2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Review / Specs + NEW Changes Explained!

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– 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Review / Specs + Price / MSRP, Changes Explained in Ultimate Buyer’s Guide with R&D Info + More! –

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Ride / Action

It’s finally happened! We have been talking about these new changes to the CBR1000RR for a while now and it’s finally here with the announcement of the new 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP models! For almost three decades the words ‘Honda CBR Fireblade’ have been synonymous with perfect handling, balance and sheer riding enjoyment around the world. For 2021, Honda starts a new chapter in the CBR Fireblade’s illustrious history with a new machine that is ‘Born to Race’.

Heavily inspired by the RC213V MotoGP machine and its street legal RC213V-S counterpart, the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is powered by the most powerful inline four cylinder engine that Honda has ever made. Sharing the same bore and stroke as the RC213V-S, the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade delivers 215 horsepower at 14500 RPM and peak torque of 83 ft/lb at 12500 RPM while tipping the scales at only 443 lbs (curb weight).

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The CBR1000RR-R will also be available in an SP variant. Complete with second generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control featuring 43mm NPX forks and Öhlins TTX36 Smart-EC rear shock, new Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mounted front calipers and the same rear Brembo monoblock caliper as used on the RC213V-S. On this page, we’re only going to be covering the SP version of the 2021 CBR1000RR-R and the standard / base model CBR1000RR-R will be broken down on a different page so we the information doesn’t get too cluttered. You’ll notice below that under the 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP price section that it says “TBA”, Honda hasn’t said what pricing will be just yet nor have they told us exactly when we will find out what its price will be. Dealers place their orders for the 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP in April of 2020 so we may not find out until then but it could also come when Honda announces more 2021 motorcycles in January. I’ll keep you guys posted though as soon as I know more.


January 2020 Update: 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Price / MSRP – $28,500. This isn’t official yet, I heard from a “birdy”. Rumors point to production numbers for the 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP to come in around 50 units with three of them going to Honda and the remaining 47 will be retailed to customers. Update: It’s now official on the MSRP.

January 2020 Update Part 2: 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Special One Time Order Opportunity Info Update:

  • Order period: January 20 – 24, 2020
  • Delivery dates for allocated orders: June – July, 2020
  • Delivery dates for non-allocated orders: October – November, 2020

Honda made sure to highlight the words “Extremely Limited Availability” on this CBR1000RR-R SP notice so good luck to those that are on the hunt for this masterpiece.


 

 

Note: I will not be using the term “Fireblade” every single time I say the model name as it is redundant. CBR1000RR-R = Fireblade and Fireblade = CBR1000RR-R and same goes for the CBR1000RR-R SP vice versa. For quite some time now, Honda hasn’t used the term “Fireblade” in marketing for the US market. It has just been called the CBR1000RR etc whereas in Europe and other select countries the CBR1000RR is commonly referred to as the Fireblade. For 2021 Honda decided it was time to start throwing the Fireblade nameplate in there so you’ll be seeing it in advertising a lot more.

Here are the key highlights for those that are just looking for one certain spec on the 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP:

Key 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Info / Specs (for those in a hurry):

  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R Model Options / Variations:
    • Option 1: CBR1000RR-R Fireblade
      • Price / MSRP: TBA
    • Option 2: CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade
      • Price / MSRP: $28,500
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Release Date – June 2020
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Colors – HRC Tricolor, Matte Pearl Morion Black (non US color)
    • 2021 CBR1000RR-R Colors – Grand Prix Red, Matte Pearl Morion Black (non US colors)
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Horsepower – 215 HP @ 14,500 RPM (USA spec 186 HP)
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Torque – 83 ft/lb @ 12,500 RPM
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Front Suspension – Öhlins NPX 43mm telescopic fork w/ Electronic Control (S-EC); 4.9 in. travel
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Rear Suspension – Pro-Link® system; single Öhlins shock w/ Electronic Control (S-EC); 5.6 in. travel
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Brakes (front) – Two 330mm discs w/ Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mount hydraulic calipers; ABS
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Brakes (rear) – Single 220mm disc w/ Brembo hydraulic calipers; ABS
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Fuel Tank Capacity – 4.3 gal.
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP MPG – 37.6
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Weight – 443 (curb weight)
    • 2021 CBR1000RR-R Weight – 443 lbs (curb weight)
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Seat Height – 32.6 in.
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Wheelbase – 57.3 in.
  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Changes – Yes, briefly mentioned above and explained below.
    • * All USA specs above unless otherwise noted. There can be different colors, specs etc in different countries.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP | Black

