EICMA 2013: 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP
Sharpening the Scalpel
For some riders the top of the line isn’t enough, and Honda wants to give these folks what they deserve. So, this week for EICMA, Honda has just announced the 2014 CBR1000RR SP. What does the SP stand for? Suitably pimped? Super Powers? Specially Produced? Regardless, Honda will be releasing a limited number of CBR1000RRs that have been given this exclusive once over by Honda’s engineers.
Watch our first impressions video of the 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP
Leading off the list of improvements is a “proven, competition-quality” Öhlins suspension. The 43mm fully adjustable inverted front fork mounts to a redesigned triple clamp. The front suspension is complemented by an Öhlins TTX shock. These aren’t off-the-rack Öhlins units, either. They’ve been massaged and valved to Honda’s specifications
The big CBR’s engine receives “hand selected” pistons and connecting rods for complementary weight and balance. As with the standard model 2014 CBR1000RR, the engine’s ability to breathe is improved by a new cylinder head, intake and exhaust tracts, resulting in increased power and torque.
Visit the CBR1000RR Forum
Countering the engine’s ability to generate speed, front stopping power is upgraded via radial mount Brembo four piston calipers clamping 320mm floating rotors. (Note: The US will not be receiving the ABS version of the SP. The bike in the photos is a European ABS model but is very similar the the US model.) The wheel/pavement interface gets increased traction from a set of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC tires.
The CBR1000RR’s CG is improved with the utilization of a lightweight aluminum subframe. When maximum performance is the goal, passenger accommodations are a hindrance. Consequently, the solo saddle sports a seat cowl that adds to the track-ready cred while further lightening the back of the bike.
Follow the rest of our 2013 EICMA show coverage
Finally, what would an exclusively constructed motorcycle like this be without an equally exclusive color scheme? Honda didn’t disappoint by gracing the SP with a distinctive tricolor design. All this comes wrapped in a one year, transferable, unlimited mileage warranty. If that’s not enough, it can be expanded through the Honda Protection Plan.
Only two questions remain: when and how much? Dealers will begin taking orders this week. All Honda will say about the price is “around $17,000.” We’ll let you know in more detail as the information trickles out.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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I could trick out my cbr with Ohlins and Brembo.(I do have a ttx shock and a Brembo master) the big news here is the new head and intake exhaust changes. come on Honda make this puppy run with the big boys.
@ Mike Smith . This is a track bike. which means you have to account for laying it down and getting cheap replacement or upgrade parts. then your Aprilia becomes a nightmare. I know. it's the only reason I haven't gotten the Aprilia myself, but and there's no point getting it if you don't get the factory version. just my opinion.