New Honda Bikes : 2010 CBR1000RR Fireblade

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

Celebrated worldwide for its scorching speed and effortless agility, the CBR1000RR Fireblade is an established icon of performance motorcycling. As Honda proudly celebrated its 50th year of racing at the 2009 Isle of Man TT, the CBR1000RR’s appetite for victory was insatiable; grabbing the top 5 places in the Superbike race, carrying John McGuinness to his 15th TT win and setting new lap and race records. Yet the ultimate sportsbike is not all about speed. ‘Total Control’ has been at the heart of its development since the Fireblade was first launched in 1992, and it has sped from success to success. Honda has continuously improved the ride experience that gives the rider unique confidence on both road and track.

The 1992 CBR900RR captivated the imagination of the motorcycling world at its launch. Its minimalist design eliminated any weight that didn’t need to be there. Successive generations have been improved by further reducing weight and focusing what’s left around its centre of gravity (mass centralisation). This gives the bike both its characteristic agility and excellent stability. Confidently carving out long corners or whipping through quick bends, its razor-sharp response and predictable behaviour have always been as appreciated on the road as they are on the track.

A new ultra-light engine and radically revised chassis in 2008 took the concept of ‘Total Control’ to unprecedented levels and ensured continuing success for the Fireblade. Inspired by ancient Japanese craftsmanship and culture, combined with developments in advanced aerodynamic performance, the new machine was a masterpiece of engineering. The engine responded smoothly to every rider input at the throttle with controllable power and precise acceleration. A new, super-slim cast aluminium frame achieved the finest balance between the strength necessary to harness the engine’s power, and the flexibility needed to obtain maximum traction in the corners. Even more compact dimensions contributed to mass centralisation and gave the rider more freedom to move around the machine and achieve the best weight distribution for the conditions.

In 2009, Honda epitomised the ‘Total Control’ philosophy by offering Fireblade riders the option of a high performing electronically-controlled “Combined ABS”, a revolutionary innovation for a bike in this class. The first Combined ABS to be designed specifically for a super sports motorcycle, it retains the necessary feel at the controls as well as incorporating the light weight and keenly developed performance demanded by its highly competitive environment.

For 2010, the CBR1000RR Fireblade continues to celebrate its success with carefully selected styling and performance improvements that enhance its sports image.

NEW FOR 2010

• Sharper rear styling with revised shape and new tail-light with clear lens
• Sharp exhaust muffler appearance with aluminium muffler cover
• New graphics and colours
• Improved crankshaft inertia mass (increased or decreased – reduction guessed)
• Reduced crankshaft weight for improved inertia reaction