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![\"2023](\"https:\/\/www.motorcyclistonline.com\/resizer\/v2\/PJN4B2BYMVEBPA3RMUNHV2E6BI.jpg?auth=ed465f19ae4c2cc2b43bed4b916b81cd9b5dbc5bbcc9f9389aa4aa19d4919e1a\")
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The pinnacle of Honda\u2019s CB lineage, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is an HRC-developed, uncompromising race replica with significantly more performance than the CBR1000RR that American Honda continues to sell. For a production Honda<\/a> motorcycle, it\u2019s as rarefied as they come. The only problem? In the US, output is limited to 186 hp at the crank, and less when measured at the rear wheel.<\/p>\n Overview<\/p>\n The 1992 Honda CBR900RR is easily one of the most significant motorcycles of its day. As CW<\/i>\u2019s first prescient analysis said back in 1991: \u201cIt is a motorcycle that promises to change forever the way big-bore sportbikes are conceived and built.\u201d<\/p>\n Its first comparison test\u2014against the Yamaha FZR1000 and Suzuki GSX-R1100\u2014confirmed the veracity of that statement. On the CW<\/i> scales, the CBR weighed 76 pounds less than the FZR and 94 pounds less than the GSX-R. That first \u2018Blade was the shot heard round the world, transforming the economy of two-wheeled performance in much the same way the Honda Interceptor<\/a> and the original Suzuki GSX-R750<\/a> did the decade before.<\/p>\n Thirty years later, it\u2019s difficult to conceive of a motorcycle so technically beyond the competition that it inspires such a sea change. Still, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is a credit to Tadao Baba<\/a>\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n At $28,900, the Triple R is as expensive as the European competition with performance to match. From the highest-spec electronic suspension to integrated aero and a screaming inline-four powerplant, the CBR is Honda\u2019s purest performance weapon. Undoubtedly, the latest CBR was built to win. While the World SBK crown has thus far evaded capture, Honda won the 2022 and 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours.<\/p>\n The fly in the ointment, however, is that the US-spec Triple R comes stateside with output limited to 186 hp. In a highly competitive field, coming to the fray with one hand tied behind its back is very unfortunate.<\/p>\n Related: <\/b><\/i>Fastest Bikes You Can Buy in 2023<\/b><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Updates for 2023<\/p>\n The Fireblade SP is unchanged for 2023. For 2022, however, the engine was tweaked with revised intake ports, narrower than before to increase the air velocity into the combustion chambers and bump up torque, along with an increased compression ratio of 13.4:1, up from 13.2:1. A new airbox, modified to improve flow, feeds revised intake funnels, with the center pair shorter by 15mm, and all four getting new, slash-cut shapes.<\/p>\n On the other side of the engine, the exhaust was modified with a new center section and redesigned catalytic converter, both intended to improve gas flow. Elsewhere, the throttle was modified to make it easier on the wrist, no doubt further emphasizing the impression of improved response. More notably, the rear sprocket gained three teeth, rising to 43 in total, reducing the final drive gearing for better acceleration. That sprocket change, and the longer chain that comes with it, explains the fractional increase in wheelbase for the 2023 Fireblade. Honda also optimized quickshifter performance and refined traction control.<\/p>\n Pricing and Variants<\/p>\n The 2023 Fireblade SP ($28,900) is available in a striking paint scheme reminiscent of the original.<\/p>\n Competition<\/p>\n The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP competes with rivals from Japan: the Yamaha YZF-R1<\/a> ($17,999) and YZF-R1M ($26,999), Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R<\/a> ($17,799), and Suzuki GSX-R1000R<\/a> ($18,499). Its European rivals are the Ducati Panigale V4<\/a> ($24,995) and V4 S<\/a> ($32,595), the BMW S 1000 RR<\/a> (from $18,295) and M 1000 RR<\/a> (from $33,345), as well as Aprilia\u2019s RSV4<\/a> ($18,999) and RSV4 Factory<\/a> ($25,999).<\/p>\n Honda\u2019s own base-model CBR1000RR was top of Honda\u2019s literbike heap before the introduction of the Triple R. For riders who want a less committed experience and who want to save some coin, it\u2019s available for $16,599.<\/p>\n Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance<\/p>\n The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP\u2019s 999cc inline-four produces a claimed 214 hp at 14,500 rpm and 82.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 12,500 rpm. However, the US-spec model is limited to 186 hp at 12,000 rpm.<\/p>\n The SP uses the same bore and stroke (81.0 x 48.5mm) as the RC213V MotoGP racer, which is very different from the base-model CBR1000RR\u2019s 76.0 x 55.1mm measurements. It also happens to be the same as Ducati\u2019s V4 R.<\/p>\n Why adopt the same bore and stroke of the MotoGP engine for the production \u2018Blade? According to Fireblade large project leader Yuzuru Ishikawa, \u201cBy using the existing MotoGP combustion chamber, piston shape, and entire intake port, we saved time that would otherwise have been used in step-by-step development of those components.\u201d<\/p>\n In Euro guise, its claimed 214 hp and 445-pound curb weight (fully fueled and ready to ride) is said to net a 9.7 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement over the RR base model and a whopping 79.5 percent gain compared to the original CBR900RR of \u201892. Too bad US customers won\u2019t get the full benefit of those numbers.