2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R and CBR1000RR-R SP – First Look
Retuned engine, 2-Motor Throttle-by-Wire, and Chassis updates for the Fireblade
Honda announced a number of evolutionary changes to its CBR1000RR-R and CBR1000RR-R SP. The changes include a retuned engine, a new 2-motor throttle-by-wire system, new aerodynamics, a revised frame, new suspension and brakes, and updated electronics. So, basically everything short of adding yet another “R” to its name.
Overlaying the new Fireblade on the old, it’s easy to notice how much of the bike has changed, but also how much of it remained the same as the 2023 model. The most obvious difference is the reshaped winglets on the midsection of the fairing. The winglets are much more subdued than the previous design, flowing outward and back almost like a catfish’s tendrils.
According to Honda, the downforce produced by the new winglets improves braking stability and front end grip through high-speed corners using 10% less effort than the previous design.
Under all that bodywork lies an updated version of the CBR’s 1,000cc Inline-Four. Honda claims a peak output of 214 hp at 14,000 rpm and 83.3 lb-ft. at 12,000 rpm. That’s the same peak horsepower and just an additional 0.7 lb-ft., with each arriving just 500 rpm sooner compared to the previous engine. The big difference is in how it gets to those numbers.
Honda increased the compression ratio from 13.4:1 to 13.6:1 and revised the valve duration and lift. Honda also added lighter inlet valves plus new three-stage elliptical progressive springs for both intake and exhaust valves. The valve train is the same semi-cam system as the previous model, but with an optimized crankshaft pin and journal diameters, resulting in a reduction of 1 pound of inertial mass. Additional weight savings came via updated forged titanium con-rods and a revised crankcase.
The result, according to Honda, is improved power and torque delivery throughout the rev-range. Honda shortened the gear ratios, as well as the primary drive, to further improve acceleration out of corners. The Akrapovič muffler is also revised, larger in volume while 5 dB quieter to help cooperate with noise restrictions.
A first for Honda, the CBR1000RR-R uses a 2-Motor Throttle-By-Wire system, with one motor controlling the throttle valves for cylinders 1 and 2, and the other for 3 and 4. The throttle valves on cylinders 1 and 2 open first, making it easier to control and deliver power at low engine speeds. At higher revs, all throttle valves open together for smoother top-end power.
When engine braking, things work the other way. Cylinders 3 and 4 open with the exhaust valve closed, increasing pumping loss and engine braking. Cylinders 1 and 2 are closed, standing by to open when accelerating again.
The ride modes, wheelie control and especially the engine brake management system were all also updated to suit the new throttle-by-wire system. With the new gear ratios, the nine-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (i.e. traction control system) needed to be recalibrated. Launch control returns unchanged.
For 2024, the cornering ABS gains a third Race mode that deactivates rear ABS and lean-sensitive input. Track mode returns, offering braking performance for higher speeds with no rear lift suppression. The previous Sport mode gets renamed Standard, offering on-road level performance with less pitching.
Remember what I said above about no extra Rs? That was a lie, as the 2024 Fireblade SP’s dual four-piston radial mount Brembo Stylema calipers have been upgraded to the R version. They are paired with a 330mm disc, and Brembo master cylinder and brake lever. The SP’s rear wheel uses the same two-piston Brembo caliper and 220mm disc as the previous model.
The non-SP CBR1000RR-R retains the previous model’s combination of Nissin four-piston front calipers and two-piston Brembo rear caliper. The CBR1000RR-R’s suspension is also unchanged, with a fully-adjustable Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) and Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-Lite) rear suspension.
The SP model, however, gets to debut Öhlins’ new third-generation S-EC3.0 (SV) NPX electronic 43mm inverted fork. The fork uses an internal spool valve structure, with Honda claiming improved ride quality and stability through the suspension stroke. The TTX36 rear shock also uses new spool valve internals, working in conjunction with the Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface.
Both versions of the RR-R receive an updated diamond-style frame made from 2mm aluminum and tuned for balanced rigidity. The new frame is 2.1 pounds lighter than the previous design, with Honda claiming a 17% reduction in lateral stiffness and 15% reduction in torsional stiffness.
