While the Fireblade has shown its signs of ageing in recent times, Honda has been working extensively in developing the new generation CBR1000RR that will be introduced globally in 2017. With Fireblade enthusiasts waiting patiently, new details related to the bike have emerged online that shed more light on what can be expected from Honda's civil litre-class motorcycle that is expected to get dramatic upgrades in its latest avatar. The styling will be more evolutionary and possibly similar to the Light Weight Super Sports concept, which forms the basis for the upcoming CBR250RR, whereas the features will make the Fireblade more competition ready, not to forget WSBK worthy as well.
2015 Honda CBR1000RR Front Profile
The list of upgrades is impressive on the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR inclusive of more power, an all-new rider aid package, electronic semi-active Öhlins suspension, all of which gets better with a massive weight reduction over the outgoing generation. Sources close to the development of the new Fireblade in the road and racing departments suggest that Honda has worked extensively to make the bike more competitive with rivals and a weight loss of around 8 kg has helped make the bike sharper than ever. That said, the civilised road manners that the CBR1000RR are said to have been retained on the new generation version as well.
Furthermore, power is likely to be upgraded in the vicinity of 180-190bhp, as opposed to the outgoing Honda CBR1000RR's 175bhp output. Additions like a huge ram-air system with a new headstock air intake, a redesigned airbox, a revised fuel-injection system and reduced internal engine friction will aid in boosting power. The airbox modifications are also important given the fact that it will be lucrative when it comes to on track performance.
2015 Honda CBR1000RR Rear Profile
Another major upgrade on the new generation Honda Fireblade will be the new Bosch electronic control system replacing Honda's C-ABS in a bid to save weight. The Bosch 9.1 AMP ABS unit weighs a mere 3.5 kg, when compared to the C-ABS that weighs a hefty 10 kg, while also offering more precisely tuned safety tech like traction control, anti-wheelie system, cornering ABS and much more. There will also be a Bosch electronics package on the new Fireblade that will be equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Already seen on competitor litre-class motorcycles, the unit measures six axes of movement and then works out the best way of keeping the bike under control. The IMU will also work in tandem with the Bosch ABS system to exercise better control along with the Öhlins semi-active suspension.
Speaking of which, Ohlins has been working with Honda to develop the suspension system for the 2017 CBR1000RR and the unit is said to be a more advanced version than the one found on the
Ducati Panigale 1299 S, the first bike to get the feature. One can expect similar fixed and semi-active setting to be available on the Honda. The electronically control suspension works with the IMU to keep the bike stable under hard braking and acceleration by electronically adjusting the front and rear steering damper. The system also responds to the road and rider inputs.
Source: Motorcyclenews.com