 

 

2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Page Contents

  • 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Page Contents:
    • 1. | Introduction
    • 2. | Model Overview
    • 3. | Key Features
      • 3.1 | Engine
      • 3.2 | Engine / Electronics
      • 3.3 | Chassis
      • 3.4 | Aerodynamic Package & Equipment
    • 4. | Accessories
    • 5. | Pictures / Photo Gallery
    • 6. | Technical Specifications

1. | Introduction

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Ride / Action

Since its original 1992 introduction Honda’s iconic Fireblade has evolved into an incredible 1000cc sports motorcycle. And it’s also been the base of a competitive race machine, on short circuits around the world and the roads of the Isle of Man TT. The pace-setting development continued as the CBR family shifted the paradigm yet again. In the 1990s, the CBR400RR and CBR900RR ushered in the concept of “Total Control,” an ideal blend of harmonious engine performance, light weight and nimble handling that dramatically enhances the connection between rider and machine. Introduced in 2004, the CBR1000RR has continued to refine this well-proven theory by incorporating lessons learned from Honda’s MotoGP championship-winning RC models on racing circuits around the globe. 

The CBR1000RR-R SP descends from a magnificent racing pedigree that has played a key role in the advancement of the sport bike genre. The bloodline starts with the 1959 Honda CB92 Benly Super Sport, a race-worthy performance model that competed at the highest levels on the track while being equally at home when ridden on the road, establishing a protocol that Honda sport bikes have championed ever since. The steadfast pursuit of technological improvement while competing on the World Championship stage cultivated a number of seminal models in the successive decades, including the groundbreaking 1969 CB750, which introduced the world’s first modern inline four-cylinder sport bike engine—an architecture quickly imitated by the competition.

But time – and competition – marches on, and for 2020 Honda is drawing a line under where the CBR1000RR Fireblade has been, and looking forward to where it’s going. Two brand-new motorcycles – the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade standard model (we’ll be covering more on the base model 2021 CBR1000RR-R shortly) and CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade – have been created, with heavy involvement from Honda Racing Corporation, to carry the legend forward.

Here are a few pictures of the standard 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade model (yet to be “officially” announced for US market at the time of writing this) mentioned in the paragraph above. We should see the 2021 CBR1000RR-R announced in January of 2020 and then we’ll find out more on the actual release date but I would say we’ll be looking at around April to June just like the SP that is scheduled for June.

 Leaning heavily on the engine and chassis technology of the RC213V-S ‘street-legal MotoGP machine’, with aerodynamics drawn from the RC213V MotoGP bike, both versions of the new Fireblade have been designed from the ground up – in terms of engine, handling and aerodynamics – for outright track performance. The CBR1000RR has continuously raised the bar in the 1000cc sport bike category. Drawing heavily from Honda’s dominant RCV MotoGP platform, the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP will definitely reset it again.

2. | Model Overview

2020 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP

From a clean sheet Honda and HRC’s development engineers set to work creating a new inline four-cylinder engine for the both the CBR1000RR-R and CBR1000RR-R SP. It’s a compact, short-stroke layout – sharing the bore and stroke of the RC213V – and features a semi-cam gear train, finger-follower rocker arms, titanium con-rods, RC213V-S internal friction reduction technologies, piston jets with check ball system and a built-in bottom bypass passage for the cylinder water jacket.

A ram-air duct in the front fairing tip feeds through the headstock directly into the airbox. The 4-2-1 exhaust downpipes are ovalized and the end-can has been developed in conjunction with Akrapovic.

The result? The CBR1000RR-R SP engine delivers 83 ft/lb torque (113Nm) @ 12,500 RPM and makes 215 horsepower @ 14,500 RPM (160Kw).

Throttle By Wire has been enhanced for improved feel and three default riding modes feature options to change Power, Engine Brake, Wheelie Control and the optimized Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The electronics package also now includes adjustable Start Mode.

A totally new aluminum diamond frame uses the rear of the engine as the upper shock mount; the swingarm is longer and based on the RC213V-S design. The rigidity balance, weight distribution and steering geometry have been carefully adjusted for the increased engine output, in terms of front and rear grip levels, and feel for both.

A new 43mm Öhlins NPX front fork replaces the NIX fork of the previous model and second-generation Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) offers finer control of settings front and rear. The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding. The rear tire is now sized 200/55-ZR17.

