2017 Honda CBR1000RR and CBR1000RR SP – First Look

The newest entry in the Litre Bike fight is the all new Honda Fireblade, packed full of electronics to bring it up to par with its rivals in the hotly contested market. Lighter and with more power than the previous model, it has all the underpinnings of being an awesome machine. It’s been five years since we last saw a new ‘Blade, so I’m hoping this one is worth the wait!

The base model comes with Throttle By Wire, lean sensitive traction control, wheelie control, TOKICO brakes with optional ABS, and variable Power Modes all as standard, along with Showa suspension. SP model has the same electronics, but also comes with trick electronic adjustable Ohlins suspension, a lightwieght titanium fuel tank, Brembo brakes, and a quickshifter with autoblipper as standard. (The quickshifter is an option for the base model.)  Internal gearing is the same as the previous model, with 300kph capable sprockets driving power to the rear wheel.

Fairings have been dramatically redesigned from the previous model for better airflow, and I think they look pretty cool, following along the lines of the latest model CBR600RR. The front on view almost looks like a Ducati Panigale, which I wasn’t greatly impressed with at first, but it has grown on me lately. Honda’s tucked in headlights look slightly tamer, more ‘robotic’, but they do suit the styling of the rest of the bike. Of course, most owners will change the restrictive Euro-spec exhaust to tidy up the rear end – I imagine Yoshimura and Akrapovic are already testing their respective units.

All in all, it looks like a very impressive bit of kit, I can’t wait to have a test ride on one! All the different electronics might take a bit of getting used to, but hopefully Honda’s reputation for high build quality will stay true once again.

And yes Mr Wayne, it does come in black.

NZ Release Date – late May, early June

Price (NZD) – yet to be released

Power – 188bhp @ 12,500rpm, 81.79ftlb @ 10,500rpm (claimed)

Weight – 195kg for the base model (Non-ABS, Euro spec)

– Scott