New Honda CBR1000RR will pack less weight, more power plus new electronics including semi-active suzzies.
The long awaited replacement of the Honda CBR1000RR – known as the Fireblade in certain markets – will likely arrive sometime next year and details have emerged on what we can expect.
As it is, the Honda CBR1000RR is an ageing platform, putting Honda on the losing side of the open litre-class segment against rivals like the Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and of course the BMW S1000RR.
According to a report published by MCN, Honda will finally give the CBR1000RR the revisions it needs to compete against said rivals when it reportedly arrives next year. Amongst the changes include a lighter weight, increased power, as well as new electronics including a semi-active suspension system.
Firstly, power and weight. The new CBR1000RR will pack at least 180hp to power its rear wheel. This will come from a huge ram air system comprised of a redesigned airbox, new headstock air intake and a revised fuel injection system to complement the new engine’s low-friction internal design.
At least 180hp is expected where it will mark an improvement over the current bike’s 175hp figure. Whilst the figure is still down against the 195hp BMW and 200hp Yamaha, Honda will instead pair this new powertrain with a lightweight bike, giving more focus towards power-to-weight instead.
Rumours suggest that the new Honda CBR1000RR will shave off at least 8kg, which will make it both lighter and livelier in terms of handling. Another key change here is the adoption of a Bosch 9.1MP ABS system to replace the heavy Honda C-ABS suite as the former boasts a lighter 3.5kg weight over the former’s hefty 10kg figure.
Of course, the most critical new electronic element will be the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). It will be linked with the new CBR1000RR’s ABS, cornering ABS, traction control and anti-wheelie suites that will be primed on board.
Besides that, the IMU will reportedly be linked up with the new CBR1000RR’s electronic semi-active suspension supplied by specialists Öhlins. Reports indicate it will be similar to the unit primed in the Ducati 1299 Panigale S, but Öhlins have worked closely with Honda for this and promises it to be a much more advanced sytem compared to the Ducati’s.
The semi-active suzzies will see improved bike controls especially during braking while the IMU will work at linking the front and rear dampers. An active steering damper will also react to both surface conditions and rider inputs.
Lastly, we can expect the Honda CBR1000RR to gain with a sharp new styling language that’s similar to the new CBR250RR that will debut in Indonesia next week. Based on a previously leaked patent, its key trait here will be a narrow headlight design accompanied by LED clusters on each side.
Source: MCN