21 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP wheel stripe accessory rear wheel

A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. It also controls the new rod-type 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).

Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine has leant some of its slippery aerodynamics to the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, including winglets to increase downforce and improve braking stability. The riding position is also much more compact.

The fully customizable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control operated via a simplified four-way switch on the left handlebar. Honda’s Smart Key system adds convenience.

3. | Key Features

3.1 | Engine

  • Short-stroke, inline four-cylinder engine produces high output at high rpm
  • Ultra-compact design due to semi-cam gear train and starter motor driving through clutch main shaft
  • Internal friction reduced by Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) cam lobes and bottom-bypass water jacket
  • Finger-follower rocker arms, titanium con-rods and forged aluminum pistons reduce inertial weight
  • Airbox fed by ram-air duct tunnel through the steering stem
  • Titanium end-can developed in conjunction with Akrapovic

2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP oil filler cap accessory installed

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s 1000cc inline four-cylinder engine is completely new and designed with heavy input from the HRC MotoGP development program. The 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP horsepower rating now comes in at 215 HP @ 14,500 RPM and peak torque comes in at 83 ft/lb TQ @ 12,500 RPM.

To achieve the required valve size, combustion efficiency and friction reduction to generate these numbers, the RR-R engine shares the same ‘over square’ 81mm bore and 48.5mm stroke as the RC213V – a radical change from the 76 x 55.1mm of the previous design, and the largest bore size among inline four-cylinder 1000cc machines. 

Compression ratio is set at 13.0:1. The inlet valves are 32.5mm diameter, with 28.5mm exhaust; they’re also now operated by finger-follower rocker arms (as opposed to bucket valve drive) which reduces inertial weight by approximately 75%. Friction is further reduced by the use of Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) on the cam lobes – just like the RC213V-S. This is the first time this process has been used on a mass-produced motorcycle and sees a reduction in valve train frictional loss of 35% compared to non DLC-coated lobes. To reduce crankshaft deflection (due to inertia and combustion energy) the crank journals are larger and the crankcase wall thickness has been optimized.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Engine Valve Angle

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Rocker Arm / Cylinder Head

The valve train is driven by a new (patent pending) semi-cam gear train system. To drive such high-rpm/high-cam lift performance the chain is driven from the timing gear located on the crank shaft via the cam idle gear – this makes it shorter in length.

Forged, lightweight TI-64A Titanium (a material developed by Honda) con-rods and con-rod caps save 50% in weight compared to Chromium Molybdenum steel versions; they also employ HB 149 Chromium Molybdenum Vanadium (Cr-Mo-V, again a Honda development) steel bolts and do without fastening nuts.

To ensure durability the same configuration as the RC213V-S is applied to the sliding surfaces – the small-end bushings are made of shaved C1720-HT Beryllium copper (because of its high-rpm reliability) while the surfaces of the big-ends are treated with DLC.

The pistons are forged from A2618 aluminum (the same as the RC213V-S) for lightweight strength and durability and each piston is 5% lighter than before. To guarantee high-rpm wear resistance the piston skirts now feature an Ober coating (Teflon and Molybdenum base) and nickel-phosphorous plating for the piston-pin clip-groove.

To manage temperature increase the pistons use a multi-point piston jet which sprays cooling oil in multiple directions through each cycle. At low rpm – when not needed – check balls within the jets shut off the flow of oil in order to limit oil pressure loss and reduce friction.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Engine Piston Jet

Air is fed into the engine via a ram-air duct located at the high-surface pressure tip of the front fairing; the size of its aperture is equivalent to that of the RC213V MotoGP machine. A ribbed ‘turbulator’ to the right, left and above the duct entrance ensures maximum induction of moving air with minimal impact on handling. The draft angle of the aperture’s interior wall maintains flow under high-speed and acceleration.

To maintain stable performance across a wide speed range, pressurized air takes a straight shot through the headstock, around the steering stem and into the airbox. This smooth path is made possible by the application of Honda’s Smart Key system (dispensing with a traditionally-mounted ignition barrel) and steering angle of 25°.

The ‘dirty’ side of the air filter has been enlarged to lower airflow speed and it’s also 25% bigger than the previous design and angled for an even flow. On the ‘clean’ side, filtered air changes direction into the largest volume of the airbox and – along with fuel from the upper injector – feeds to an eccentric bell-mouth funnel. The result is reduced drop in intake air pressure – and more efficient breathing for more performance.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Ram Air Duct / Intake

To draw the volume of air needed the throttle body diameters have been enlarged from 48 to 52mm. An oval internal cross-section makes for smooth flow – and further reduces intake pressure drop – from the throttle butterfly valves to the inlet valves.

