Honda Introduces New CBR1000RR SP

25^th anniversary model reflects “Next Stage Total Control” approach

TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2016) – American Honda announced today that the legendary CBR1000RR SP has undergone a major overhaul for the 2017 model year, with a 33 lb. weight reduction and 10 horsepower increase resulting in a 14% improvement in power-to-weight ratio.

First introduced overseas in 1992 (and in the U.S. shortly thereafter), Honda’s largest CBR has continuously reset expectations of what an open-class sport bike should be, with a holistic “Total Control” design approach that focuses on cornering, acceleration and braking. That practice is taken to the next level with the 25^th anniversary CBR1000RR SP, which is also fully loaded with a cutting-edge electronics package. The result is a machine that is underpinned by the “Next Stage Total Control” concept, with nimble handling and amazing acceleration.

“Since their debut, CBR liter bikes have been designed to perform in the real world, the way real customers use them,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “We’re pleased to unveil the 2017 CBR1000RR SP, which follows in that same tradition by providing a superbly balanced package with our best power-to-weight ratio ever. It works incredibly well on track and, even more importantly, is both exhilarating and uniquely rewarding to ride out on the open road.”

CBR1000RR SP

The CBR1000RR SP has received a vast array of improvements, including some that come straight from the RC213V-S. Electronics play a big role, including semi-active ÖhlinsElectronic Control suspension (S-EC), plus a number of rider aids built around the five-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Power and torque have been increased through a higher compression ratio and revised cam timing, while ample use of magnesium (engine covers) and titanium (muffler and—for the first time on a mass-production road bike—fuel tank) have reduced weight and improved mass centralization. The twin-spar aluminum frame’s rigidity balance has been finely adjusted, and the swingarm is stiffer. Brembo monobloc four-piston front brake calipers use high-performance track-ready brake pads, while a narrower radiator and new bodywork achieve a slimmer profile.

In addition to the CBR1000RR SP, Honda is also offering a competition-focused, limited-production CBR1000RR SP2, which comes with larger valves and lighter forged-aluminum Marchesini wheels.

• Colors: HRC Tri-Color
• Price: TBA
• Availability
• oCBR1000RR SP: March 2017
• oCBR1000RR SP2: May 2017

MORE DETAILS FOLLOW:

2017 Honda CB1000RR SP

First introduced overseas in 1992 (and in the U.S. shortly thereafter), Honda’s largest CBR has continuously reset expectations of what an open-class sport bike should be, with a holistic “Total Control” design approach that focuses on cornering, acceleration and braking. That practice is taken to the next level with the 25^th anniversary CBR1000RR SP, which has a 14% better power-to-weight ratio thanks to a weight reduction of 33 lbs. and 10 horsepower increase. Fully loaded with a cutting-edge electronics package, the CBR1000RR SP is underpinned by the “Next Stage Total Control” concept, with nimble handling and amazing acceleration.

Engine/Drivetrain

• –Valve lift and timing have been optimized for higher engine speeds, with the maximum raised from 12,250 to 13,000 rpm.
• –Thickness of different areas of pistons optimized, retaining same weight while increasing compression ratio from 12.3:1 to 13.0:1.
• –Piston rings have Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating that improves sealing property.
• –A new air-intake duct and air box with reduce air resistance, with a throttle-body bore that is up 2mm to 48mm. –Fuel-discharge pressure is up 14%, promoting fuel atomization and raising combustion efficiency, while throttle response is improved by intake funnels with a slash-cut design.
• –Magnesium construction of the oil pan and ignition cover contribute to a 4.4 lb. reduction in engine weight.
• –Assist force in the slipper clutch has been increased, resulting in a 17% lower clutch-spring load. Die-cast aluminum assist cams (transmitting & receiving) reduce weight, while optimized clearance between the cams improve clutch-lever feel.
• –The new, titanium muffler is 6.17 lbs. lighter, improving concentration of mass. Its double pipe structure enables more effective utilization of the expansion chamber, while the variable exhaust valve achieves an improved sound and good power delivery across the rpm range.
• –Derived from the RC213V-S, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) measures front and rear wheel speeds and body roll angle, and also uses attitude-detection technology developed for ASIMO.
• –Wheelie behavior is electronically mitigated during acceleration; based on wheel speeds, the ECU decreases the throttle-valve opening to reduce torque.
• –The slip rate of the rear wheel is restrained during cornering and acceleration; torque is controlled based on vehicle roll angle, such as when turning, contributing to a sense of security during the riding experience.
• –The rider can choose how strongly the engine brake is applied when the throttle is closed during deceleration; three levels of adjustability are available, depending on rider preference.
• –A quick shifter allows shifting up or down without use of the throttle or clutch; the driving load on gears is reduced during shifting, simplifying the rider’s shifting process on the track, on winding roads or in traffic. For both upshifting and downshifting, feel can be adjusted between three levels.
• –Adapted from the RC213V-S, the throttle-by-wire system (a first on a straight-four Honda) features a built-in Accelerator Position Sensor and improves response and rideability.
• –A first on a Honda, the full-color thin-film-transistor liquid crystal meter features Street, Circuit and Mechanic displays and is designed to be less intrusive for the rider.
• –A five-level Power Selector enables on-the-fly adjustment of riding modes, HSTC and suspension electronics, adapting the machine to changing conditions.
• –The lithium-ion battery is one-half the weight of the previous, lead-acid battery. Service life is improved, and the central mounting location helps improve mass centralization.

