Honda CBR1000RR

The 2017 version of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is the latest generation of the hallowed litre-class offering from the Japanese two-wheeler giant. The new CBR1000RR was unveiled in Europe last year and his been brought to India as Completely Built Units (CBUs). The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR has been priced at Rs 17.61 lakh while the CBR1000RR SP variant retails for Rs 21.70 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings for both the motorcycles have started at Honda’s exclusive Wing World dealerships located in Mumbai & Delhi. In terms of styling, the new motorcycle retains the design DNA of the older bike but gets a more aggressive face with all-LED headlamps that look cool.

Honda claims that the 2017 CBR1000RR is almost 90 per cent different from its predecessor. Among the noticeable differences is the fact that kerb weight has been reduced by a massive 15kg. Bot the motorcycles are powered by the same 1,000cc in-line four engine delivering 191PS of power and peak torque stands at 115Nm for the standard bike while it is 116Nm for the CBR1000RR SP. The biggest talking point is the introduction of electronic wizardry. The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR features a 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that manages the ABS system, 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control traction control (HSTC), Throttle By Wire (TBW), Rear Lift Control (RLC) and Wheelie Control. And there’s more - three ride modes (Street, Circuit and Mechanic), five levels of power delivery and three levels of engine braking control.

It also features a full-colour TFT display even in the entry-level model. The frame has been made lighter to improve handling dynamics, while Honda have also added Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) on the base version also. The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR gets equipped with Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork and a monoshock unit does duty at back. Retardation is offered by Tokico radially mounted four-piston brake calipers. The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR will compete against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Yamaha R1, BMW S 1000 RR, Aprilia RS V4 and the Ducati 1299 Panigale.

The Honda CBR1000RR SP has been loaded with top-spec cycle parts like Ohlins semi-active suspension (first for any Honda production bike), Ohlins 43mm NIX30 USD front fork and TTX36 monoshock, Quickshifter (Downshift Assist) and Lithium-Ion battery which weighs half of conventional lead acid batteries. It sports high quality radially mounted Brembo brakes while cornering ABS is standard. The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP rivals the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, Yamaha R1M, MV Agusta F4 RR, Aprilia RS V4 RF and the Ducati 1299 Panigale S.