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NEWS
5 hot tips on Honda's next Fireblade
Honda's not-so-secret Fireblade replacement is looming; here's what we're expecting…1. Semi-active suspension
Honda has regularly been at the forefront of technology, often leading the way in terms of cutting-edge tech. And while the incoming RVF1000R (the rumours for which go back to 2010; click here for more) is bound to be a technology powerhouse, the next-generation CBR1000RR won't be left wanting. Öhlins semi-active suspension is the latest murmur out of Japan surrounding the new 'Blade and, if our sources are correct, it may just be the best we've seen. Of course with that will come the swathe of associated electronic rider aids such as traction control, anti-wheelie and cornering ABS.
2. It's shedding weight
Despite the likelihood of the heavily revised exhaust system that will be needed to get the new 'Blade over the Euro4 emissions line being significantly heavier than the current one, the word on the superbike street is the new CBR1000RR will be between seven and nine kilograms lighter than the current bike. A lot of that weight is tipped to be lost by replacing the marque's now old and heavy combined-ABS brake-only package with the latest Bosch system, which combines all sorts of electronic advances. Patents filed as far back as 2015 also reveal a significantly redesigned chassis with an integrated airbox, resulting in a bike that's both narrower and lower than the already diminutive current bike.
3. Performance won't be everything
While its rivals can boast power outputs approaching the 200hp mark, it's understood Honda may take a tech-over-grunt approach with the next-gen Fireblade, which is expected to top out around 180hp. Having said that, being slightly up on power and considerably down on weight means the new Blade's acceleration will make it feel far more powerful than its specs sheet suggests. Besides, don't forget the firm is also readying its V4-powered superbike and will not want its road-oriented inline-four to steal any of the flagship RVF's thunder, and least of all in the power stakes.
4. It's good enough to lure McGuinness back for more
Three third-place finishes was not the fairytale John McGuinness had hoped for at his 20th anniversary outing at this year's Isle of Man TT. And while the long-time Honda rider admitted he'd been considering retirement, he let slip that the incoming 'Blade might be just the ticket to lure him back for more. Speaking to AMCN recently, McGuinness said: "Next year's bike's new. That's the trouble – I'm going to have to come back now. I thought about maybe hanging my boots up."
5. It'll look like the new CBR250RR
Honda finally unveiled the production version of its Super Sports Concept recently, revealing an aggressively styled 250cc sportsbike. While the 250 is currently only destined for South East Asian markets, a slightly larger-capacity version is tipped for the global market and it makes good sense for Honda to retain strong visual ties across its CBR family of sportsbikes. The flat-nosed Fireblade we've become accustomed to will be replaced by a sharp-edged angular version while the 250's hollowed section tail will also likely be mirrored on the litre-class bike.
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Written byKellie Buckley
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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