With the revised frame, the wheelbase is shortened to 57.3 inches for the SP, with a 24°7’ rake and 4.011-inch trail, while the non-SP model measures a 57.1-inch wheelbase and 23°56’ / 3.969 inches. The 2023 models both offered a 57.5-inch wheelbase and a rake of 24° and trail of 4.016 inches.
The seat remains at the same 32.7-inch height as the previous model, but the ergonomics have been revised, with the handlebars moved up and closer to the rider, while the footpegs are slightly lower. Honda also reshaped the fuel tank to improve knee grip, with the added benefit of a slight increase in fuel capacity to 4.4 gallons.
Despite the 0.1-gallon increase in fuel capacity, the CBR1000RR-R SP retains the same claimed 443-pound curb weight as the 2023 model. For a slightly less weight, Honda is producing a limited run of 300 Carbon Edition models with several carbon fiber pieces that further reduce the weight to a claimed 441 pounds.
The non-SP model also claims a weight of 441 pounds, which is two pounds lighter than the claimed weight on the 2023 version.
Other returning features include a Showa three-position steering damper, 5-inch TFT display, smart key, and, for the SP model, a quickshifter.
Both the regular and SP versions will be offered in a Grand Prix Red tricolor. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Carbon Edition comes in a Mat Pearl Morion Black paint. U.S. pricing and availability are to be confirmed.
Specifications | Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade | Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP |
---|---|---|
Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4 | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4 |
Engine Displacement (cm³) | 1000cc | 1000cc |
No. of Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
Bore ´ Stroke (mm) | 81mm x 48.5mm | 81mm x 48.5mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.6:1 | 13.6:1 |
Max. Power Output | 214 hp at 14,000 rpm (claimed) | 214 hp at 14,000 rpm (claimed) |
Max. Torque | 83.3 lb-ft. at 12,000 rpm | 83.3 lb-ft. at 12,000 rpm |
Carburation | PGM-FI | PGM-FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.4 gallons | 4.4 gallons |
Fuel Economy | 35.1 mpg (claimed) | 35.1 mpg (claimed) |
Starter | Electric | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 12-2.3Ah HJ12L(Li-ion | 12-2.3Ah HJ12L(Li-ion |
Clutch | Wet, multiplate clutch | Wet, multiplate clutch |
Transmission | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
Frame | Aluminium Twin Tube composite twin spar | Aluminium Twin Tube composite twin spar |
Front Suspension | SHOWA BPF 43mm telescopic fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 4.7 inches of travel | Öhlins 43mm S-EC3.0 (Spool Valve) NPX USD forks, with preload, compression and rebound adjustments, 4.9 inches of travel |
Rear Suspension | Showa BFRC-Lite Pro-Link swingarm with preload, stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 5.6 inches of travel | Öhlins TTX36 S-EC3.0 (Spool Valve) Pro-Link swingarm with preload, compression and rebound damping, 5.6 inches of travel |
ABS System Type | 2 channel | 2 channel |
Front Brake | 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper | 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Brembo Stylema R caliper |
Rear Brake | 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper | 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper |
Front Wheel | 17 inch x MT3.5 | 17 inch x MT3.5 |
Rear Wheel | 17 inch x MT6.0 | 17 inch x MT6.0 |
Front Tire | 120/70-ZR17 M/C (58W) Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 or Bridgestone RS11 | 120/70-ZR17 M/C (58W) Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 or Bridgestone RS11 |
Rear Tire | 200/55-ZR17 M/C (58W) Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 or Bridgestone RS11 | 200/55-ZR17 M/C (58W) Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 or Bridgestone RS11 |
Length | 82.7 inches | 82.9 inches |
Width | 29.1 inches | 29.5 inches |
Height | 44.9 inches | 44.9 inches |
Wheelbase | 57.1 inches | 57.3 inches |
Rake / Trail | 23°56’ / 3.969 inches | 24°7’ / 4.011 inches |
Seat Height | 32.7 inches | 32.7 inches |
Ground Clearance | 5.1 inches | 5.1 inches |
Curb Weight | 441 pounds (claimed) | 443 pounds (claimed) Carbon Edition: 441 pounds (claimed) |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Do they call these Fireblades in the USA? I remember when they were call Hurricane's, but after that they were just CBR's.