten points if you can guess who is riding…
We’ll focus on the SP, as this is the one coming to the U.S. American Honda is not importing (as yet) the base-model RR-R.
Sitting in the middle of this superbike beast is an all-new, short-stroke inline four-cylinder 999cc engine with the same bore and stroke as the RCV213V (81 x 48.5mm). Honda touts that the new RR-R SP puts out 215hp at 14,500 RPM and 83 lb-ft of torque at 12,500 rpm. With a wet weight 443 lb, the new RR-R is 12 pounds heavier than the outgoing 2019 model.
While there is a slight weight increase, it’s overshadowed by a 26hp increase over the 2019 model. This has been achieved with a new top end, finger followers, DLC (Diamond Like Coating) cams and a shorter cam chain. The bottom end of the engine sees some redesign as well with connector rods made of forged aluminum, Beryllium coated tips, and Teflon coated piston skirts.
The exhaust system was redesigned to meet strict Euro-5 standards with an increase in size to the catalytic converter and partnership with Akrapovic to create a lightweight titanium exhaust can.
As the performance figures for the new RR-R SP sound impressive, so is the cooling system to prevent this superbike from grenading on the track. Honda engineering teams devised an intricate liquid cooling system and also to prevent bore distortion at high-rpm, the pistons receive a spritz of oil. Additionally, to aid in cooling, the RR-R includes a larger air intake.
The outgoing CBR1000RR handled beautifully on twisty tarmac and we expect just as much from this new RR-R SP as there have been updates for 2020, including how the bike manages weight balance and an increase in frame rigidity. Also included is an RCV-style 30.5mm longer swingarm that extends the RR-R SP wheelbase to 48mm. Additionally, the crank position has been moved further and higher from the front wheel, which will increase the bike’s center of gravity but also improve high-speed cornering.
The suspension on the new RR-R SP includes is fully electric Ohlins front and back. Honda continues to develop its fully customizable electronic riding suite which includes three levels of electric steering dampening (HESD), a new six-axis IMU, traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and engine. An up/down quick shifter also come standard.
Stopping power comes courtesy Brembo Stylema calipers that chomp down on dual 330mm discs through two-level ABS on the SP model and the same Brembo unit found on the RCV213-V in the rear.
The CBR1000RR-R SP includes MotoGP inspired winglets which contribute to an increase in downforce and improve braking stability. Additionally, there are three vertically stacked internal fairing wings to channel air and increase stability. Further aerodynamic advancements include lowering the tank cover 45mm and redesigned the lower and rear fairings.
On paper, the new 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP edition looks impressive, but we need to throw a leg over to really be sure. When that happens, we’ll be sure to tell you all about it.
Oh, and it’s finally going to be called the Fireblade like it does everywhere else in the world. About time, too. Delivery is set for June 2020.
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