Total control with an extra SP edge

HONDA’S recently launched CBR1000RR Fireblade SP offers total control with an extra edge.

The chassis wears circuit-ready front and rear Öhlins suspension plus Brembo four-piston mono block callipers, with frame revisions and new top and bottom yokes to suit. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres are the finishing touch.

The 999.8cc inline four-cylinder engine gets the same updated cylinder head as the standard 2014 CBR1000RR Fireblade, with improved inlet/exhaust gas flow and combustion efficiency and an extra 2kW peak power boost. However, the SP features factory-matched pistons and con-rods to ensure optimum internal balance.

As a track-focused machine, there’s no provision for a pillion and a sleek single seat unit saves weight. Further marking the SP version out from standard is its own unique Tricolour paint, white and two-tone blue, with a central red stripe and trademark Honda gold wheels.

The CBR1000RR SP’s die-cast aluminium twin-spar frame is based on that of the standard machine with modifications to match the Öhlins suspension.

The second generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) monitors speed and tailors the damping force accordingly. It enhances stability at high speed by minimising sudden steering angle changes, while also leaving the steering untouched and light at low speed.

Specialists from Öhlins worked with Honda’s engineers and test riders during all stages of development. Fully adjustable, the 43mm inverted fork and rear shock were developed specifically for the CBR1000RR SP, to offer superbly balanced all-round performance and greater potential for cutting lap times on a closed circuit.

The MotoGP-derived slipper clutch ensures full power transmission together with ultra-smooth gear shifting and light feel at the lever. In the critical hard braking, back-shifting corner-entry phase it decreases the torque passed from engine to the rear wheel, reducing the chance of traction loss and increasing stability.

The CBR1000RR SP uses a new wave design ignition key; it offers improved security and its compact size greatly reduces the chance of breakage. Also new is the fuel tank cap, it uses an improved breather design for better venting.

Instrumentation is a multi-function LCD with a cockpit display dominated by the digital bar-type linear tachometer that scrolls left to right as engine speed increases. Beneath this are the main numerical readouts: gear position, coolant temperature, speedometer, clock/lap time, trip/fuel efficiency/fuel consumption and odometer/numerical tachometer. At the bottom of the display are lights for headlight high beam, neutral and indicators.

To ensure gear shifting at the optimum engine rpm, the five-level shift indicator display uses highly visible white LEDs, adjustable for brightness. They illuminate sequentially as engine rpm rises, finally blinking at a chosen pre-set rpm (default is 13 000rpm, but this can be set between 4 000rpm and 13 000rpm).

The Honda CBR1000RR SP is sold standard with:

• Complimentary rider training course through the Honda Academy.

• Twelve months’ free roadside assistance.

• Twenty-four months’ unlimited kilometre warranty.

The dealer’s recommended sales price, including VAT is R189 990.