Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

CBR1000RR Fireblade is an iconic sportbike with the build quality good enough to last generations. It is sharp, compact and aerodynamic in a typical sportbike fashion meant to decimate kilometres on track and on the road. There’s a decent dose of edginess at the front while the middle and tail sections are equally sharp and compact. Everything is made to deliver high performance. While the design is overall familiar, there have been regular improvements over the years to keep it quite up to date. The instrument panel is fully digital as well giving all kinds of information to the rider that is expected in the sportbikes of today.

Superbikes, by intent and design, have the most aggressive riding positions in the motorcycling world. The rider sits in a lean-forward manner without compromise holding low, two-piece, handlebar while the feet rest on rear-set foot-pegs that are higher and back than a normal sportbike. Yet, the Fireblade is known to offer surprisingly friendlier ergonomics as a Superbike with acceptable long distance comfort. Playing a vital role in this are the capable front and rear Showa suspension. Big Piston Front Forks and the Balance Free Rear Cushion pro-link shocker are exceptional in gulping the irregularities of the road while keeping the handling nimble and stable at all speeds.

It might be low on power compared to the competition today, yet, it is one of the most likeable sportbike engines ever made. The 999cc inline 4 engine is compact and produces a healthy 178.3 BHP of power at 12,250 RPM and 114 NM of torque at 10,500 RPM. It’s not devoid of technology which comes in the form of nickel-silicon carbide coating on cylinder heads which reduces friction. Then there’s the PGM-DSFI (Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection) system which ensures absolutely crisp and linear throttle response offering unmatched rider-friendliness.

Fireblade’s 6-speed gearbox along with the MotoGP-derived slipper clutch provides smooth gearshifts with proper feedback in both up and down actions. The slipper mechanism keeps the clutch pull light to assist city riding where the clutch is used most while also preventing the rear wheel from hopping or momentarily locking up under aggressive downshifting.

The importance of brakes can’t be downplayed and that’s even more so in the case of a Superbike. While the Fireblade might be technologically behind its rival on most aspects, braking is where it doesn’t quite compromise. The motorcycle features dual 320mm discs at front and a single 220mm disc at the rear along with 4-piston calliper and single-piston calliper respectively. Brakes are of sintered type that last long. Lastly, electronically Combined ABS is one of the best anti-lock systems that prevent wheel lockup while electronically (no wires) distributing braking force as per the requirements at both ends.

The company claimed mileage is 18 kilometres per litre. This, combined with the 17.5 litres fuel tank is capable of delivering around 300 kms range on a full tank which isn’t bad for a Superbike.