The valve angle on the intake side has been reduced from 11° to 9°. This change improves combustion efficiency by reducing the surface area of the combustion chamber, and gas flow efficiency of the intake ports is increased by approximately 2%.

The port volume (the capacity between throttle butterfly valves and intake valve seat) has been reduced 13% to improve throttle response. And the throttle shaft is now constructed from highly rigid stainless steel (as opposed to brass) reducing deflection and operational friction, putting a much more direct connection into the rider’s right hand.

Mirroring the intake side, the four exhaust downpipes have optimized diameters and an oval cross section to improve gas flow. The catalyser unit is 10mm larger in diameter to reduce exhaust pressure drop, and careful adjustment of wall thickness has minimized any weight increase.

Akrapovic partnered in development of the exhaust end-can. Constructed from titanium, its small physical size and light weight contribute to mass centralization and right-side lean angle. The exhaust valve was also designed with Akrapovic to deliver both low-rpm torque and high-rpm power; a valve stopper (patent-pending) stops exhaust-gas leak when closed while also reducing noise, allowing total end-can internal volume to reduce by 38% compared to the outgoing design.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Exhaust header

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Exhaust Muffler Interior

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE ECV Exhaust Valve

2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP exhaust

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Bottom bypass

Minimizing friction elsewhere in the RR-R engine was a key focus in obtaining the increase in rev-range. To reduce bore distortion (and thus friction), the cylinder features a patent-pending built-in bottom bypass. This system circulates cool water from the radiator into the main water jacket, while the area below uses non-cooled water. The net effect is a lower, and more even temperature at all points across the bores compared to the previous engine. An external hose is also eliminated.

To reduce width the engine is started by rotation of the clutch main shaft rather than the crankshaft. Patent-pending, this design allows for a more compact crankshaft while double use of the primary driven gear (which itself is smaller, with fewer teeth) to also transmit rotation from the starter motor saves space; the engine is shorter in length thanks to reduction in distance between the crankshaft, counter shaft and main shafts. The rear of the engine block also now serves as the upper shock mount.

3.2 | Engine / Electronics

  • Throttle By Wire optimized for faster response and improved feel
  • Three default riding modes plus options to customize Power, Engine Brake and Wheelie control
  • Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) gains slip rate control for smooth torque management over 9 levels
  • Start Mode and quickshifter standard fitment

Alongside the 2017 CBR1000RR, the CBR1000RR was the first in-line four-cylinder engine from Honda to use Throttle by Wire (TBW). Derived and developed from the system used by the RC213V-S, it controls the throttle butterfly valve angle (relative to input from the throttle) to provide a linear delivery and puts precise throttle control – and a natural feel – in the rider’s right hand.

For the CBR1000RR-R SP, TBW has been improved for faster response through a range of part throttle applications – such as gradual opening on corner exit – to minimize any delay in torque delivery.

There are three default riding modes, with options to change engine output and character (see diagram). Power (P) operates through levels 1-5 with 1 giving ultimate outright power. Engine Brake (EB) manages performance on a closed throttle through levels 1-3, with 1 being the strongest engine braking and Wheelie (W) through levels 1-3 (plus off) with 1 giving the weakest intervention.

Wheelie control uses information gathered by the IMU on pitch angle, along with front and rear wheel speed sensors to maintain torque and deal with the wheelie without sacrificing forward drive.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) adjusts through 9 levels (plus off) with 1 giving weakest intervention. It has been optimized for the 2020 machine and now adds slip rate control (when the slip change rate based on ratio of front/rear wheel speeds exceeds predetermined values) to moderate rapid wheel spin (see diagram). In conjunction with the existing outright slip control, HSTC is smooth in operation while delivering maximum confidence for the rider.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE HSTC Traction Control Explained

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE HSTC Traction Control Explained 2

The CBR1000RR-R SP is also equipped with Start Mode for race starts. It limits engine rpm at 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 and 9,000 RPM set-points, even with a wide-open throttle, letting the rider focus on clutch release (and lights) alone. A quickshifter is also fitted as standard, with performance optimized for racetrack performance and reliability.

3.3 | Chassis

  • New aluminum frame and swingarm change weight distribution, center of gravity and rigidity balance for improved handling and traction
  • Bosch six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for accurate calculation of machine dynamic behavior and precise control
  • