Honda CBR1000RR Review

The supersport CBR started life in 1992 as the CBR900RR. It got an upgrade every 2 years. It was in 2004 that it went from a CBR900RR to a CBR1000RR. This is one bike that has been on posters, in movies and the list goes on. The last edition came in 2014 but the engine hasn’t seen any major change since 2008. Till now we had the RC2121V engine. Now finally after many colour and decal changes Honda has unleashed their new CBR1000RR in 2017. And This bike is nothing short of spectacular. Honestly I am not a guy who can ride a supersport but the Fireblade was the only supersport bike I rode for a whole day. Bikes like the ZX10R and Hayabusa are ones that I just sit on and get off. Can the new CBR1000RR live up to the hype and anticipation? Let’s find out.

Honda CBR1000RR Price

Commenting on the development, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Since 2009, when the Fireblade was first introduced in India, it has redefined the benchmarks for refinement, reliability & performance. With an unmatched thrilling experience for the rider on board, the all-new Fireblade will leave the riding enthusiast spellbound. The new and extremely advanced Fireblade, will be the most powerful, faster and lighter CBR1000RR from Honda’s stable and we are very excited to add another chapter to the success story with its introduction in India.”

Also Read: Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

Honda CBR1000RR Specifications

This may not be the most powerful supersport but it does not lack in performance in any way. A shorter wheelbase, lower frame, excellent torque, lighter weight. The engineers at Honda have worked out a marvel. There is very little to argue with Honda in terms of quality and deliverance. Only issue now is why doesn’t Honda release more of their amazing line up of bikes in India. The Fireblade has been a flawless bike and only thing that was needed in recent times was the upgrade in electronic safety equipment and Honda has gone ahead and added that too to the new model.

Honda CBR1000RR Dimensions

Honda CBR1000RR Top Speed

The Fireblade does a top speed of 282 kmph, which is fast. Eye Blinking fast. There are many bikes which are fast but easy of riding and that too even for noobs like me. That comes from only the Blade. The only other supersport I can think of riding is the Suzuki GSX1000R. The rest are for my test riders. I have seen the potential of the previous gen blade and this is miles better. Not that the old was bad, but this bike is just exceptional.

Also Read: Kawasaki Versys 1000 Price and Review

Honda CBR1000RR Design

The more rounded headlamps has given way for the new sharp spade shaped ones. Some what reminds you of the previous gen Panigale. The gold painted upside down forks with the gold painted rims looks class apart and also does the indicators on the mirrors. From the sides the fairing is sleeker than before and the typical red/blue/white color scheme remains as the Fireblade Sp HRC edition. The rider’s seat seems generous but that is exactly the opposite for pillion.

Seems more a bachelor focussed bike. The exhaust looks simple but is a titanium one to make it lighter and stronger. The tail lamp is a bit bigger and the LED lamps looks good and bright. This is must as you would never know how fast this bike passes you. Unlike other Honda models the tank is sleeker and has a fibre patch for your knees. This is attention to detailing and something very thought off. The large TFT display is something that even cars do not provide and helps to provide every information that your would need. Even navigating through different modes is easy. I am saying this as many vehicles are such that they are well equipped but a pain to use.

Honda CBR1000RR Colours

Finally Honda has given us colour options for the CBR1000RR

• Victory Red
• Matt Ballistic Black Metallic
• Victory Red SP edition

Honda CBR1000RR Engine

This may not be the most powerful supersport but it does not lack in performance in any way. A shorter wheelbase, lower frame, excellent torque, lighter weight. The engineers at Honda have worked out a marvel. There is very little to argue with Honda in terms of quality and deliverance. Only issue now is why doesn’t Honda release more of their amazing line up of bikes in India. The Fireblade has been a flawless bike and only thing that was needed in recent times was the upgrade in electronic safety equipment and Honda has gone ahead and added that too to the new model.

Also Read: Kawasaki Z1000 Review

Honda CBR1000RR Mileage

Despite the big tank the bike has a small fuel range. But then again this bike isn’t meant or touring. Its for track or for what most of us use it i.e breakfast speed runs.

Honda CBR1000RR Ride and Handling

Light weight mostly leads to better handling. At Least that is my opinion. As the lighter the bike the less stress on your body the more you can put effort to push the bike instead of managing weight. Here is where the Blade succeeds. Till now the only other supersport that I knew that was light (below 200kgs mark) was the Ducati Panigale. And people couldn’t stop raving about how agile the bike was. The Issue with the Panigale was the engine heat and riding ergonomics. This is not the issue with the Blade. Frankly never has been.

As I mentioned earlier, I prefer not to ride supersport bikes as I do not find them comfortable. The CBR1000RR was the 1st I rode not just a small distance but almost for a day and I loved it. If I can ride a supersport any one can. Considering the slightly higher seat height, lead to your legs not being too cramped on the foot pegs. Leaning into corners is also super fun. I wouldn’t ride this bike in traffic for (A: it would shut down in heat, B: I don’t want to be the guy who wears slippers and hangs a vegetable bag on the mirrors.) . Even though I says it’s a comfortable bike, it is not that comfortable that you can use in city. The purpose is track and breakfast ride? Leave it!.

Verdict 

Now this is a performance machine. But it is also one of the most expensive supersports in its category, getting more expensive than the ZX10R and the S1000RR and the Suzuki GSX1000R. But then this is a CBU and import duty is high. Still the difference is not much and anyone looking into this price category can sure look at the Fireblade. As of now I feel this is the best handling bike around and the most rider friendly supersport.