Mid-life update for Honda’s litre superbike, with extensive engine mods and chassis enhancements
The current Honda CBR1000 RR Fireblade is a monster: with 214bhp and full-on superbike chassis, it’s right at the top of the class in terms of performance.
For 2024 though, the firm has given its flagship sportster a thorough overhaul, improving the engine’s midrange and drivability, uprating the chassis with new Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, and improving the electronics package and equipment levels.
On the engine, there’s no more peak power – it stays at 214bhp or 160kW – but mods from the HRC race division have changed most of the internals. The compression is up, cam timing is different, and there are new valve springs, titanium con rods, a lighter crank, and all the gear ratios have been lowered for more rear-wheel thrust.
The ride-by-wire fuel injection has a new two-motor throttle body design, which allows finer control of throttle opening, both on acceleration and to control engine braking too.
The frame and RC213V-S based swingarm design have been tweaked too, to optimise rigidity, while the suspension uses the new third generation of Öhlins’ electronic semi-active setup, the Smart Electronic Control 3.0 (Honda is actually the first firm to use this system).
That uses 43mm NPX (SV) forks and TTX36 (SV) rear shock, with Spool Valve internals. The suspension settings are managed by Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) via the dashboard, and there’s also a new digital spring preload feature.
Finally on the chassis front, Honda’s fitted the Brembo Stylema R four-piston front calipers with Brembo radial master cylinder, and cornering ABS with a new Race mode that turns off the rear channel for track use.
Honda’s also revised the fairing with a new mid-section that houses new winglets. These generate downforce to improve braking stability and consistent front-end grip but with a claimed ten per cent less effort through high-speed corners.
The riding position has been adjusted to elevate control, with handlebars higher and footpegs lower, a fully customisable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control via a four-way switch on the left handlebar, and Honda’s Smart Key system adds convenience.
There’s also a limited edition Carbon Edition, with unique Mat Pearl Morion Black paint. It features a carbon fibre front fender, fairing, winglets, and hugger, saving around 1kg in total mass. Just 300 units will be built, featuring a commemorative plaque on the airbox cover.
TECH HIGHLIGHTS
- Short-stroke, inline four-cylinder semi-cam gear train engine produces 160Kw @ 14,000rpm with peak torque of 113Nm @ 12,000rpm
- Compression ratio raised for 24YM plus revised valve timing, with new 3-stage unequal pitch springs
- Crankcase optimised for weight reduction, inertial mass reduction for crankshaft and con-rods
- All gear ratios – and primary drive – shortened for improved acceleration and corner exit drive
- Lightweight Akrapovič muffler features increased volume and noise reduction
- New 2-Motor Throttle By Wire system delivers smooth control for both acceleration and engine braking
- 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) optimised for new power output character and gear ratios
- 3 default riding modes plus options to customise the revised Power, Engine Brake, HSTC and Wheelie Control parameters
- 4-level Start Mode standard fitment
- Revised aluminium frame features new rigidity balance for enhanced steering accuracy and grip feel
- Third generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC3.0) offers refined choice of settings, with new preload guide screen.
- Öhlins 43mm NPX (SV) forks feature new Spool Valve internals, as does the TTX36 (SV) rear shock
- New Brembo Stylema R radial-mount four-piston calipers managed by Cornering ABS now with 3 modes – STANDARD/TRACK/RACE
- New riding position raises handlebars and lowers footpegs for increased rider freedom and control
- Bosch six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) gives accurate calculation of dynamic behaviour
- Showa’s 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) controlled by IMU for stability management
- Redesigned middle fairing includes new winglet shaping for high-speed agility; lower fairing features rear aero step to improve rear traction feel
- 5-inch colour TFT screen and four-way left-hand switch offer intuitive control of riding systems; redline now slides up rpm scale only when engine is at operating temperature
- Fuel capacity increased to 16.5L
- Smart Key operation adds convenience
HONDA ACCESSORY PACKAGES
HRC Race Kit – (not for road use)
HRC has developed a Race Kit for the CBR1000RR-R that ups engine performance, and heightens cornering ability and grip. Available to buy as a complete kit – and for circuit use only – the HRC kit parts include ECU, wiring harness, cylinder head gasket, clutch, quick release rear axle and racing exhaust.
Racing Pack
Adds the detail of speed; Frame Guards and a Tank Pad provide protection, an Alcantara Seat injects style matched by a Red or Black Seat Cowl. An Oil Filler Cap, Sprocket Protector, Wheel Stripes and High Smoked Screen are the finishing touches.
Comfort Pack
Ready to go the distance: A USB Type-C socket makes for easy smartphone charging, plus the flexible carrying capacity of a Tank Bag and Rear Seat Bag.