<\/p>\n On the EU-spec machine tested in 2020<\/a>, roll-on acceleration from second gear was impressive with a strong yet incredibly linear delivery through the low-to-mid revs. Then, a surge of power comes in around 10,000 rpm and the engine pulls hard to its redline of 14,500 rpm.<\/p>\n One of the appreciable traits of this engine is its smooth power delivery, though admittedly, it\u2019s tuned more for the racetrack and lacks some of the midrange grunt that might help it in real-life riding situations around town, or even on a tight canyon road.<\/p>\n Chassis\/Handling<\/p>\n The Fireblade SP has a twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm with redone rigidity characteristics that conspire to give it seriously glorious corner-carving prowess. The bike exemplifies its strength in difficult side-to-side transitions, and requires little effort to change direction and easily execute midcorner corrections. Look where you want to go, and it goes, no drama\u2014a true track weapon and racebike to the core.<\/p>\n \u00d6hlins\u2019 top-shelf NPX Smart EC 2.0 semi-active gas-charged fork and a TTX 36 Smart EC shock play their part, offering superb feel and support from corner entry to exit. The pair is easily adjustable via the Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi) in three customizable Automatic, or semi-active settings, while three Manual modes freeze damping characteristics to settings the rider chooses prior to riding.<\/p>\n The \u00d6hlins suspension boasts supreme consistency and feel that offers everything needed for ultimate handling performance. Stability is a standout characteristic, especially in high-speed braking.<\/p>\n Brakes<\/p>\n The Triple R uses a pair of 330mm discs up front with top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers. Performance is exceptional with no hint of the base model\u2019s excessive ABS intervention or fade.<\/p>\n Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG<\/p>\n No fuel mileage numbers are currently available for the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.<\/p>\n Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility<\/p>\n The Fireblade has a thin, narrow seat that gives it an authentic racebike feel. The ergonomic triangle has been made significantly more aggressive than the base-model RR. Footpeg position is raised by 21mm and pushed back by 43mm, creating a more athletic lower-body stance. The handlebars have been repositioned 17mm lower and angled farther forward, motocross style. The result is excessive wrist pressure under heavy braking and a feeling of constantly using arm strength to \u201cclimb\u201d back onto the bike during the Fireblade\u2019s mighty acceleration.<\/p>\n Engineers achieved a neat design via a solid aluminum triple clamp and keyless ignition (the CBR uses a proximity fob and ignition button located next to the dash), while a 5-inch full-color TFT dashboard provides vital information.<\/p>\n Electronics<\/p>\n The Fireblade SP uses a Bosch six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to manage a suite of rider aids. There are three default riding modes, with options to change engine output and character. Power (P) operates through levels 1\u20135, with 1 giving the most power. Engine Brake (EB) manages performance on a closed throttle through levels 1\u20133, with 1 being the strongest engine-braking; Wheelie (W) manages through levels 1\u20133 (plus off), with 1 giving the weakest intervention.<\/p>\n The nine-level (plus off) Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) monitors the rate at which slip is changing based on the ratio of front\/rear wheel speeds to smoothly manage wheelspin.<\/p>\n The Fireblade SP is also equipped with Start mode for race starts; it limits engine rpm to 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, and 9,000 rpm set points. The up\/down quickshifter, updated for 2022, has been refined for shorter fuel-cut times and for smoother torque pickup after shifting. The Triple R also has a three-level adjustable electronic steering damper.<\/p>\n Warranty and Maintenance Coverage<\/p>\n Honda offers a one-year, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.<\/p>\n Quality<\/p>\n Honda has been long known for its fit and finish, reliability, and large dealer network. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has HRC\u2019s fingerprints all over it. This is Honda at its finest.<\/p>\n 2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Claimed Specs<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.motorcyclistonline.com\/resizer\/v2\/5YMM4KCWENB4VHY6E3OG4YA5UU.jpg?auth=3a82553bb8fd7837ee08ffe45b7e5e71df4807b0a22ca18730a73f917e272ef3\")
<\/p>\n![\"While](\"https:\/\/www.motorcyclistonline.com\/resizer\/v2\/QGTA7YPBVZBJNNNZDPBNZ7ODJ4.jpg?auth=2726740bf45a0a8ec45a5f77b7befbdd21ee4867f8f3befb1457652f7f0d5f25\")
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<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.motorcyclistonline.com\/resizer\/v2\/4HCSGC2SURH77ICIXGNJ7V6IVQ.jpg?auth=983b18c64aa1132ebe9444e8b47226b6793b5d602f3ea9820000e03c71ab165c\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.motorcyclistonline.com\/resizer\/v2\/P2MNAK2VPZFRXDFYU2WZBOLMX4.jpg?auth=0153a7d104646dd93a210e36a912cf74e751b10a95354d8bb77201b541f0b2d6\")
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