AN ETERNAL FLAME
Think back in time to the late 80s... sports bikes had become rather large and bulky! The main goal was to make the motorcycles fast - and much less focus was given to performance on the corners. Thanks to a former racer and appointed Honda Sport Engineer, Tadao Baba (Baba-san), who knew where a key area of design was being completely overlooked - a change in direction for the FireBlade was sparked...
Join us as we take a closer look at the FireBlade, to see how it's developed over time and how it's still burning strong today.
Scroll down for more information.
Originally, the FireBlade was designed as a 750cc motorcycle with test rides being given on this prototype-sized model. However Honda felt that this could affect sales of their own 750cc sports and sports-touring products already sitting in this range. Baba-san took the frame and chassis components and installed a 893cc motor, which assembled just as well. Keeping the weight at an all-time low, this newly installed larger-sized engine produced fantastic results of its time.
And so it began. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade launched in the UK in the spring of 1992, costing just £7,390. Blowing away the competition, it quickly became the benchmark large-capacity sports bike for years to come, in an aggressive black and gunmetal colour shceme, or red, white and blue.
Over the years there have been numerous engineering and cosmetic changes to the model. The 2000 model was the birth of the fuel-injection 929cc motor, boasting an output of 150hp. Then in 2002, Tadao Baba bid farewell with his last model upgrade - featuring a remastered suspension and a larger capacity and refined fuel injection system. We also saw a shark-like appearance being formed, with journalists worldwide giving praise to the bike's overall aggressive feel and thrill.
In 2004 we saw the release of an all-new CBR1000RR with design inspiration taken directly from Honda's all-conquering RCV211V MotoGP machine. Finally the FireBlade becomes a full-capacity litre-class sports bike. Belting out a whopping 170bhp the FireBlade was a weapon of its time, quickly becoming the bike to ride across all riding industries. In 2006 tweaks were made to the model, seeing changes like gearing shifts and lighter cams, producing a more efficient low-down torque performance.
From 2012 to 2019 we saw various variants released such as the SP, three versions of the RR and the SP2. The SP, meaning Sports Production, took the limelight by introducing revolutionary Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, five-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and a nine-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The game was evolving.
In 2020 the FireBlade activated full God mode, introducing a 215bhp at a dizzy 14,500rpm. (That's about 100bhp up from the initial model). Incorporating engineering dominance from MotoGP and utilising show-stopping technology. The electronics now featured a six-axis IMU, launch control, nine traction control modes, a quick shifter (up & down), keyless ignition and a full-colour display. All in all, becoming the best blade the world has ever seen.
Honda continues to upgrade the FireBlade and has made various improvements since 2020, including corner-exit acceleration, throttle response and sprocket size.
The eternal flame...
The Honda FireBlade now burns stronger than ever, becoming a Superstock record-breaking bike and one of the most used motorcycle models within the 2022 racing season.
To celebrate such a fantastic three decades of FireBlade engineering genius, Honda has released a 30th Anniversary Edition of the SP variant. This model is a limited edition and riders will get their very own individual serial number etched into the fork top yolk. They'll also receive a specially engraved Akrapovic exhaust, 1992 legend-inspired graphics, an anniversary badge of honour and a dedicated anniversary animated start-up.
With only a few of this model available, be sure to make your enquiry now - before it's too late!
The modern-day FireBlade
FIREBLADE
Fan the flame, ride your own FireBlade.
FIREBLADE SP
More reactive than ever before, simply brilliant.
SP 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrate the history and future of the FireBlade.
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