Honda CBR1000RR SP 2019 — Specifications

It takes a keen eye to distinguish this evolution from the Fireblade SP. Its striking HRC Red Grand Prix livery suits it admirably, varying only in minor details. However, there’s no increase in power, technical modifications, or surprising progress – the CBR is clearly holding that back for later. Instead, it benefits from updates to these riding aids. Honda wants to be closer to the user experience, fine-tuning the electronic package: - Wheelie control and HSTCs are now adjustable separately. Furthermore, the lift control has been recalibrated to soften the front wheel "landing." Three levels of intervention are available. - HSTC torque control has been adjusted to be more consistent and precise, making its intervention smoother. It now takes into account the rear tire profile. - The ride-by-wire throttle reacts faster and allows, when releasing the throttle, a reduced engine speed drop of 45%. - The ABS intervention level has been reduced to allow for sharper and more effective braking. - The torque delivered during acceleration from the mid-range has been increased.

Sometimes, it’s the small adjustments that make the difference. These build upon the serious evolution that the CBR 1000 RR underwent in 2017. To summarize, here’s a quick overview: a lightweight engine with a seriously boosted output of 192 horsepower, an improved chassis, a free-falling weight of 196 kilos, a sharp silhouette, and electronics that are finally up to par. Its small TFT display serving as a dashboard is brimming with information, revealing technical details in the Italian style: traction control, Ride-by-wire, ABS active in corners (and lighter), 3 Riding Modes, wheelie control, anti-stoppie, engine braking selector, Bosch IMU working on 5 axes, triple engine mapping… Is that all? On the standard Fireblade, yes. But this SP version goes further.

Since the introduction of the SP designation, a CBR 1000 RR "premium" model is immediately recognizable by its golden and alluring legs. Indeed, Honda dynamically improves its hypersport with a pair of aluminum rims in gold color and relieved by 100 grams. Then comes the best part: Brembo and Öhlins. By offering the services of the Italian manufacturer, the CBR SP can brake with all the dignity befitting its rank. These are beautiful 4-piston radial calipers M4-30/32 that bite into 320 mm discs. Honda didn't want to make a big deal out of it by opting for even more effective M50 calipers. Reserved for the more exclusive SP2 version? Not yet. Perhaps for the next generation...

Unlike the previous Fireblade SP equipped with passive Öhlins suspension, the new model embraces proven dynamism. The choice fell on the semi-active S-EC suspension from the Swedish manufacturer. Top-of-the-line, capable of adapting in real time to riding conditions, with all the efficiency and feel inherent to the brand. The 43 mm NIX 30 inverted fork and the TTX damper are connected to the SCU control system, itself in communication with the IMU. Constantly informed about the movements of the motorcycle (roll, steering, inclination) and about the mechanical dynamics (wheel speed, engine speed, throttle opening, force applied to the brakes), the electronics act on compression and rebound to boost efficiency in each phase of riding. The damping will thus be adjusted whether you are braking, accelerating or on the angle, and according to 3 active modes or 3 manual modes. In "Active" mode, the rider can select 3 sub-modes corresponding to several profiles: A1 "Track", A2 "Sport" and A3 "Comfort". Furthermore, in each of these 3 active modes, the settings can be refined. In "Manual" mode, sub-modes M1, M2 and M3 allow all possible combinations. With all this baggage, the Fireblade SP would be capable of going to Mars, and even analyzing it. All that, as quickly as possible, of course.

Coached by electronics, the SP also makes its own difference with the addition of the Up&Down shifter (optional on the CBR standard), programmable on 3 levels + off, both up and down. It also stands out with its lighter 1.3 kilo titanium tank, its weight reduced to 195 kilos (1 less than the RR) and its slightly brighter livery. The general theme hardly changes, the black stripes are exchanged for a deep blue, the dark of the frame, swingarm and rear subframe have disappeared to let the aluminum express itself, and the passenger footpegs are gone.

The Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade has been improved in many areas; the SP version does the same. More valuable, better and actively suspended, better equipped, but also much more expensive, this + hypersport is aimed at a more demanding, more accomplished clientele, but one that is not yet looking at a bleeding-edge competition engagement. For that, there is an even more advanced version, eager for competition and more technically pushed: the CBR 1000 RR SP2.

M.B - Photos constructeur