Most powerful Honda Fireblade comes out fighting with 215bhp and MotoGP-inspired aero.
The V4 layout of the RC213V MotoGP machine, it does share the same short stroke design and exact bore dimensions as the machine that Marquez races, and the new Fireblade has been developed in close collaboration with HRC.
Forged A2618 aluminium (same material as used in RC213V-S) pistons swing off forged light-weight TI-64A titanium con-rods and slide a total of 48.5 mm inside an 81 mm bore towards a crescendo of 217 metric horsepower (160 kw) at 14,500 rpm, and 113 Nm at 12,500 rpm.
That is the largest bore size of any four-cylinder superbike and a dramatic difference to the 76 mm bore and 55.1 mm stroke of the previous machine. That’s also a claimed 25 more ponies than the outgoing SP model.
The suspension is as adjustable and fiddly as you’d expect (the SP version bags you new Öhlins electric bits) while the brakes are stronger (fancy Stylemas on the SP, originally seen on the Panigale V4 in 2018). Honda has also ditched its old-school 190/50 x 17 rear tyre for a modern 200/55 for more side grip.
Already updated for the current model at the beginning of 2019, its electronics are the same for the most part with small updates. The throttle has been updated for faster response at part throttle, while launch control comes as standard.
The IMU now works across six-axis rather than five for more accurate measurements, which has allowed Honda to add ‘slip rate control’. This is just a fancy way of saying that the rear wheel losing traction as you turn (affecting the front/rear wheel diameters) no longer confuses the bike’s brain. ABS has Sport and Track modes, for the first time.
The 2020 CBR1000RR-R seems to have an advantage over its rivals that hasn’t been seen on Blade since the 1990s. Without a doubt worthy of an extra ‘R’!
