Machine: Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP
Positioned as the top flagship of CBR series, the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP was developed with the concept, “TOTAL CONTROL for the Track”, pursuing high performance on the track and in races. Its engine was designed with technologies from the RC213V MotoGP machine which continues to win world titles, resulting in the most powerful engine for a CBR yet. The frame has enhanced stability under acceleration and braking, and with the help of advanced electronic control system supporting sport riding, its potential has been further enhanced.
The basic philosophy of the Superbike World Championship has always been simple: start with production-based motorcycles and modify them for maximum performance on track.
That concept is highly effective when the platform is the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP that was launched in 2020. The brand-new FIREBLADE marks a new chapter in the bike’s illustrious history. It’s renowned handling prowess, balance and stability are still unique, but the CBR1000RR-R offers unprecedented levels of track-focused performance.
While the championship is production-based, even Honda production supersport machines utilise technology derived from the prototype world of Grand Prix racing.
The engine, for example, draws strongly on Honda RC213V MotoGP technology, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP driven by the most powerful inline four-cylinder that Honda has ever built.
The same bore and stroke as the RC213V allow the use of MotoGP technology for the intake, exhaust and combustion chambers, based on know-how gained in MotoGP. The con-rods, pistons and camshaft materials and surface treatment, such as the throttle body shape, derive from the RC213V-S.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP delivers maximum power of 160kW at 14,500rpm and peak torque of 113Nm at 12,500rpm while tipping the scales at just 201kg.
In terms of engine configuration, the in-line 4 layout, with its short front-to-back dimensions, ensure an ultra-high-end performance engine while allowing for very compact overall packaging. The frame has also been optimized, increasing torsional rigidity by 9% to improve handling at circuit cornering speed. On the other hand, lateral rigidity is reduced by 11% with a longer wheelbase and longer swingarm, for improved grip and feeling both through and out of the corners.
A cutting-edge aerodynamics package – also influenced by the multiple title-winning RC213V – works in tandem with a new Bosch six-axis IMU to provide extremely precise yaw, pitch and roll calculations for even finer bike behaviour control and unprecedented levels of handling and outright performance.
In line with the Honda mass centralisation philosophy, the Fireblade is equipped with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic exhaust end can. Put it all together and the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP constitutes a premium production package around which to build a winning race machine.
The evolution continued in 2022, its 30th Anniversary year, with the latest machine boasting an incredible 214.6 brake horsepower, something that will ensure the FIREBLADE continues to inspire road riders around the world.
In the same year, Honda updated TeamHRC’s Fireblades with new suspension and brakes. For the 2022 campaign, Showa suspension was adopted, replacing the previously used Öhlins in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, Nissin brakes were chosen over Brembo.
Leveraging a substantial amount of HRC development expertise, the year 2024 marks the progression of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and its SP version along their development trajectory. This advancement is attributed to a myriad of engine and gearbox updates that result in a significant enhancement in mid-range performance and an improved throttle response.
Key modifications include revisions to the cylinder head, compression ratio, valve timing, and springs. The crankshaft and con-rods have been lightened, and the gearbox now features new, shorter ratios throughout. The addition of 2-Motor Throttle By Wire enables precise control and enhanced feel at lower rpm, with more engine braking if required.
The aluminum diamond-style frame exhibits a new, more pliant character to enhance steering accuracy and traction. Furthermore, the introduction of new winglets ensures the maintenance of downforce while reducing the yaw moment in cornering by 10%.
The WorldSBK TeamHRC version of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade continues to utilize Showa suspension and Nissin brakes.
Regarding the technical regulations of the WorldSBK championship, for the year 2024 a series of technical innovations has been established as per the agreement between FIM-DWO-MSMA.
FUEL FLOW CONTROL: Data collection through 2024 for implementation in 2025
In order to promote environmental compliance and provide a platform for manufacturers to enhance their machine development in these areas for the future, it has been decided that starting from 2025, the use of a mandatory fuel flow control system will be required. Therefore, in 2024, two bikes from each manufacturer need to be equipped with a fuel flow meter and record data during both practice sessions and races to validate the concept and determine the parameters for 2025.
