At the Cutting Edge of Technology
There can't be many motorcyclists in the world who aren't familiar with the legendary Honda Fireblade. At its launch in 1992, Tadao Babba's 900cc supersport disrupted conventional wisdom, marking the beginning of the superbike era.
Following its launch, the Blade underwent annual tweaks to the suspension and cubic capacity until 2003, when Honda unveiled some major changes. The Fireblade's rivals were closing in until the all-new 04YM Fireblade joined the 1-litre club.
The new model CBR1000RR took inspiration from the Factory's successful MotoGP race bikes, gaining an under-seat exhaust. Engine output hit 170bhp. Meanwhile, an extended swinging arm and race-derived electronic steering damper helped keep things under control.
By 2008, talented engineer Kyoichi Yoshii led the design team. He wanted nothing more than to echo the ethos of the very first Blade. Under his watchful eye, the "lightweight and good power" philosophy helped retain the Fireblade's pure-sports essence.
Long List of Updates
Kyoichi wanted the motor to provide sufficient response and feedback without the need for electronic rider aids such as switchable power modes.
Model updates saw the Blade engine gain an additional 5bhp and return to a conventional low-slung exhaust. The Blade took on an edgier silhouette and the change to Tokico Monobloc brake calipers returned it to the top of the class.
Successive upgrade cycles saw further improvements to the chassis. Showa big piston forks and race-derived rear shock were introduced in 2009. The Fireblade design chief resisted introducing wheelie and traction control, instead concentrating on fine-tuning the fuel injection to enhance throttle control.
Events took a dramatic return in 2014 when Honda produced an even sharper Blade. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP was a cutting-edge, high-spec production racer for the road. With its 'blueprinted engine' taking power to a breathtaking 178bhp, the SP boasted top-shelf Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes.
Three years later, a significant ground-up re-design produced more power and less weight, with Honda finally responding to the demand for electronic rider aids.
A Turning Point
This production year marked a turning point for the Fireblade, particularly for the SP. The bike's spec now included semi-active Ohlins, premium Brembo calipers, and a titanium fuel tank lifted from the SP2 production racer.
The electronic package saw a five-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) offer a staggering fine-tuning menu. Electronic rider aids included a nine-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Bosch ABS with wheelie and rear lift control.
The bike had three rider modes, five levels of power delivery, three levels of wheelie control and three levels of engine braking. Honda may have joined the electronics race later in the game but quickly got up to speed.
The race for litre-class supremacy continued. By the time the 20YM hit the showroom floor, the project had a new leader, Yuzuru Ishikawa. Yuzuru was responsible for what many believe is the best MotoGP bike ever built, the Honda RC211V.
Using the technical knowledge behind the RC211V's 29 MotoGP race wins in two seasons, the new model Fireblade was the most powerful and advanced to bear the name. The new short-stroke engine produced a staggering 215bhp at 14,500rpm, making it the most powerful supersport on the street.
The electronics package upgrade included a six-axis IMU with launch control, full-colour dash and keyless ignition. The project leader's race heritage was in evidence with MotoGP-style winglets on the fairing. The SP also boasted semi-active Ohlins and Brembo Stylema calipers.
As the Fireblade's 30th Anniversary rolled around in 2022, Honda celebrated in style with a host of improvements that gave the Blade an even sharper edge.
Extra mid-range thrust to boost acceleration was delivered courtesy of revisions to the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section.
The final drive sprocket added three teeth. Meanwhile, the quick-shifter received a performance upgrade. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) was optimised for refined rear tyre traction management and improved throttle feel.
King of the Track
In the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, multiple race winner Andrew Irwin continues for his second consecutive year with the team and will be joined by top-ten BSB finisher and road racing sensation Dean Harrison. Both are eager to race the latest Fireblade, which, amongst a host of updates, benefits from improved cornering performance and braking stability as a result of chassis development and MotoGP-derived aerodynamics, whilst further engine evolution has increased mid-range acceleration and top-end power.
Andrew returns for another year with the Honda team after a season of racing severely disrupted by injury. Flashes of brilliant early-season speed were cut short by a significant fracture sustained in a testing crash at Knockhill which resulted in four months on the sidelines. A return late in the year focussed more on long-term progress rather than short-term results. Although a challenging year, Andrew has a fruitful history with Honda having won multiple times on different versions of Fireblade.
The return of the CBR600RR to the European market also sees the factory Honda team enter the British Supersport Championship for the first time since its title-winning year in 2009 as HM Plant Honda. This supersport machine has a hard-won racing pedigree of nine World and six British Supersport championships, and this heritage requires a rider of equal stature. So, joining the team for the 2024 campaign will be the most decorated supersport rider in the series' history, four times British champion and fifty-nine times race winner, Jack Kennedy.
Superstars and Rising Talent Head Five-Strong Team Lineup for Honda
Racing UK 2024 Season
The best motorcycles in the world are only as good as their riders. For 2024, Honda Racing UK is proud to announce an all-star lineup of racers who will battle on the road and track under the Honda banner. Honda has an unwavering commitment to developing its street-legal production racers, and their five talented riders are set to do the same. The significantly updated CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and all-new CBR600RR are the weapons of choice and the fantastic five are ready to go. The carefully chosen team sees an incredible lineup of veterans and rising stars. They include:
Andrew Irwin
Andrew Irwin boasts multiple race wins in the Bennetts British Superbike
Championships. He is returning for his second season with Honda. The 29-year-old is no stranger to the Fireblade, having won many times on various models.
Dean Harrison
Dean Harrison is a new signing for Honda. His phenomenal racing talent has netted him three TT wins and multiple placings at the Ulster Grand Prix and NW200. Dean will compete in the BSB championship, the Isle of Man (IOM) TT, and NW200.
John McGuinness MBE
John McGuinness MBE is motorcycle racing royalty. This road racing legend has a
staggering 108 Isle of Man TT races under his belt, 80 of which he tackled on a Honda. John forms part of the three-person team flying the famous red, white and blue Honda banner at the 2024 TT.
Nathan Harrison
Nathan Harrison may be a rising star but he is no stranger to the IOM TT. Born in the Isle of Man, Nathan brings an intimate knowledge of the world's most challenging road race circuit for his first full season with the Honda Team.
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy is another new Honda signing. In 2024, following the return of the phenomenally successful CBR600RR, Honda will join the battle for the British Supersport Championships. With four championship wins and 59 race wins, Jack isthe most successful racer in the series' history.
The 2024 Fireblade SP is Sharper than Ever
The 24YM has an increased compression ratio plus revised valve timing, with new 3-stage unequal pitch springs. Moreover, the crankcase is optimised for weight reduction, with further reductions in inertial mass for the crankshaft and con rods.
Primary drive and gear ratios are shortened for improved acceleration and corner exit drive. The Akrapovic muffler also came under scrutiny and for 2024 boasts increased volume and reduced Db levels.
The new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP bristles with MotoGP technology. It is without doubt what keeps the Blade slicing its way through the competition. It's true to say that for 2024, the 'Blade' is sharper than ever.
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