2020 FIREBLADE LOOKS SHARPER THAN EVER!
After a few years in the doldrums, it looks like Honda are back and better than ever, with a brand spanking new superbike contender. Yep, fear not folks, as it’s not just the bodywork that’s changed – the big H have gone to town with the help of HRC to create what they tell us has an ‘unwavering focus on circuit riding’. Oh yeah.
So, what’s so new, I hear you ask? Well for starters, Honda have been busy at work crafting the ’Blade to be as lean, mean and effective as possible; just look at that bodywork! They say that the CBR1000RR-R in stock race trim, is a best-in-class drag coefficient value of 0.270. They’ve also given it a set of wings that generate the same downforce as their 2018 MotoGP machine, which they say not only reduces wheelies, but increases stability under braking, and through corner entry. Nice.
The new inline-four powerplant has been crafted in a compact, short-stroke layout. It’s nicked the bore and stroke from their MotoGP machine, 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 – creating a whopping 215 claimed horses, and 113Nm of torque.
This is all kept under wraps with an advanced electronics package built around a six-axis IMU, to go alongside an enhanced fly-by-wire throttle system, and all the usual electronics you’d expect on a top-of-therange sports bike which have been updated for the 2020 model: torque control, engine braking control, wheelie control, launch control, ABS and, of course, a ’shifter and ’blipper.
But it’s not just the electronics package and the engine that’s new, oh no. Honda have also gifted the Fireblade with a brand new aluminium diamond frame, with a new swingarm based on their RC213V-S. The outcome is an altered rigidity balance, weight and distribution and steering angle from the last model, which Honda say improve both mechanical grip and rider feel, and have given the ’Blade a 200/55 section rear tyre for good measure as well.
And talking of rider feel, they’ve gifted the SP with some new Öhlins NPX front forks, which feature pressurised damping – something which should improve bump absorption and feel. These are powered by Öhlins second generation of Smart Electronic Control – giving the rider a finer choice of settings, apparently. The steering damper is a Showa jobbie, and is electronically controlled as well. It’s not just the forks that have been uprated in this department either, as stopping power now comes in the form of Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers – with larger front discs than ever before.
So what do we think? Wings, a new engine, chassis and electronics suite, combined with better stoppers and pogos. Honda look like they’re back, and we can’t wait to swing a leg over…
ENGINE
There’s so much detail on the engine, it’s hard to fit it in a box! Essentially, Honda have pulled out all the stoppers. The short-stroke design means it’s going to rev, and the ultra-compact design (thanks to the semi-cam gear train and the starter motor through the clutch main shaft) means that the whole bike can be packaged smaller. Even the exhaust has been developed in conjunction with Akrapovic…
BODYWORK
Yes, it has wings! But don’t worry, that isn’t the only difference. Everything from the mudguard, to the lower fairing, to lowering the tank and even the angle of the screen itself has been developed with one thing in mind; minimising drag resistance. Oh, and it looks badass.
ELECTRONICS
With a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, the Honda’s updated electronics suite should be up there with the very best. It comes with everything you’d expect: torque control, engine braking control, wheelie control, launch control, ABS and, of course, a ’shifter and ’blipper. Not bad, aye.
SUSPENSION
Öhlins Electronic Suspension is once again the order of the day, with their new NPX front forks, alongside an Öhlins shock and a new Honda Electronic Steering Damper. The geometry of the new bike is completely different, and so are the suspension settings.