FUEL TANK REDUCTION AND REGULATIONS: Smaller tank
In 2024, a new maximum fuel tank capacity will be set at 21.0 liters.
COMBINED WEIGHT: New rules for 2024
In 2024, a combined weight for the rider and the machine has been defined in accordance with the FIM-DWO-MSMA agreement.
WORLDSBK TEAMHRC CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP SPECIFICATIONS
Motorcycle: Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP
Engine: 999.9cc, In-line 4 Cylinder
Power: Over 170kw/14500r/min
Gearbox: 6 speed
Suspension: Showa
Chassis: Aluminium
Brakes: Nissin
Fuel allowance: 21lt
Dry weight: over 168kg
RECORDS
Honda WorldSBK Race Wins
1988 – 2024: 119
First Win: 30-04-1988 Fred Merkel (Honda RC30 – Rumi Honda) Hungaroring (HUN)- Race 1
Last Win: 15-05-2016 Nicky Hayden (Honda CBR1000RR FIREBLADE) Sepang (MAL) – Race 2
Honda WorldSBK Podiums
1988 – 2024: 398
First Podium: 03-04-1988 Fred Merkel (Honda RC30 – Rumi Honda) Donington Park (UK) – Race 2 – (2nd)
Last Podium: 12-10-2024 Iker Lecuona (Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE) Estoril (POR) – Race 1 – (3rd)
Honda WorldSBK Rider Title
1988 – 2024: 6
1988 Fred Merkel Honda RC30 (Rumi Honda)
1989 Fred Merkel Honda RC30 (Rumi Honda)
1997 John Kocinski Honda RC45 (Castrol Honda-HRC)
2000 Colin Edwards Honda VTR 1000 SP / RC51 (Castrol Honda-HRC)
2002 Colin Edwards Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 / RC51 (Castrol Honda-HRC)
2007 James Toseland Honda CBR1000RR (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda)
Honda WorldSBK Constructor Title
1988 – 2024: 4
1988 (142 points)
1989 (368 points)
1990 (399 points)
1997 (486 points)
OTHER RECORDS
Top 3 Honda WorldSBK Winners (17 different winners in total)
- Colin Edwards – 31
- Jonathan Rea – 15
- Aaron Slight – 11
Top 3 Honda WorldSBK Podium finishers (44 different Podium finishers in total)
- Aaron Slight – 67
- Colin Edwards – 65
- Jonathan Rea – 42
Top 3 Honda WorldSBK Polemen (15 Honda Polemen in total)
- Colin Edwards – 13
- Aaron Slight – 6
- Jonathan Rea & Fred Merkel – 4
Top 3 Honda riders as for WorldSBK Starts (317 in total)
- Aaron Slight – 163
- Jonathan Rea – 140
- Leon Haslam – 135
BASIC CBR FIREBLADE statistics
Debut: Valencia (SPA) 29-02-2004 (Race 1: 12th – Race 2: 5th)
Model: CBR 1000RR
Rider: Chris Vermeulen
Team: Ten Kate Honda
Wins 2004 – 2024: 43
First Win: 13-06-2004 Chris Vermeulen CBR1000RR (Ten Kate Honda) – Silverstone (UK) – Race 2
Last Win: 15-05-2016 Nicky Hayden (Honda CBR1000RR FIREBLADE) Sepang (MAL) – Race 2
Podium 2004 – 2024: 146
First Podium: 28-03-2004 Chris Vermeulen CBR1000RR (Ten Kate Honda) – Phillip Island (AUS) Race 1 (2nd)
Last Podium: 12-10-2024 Iker Lecuona (Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE) Estoril (POR) – Race 1 – (3rd)
Previous: 05-03-2023 Xavi Vierge (Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE) Mandalika (IND) – Race 2 – (3rd)