Chassis/Suspension

• –Portions of frame walls have been thinned down to reduce weight by 300 grams while maintaining appropriate flexibility.
• –Redesigned die-cast aluminum subframe is 600 grams lighter.
• –Swingarm section thicknesses have been adjusted resulting in weight reduction of 300 grams lighter and an increase in torsional rigidity.
• –Wheels have five Y-spokes instead of six for improved aerodynamic stability, while thickness has been reduced to cut weight by approximately 100 grams.
• –Radiator has a new high-density core that achieves same level of heat dissipation while reducing width by 30mm and weight by approximately 100 grams overall.
• –Minimalist, aggressive, aerodynamic design reduces widths at front of fairings; top fairing is 24mm narrow and middle fairing is 18mm narrower.
• –World’s first titanium fuel tank for a mass-production road bike is manufactured using ultra-deep drawing process; weight is reduced by 2.87 lbs., improved concentration of mass, and knee-grip area is 30mm narrower.
• –A first for a Honda production motorcycle, the CBR1000RR SP has semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (EC) suspension, with 43mm NIX 30 EC fork and a TTX 36 EC shock. Settings are optimized electronically to suit the conditions.
• –The anti-lock braking system (ABS) features rear-lift control (RLC), for smooth, effective braking on corner entry; braking force is controlled according to lean angle, and hard trail braking is allowed.

• Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
• Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

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Honda also welcomes back a number of popular models for the 2017 model year, some with new graphics and colors:

Gold Wing

The motorcycle that singlehandedly invented long-distance comfort motorcycle touring and luxury two-up riding, Honda’s legendary Gold Wing is available in two new color combinations for 2017, as well as the familiar Candy Red. Three different trim levels are offered, the top option boasting navigation and anti-lock brakes.

• Colors
• oGold Wing: Candy Red, Ultra Blue Metallic/Black
• oGold Wing Navi / Gold Wing Navi ABS: Candy Red, Pearl White, Ultra Blue Metallic/Black
• Availability: January 2017

Shadow Phantom

Back for 2017 in a spectral new Matte Black Metallic color, the Shadow Phantom lives up to its name, making a powerful statement without resorting to a lot of bling. The V-twin engine has a throaty exhaust sound, and the seating position is equally comfortable for cruising or longer outings.

• Color: Matte Black Metallic
• Availability: December 2016

NM4

With sculpted bodywork that wouldn’t be out of place in a science-fiction movie, the innovative, limited-edition NM4 attracts attention wherever it goes, but it’s also got a practical side, thanks to its automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and integrated saddlebags.

• Color: Matte Black Metallic
• Availability: November 2016

XR650L

The versatile XR650L really can do it all, including wide-open highways, rugged off-road trails and everything in between. With a bulletproof 644cc four-stroke engine, electric start and long-travel suspension, this proven dual-sport bike is good for the casual rider on-road or for more aggressive off-road adventures.

• Color: Red
• Availability: December 2016

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Nicky Hayden and Freddy Foray unveil the brand-new 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade to the world in Cologne

Cologne, 4 October 2016 – The Intermot motorcycle show today hosted a special event for Honda and the motorcycling world: the unveiling of the new 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP and SP2 models.

After trying it out for himself at Valencia’s Circuito Ricardo Tormo last month, Honda WorldSBK Team’s Nicky Hayden – joined by Freddy Foray of the Honda Endurance Racing team – took to the stage to reveal the latest chapter in Honda’s epic 25-year-old Fireblade history.

The development of the 2017 Fireblade has remained true to the ground-breaking spirit of the original 1992 machine, with a relentless focus on power to weight ratio. A 15kg weight reduction and 8kW top end power boost combine to give a 14% improvement in power to weight, making the 2017 Fireblade the sharpest in its 25 year history. A new electronics package includes semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control suspension, Honda Selectable Torque Control, Selectable Engine Brake and Power settings, Quickshifter, and Downshift Assist.

A video of today’s launch is now available for viewing by clicking on the link below:

www.facebook.com/hondaproracing

For more information on the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP and SP2 models visit www.hondanews.eu