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Honda Fireblade heads into rarified pricing
by Guy 'Guido' Allen (July 2020)
Big money being asked for latest track-focussed CBR
Honda has announced that the high-end CBR1000RR-R SP will be the only Fireblade variant available in Australia, at a sobering price of $50,000.
It's interesting to note that up to four Fireblade models are currently being listed in various markets, including Australia: standard ($22,500), SP, SP2 and now the RR-R SP.
Local pricing puts the latter up in rarified air, and some $10k over the price of a Ducati Panigale V4 S.
It's not the first time the company has released expensive and exclusive models, with the RC45 and RC30 being the most obvious predecessors. Both have become collectibles, with the RC30 in particular showing significant price growth in recent years.
One of the more spectacular results for an RC30 was at Mecum's Las Vegas auction last year, where an unused example (above) fetched US$121,000 (Au$174,000). More realistically, a good clean example with 17,000km on the clock sold at Shannons in Sydney last year for Au$50,000.
Only time will tell whether a Fireblade SP will eventually follow that trend.
Here is the full text of the Honda Australia release:
July 2020 – The CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade is now available in Honda dealers around Australia. A brand-new machine, built with an unwavering focus on circuit riding, with unprecedented levels of performance and control. Are you ready to dominate the track?
The inline four-cylinder engine draws heavily on the RC213V-S’s combustion efficiency and low-friction technologies – while also sharing its bore and stroke; it also features titanium con-rods and forged aluminium pistons.
The CBR1000RR-R SP will be the only Fireblade variant available for the Australian market, offered in an HRC-inspired Grand Prix Red (tri colour) or a Matte Pearl Black, and available for an MLP of $49,999.
From a clean sheet, Honda and HRC’s development engineers set to work creating a new inline four-cylinder engine for the CBR1000RR-R SP. It’s a compact, short-stroke layout – sharing the bore and stroke of the RC213V – and features a semi-cam gear train, finger-follower rocker arms, titanium con-rods, RC213V-S internal friction reduction technologies, piston jets with check ball system and a built-in bottom bypass passage for the cylinder water jacket.
A ram-air duct in the front fairing tip feeds through the headstock directly into the airbox. The 4-2-1 exhaust downpipes are ovalized and the end-can has been developed in conjunction with Akrapovic.
Throttle By Wire has been enhanced for improved feel and three default riding modes feature options to change Power, Engine Brake, Wheelie Control and the optimised Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The electronics package also now includes adjustable Start Mode.
A completely new aluminium diamond frame uses the rear of the engine as the upper shock mount; the swingarm is longer and based on the RC213V-S design. The rigidity balance, weight distribution and steering geometry have been carefully adjusted for the increased engine output, in terms of front and rear grip levels, and feel for both.
A new 43mm Öhlins NPX front fork replaces the NIX fork of the previous model and second-generation Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) offers finer control of settings front and rear. The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding. The rear tyre is now sized 200/55-ZR17.
A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. It also controls the new rod-type 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).
Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine has leant some of its slippery aerodynamics to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, including winglets to increase downforce and improve braking stability. The riding position is also much more compact. The fully customisable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control operated via a simplified four-way switch on the left handlebar. Honda’s Smart Key system adds convenience.
It’s the best of the best, the most exclusive, feature-rich open-class sportbike Honda has ever built under the CBR banner. Street legal, but track ready. Offering a degree of performance and refinement you’ve likely never experienced—unless you’ve had a factory ride. Those who want the winning advantage need not look any further than the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. For more information visit: https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Supersports/2020_CBR1000RR-R_SP
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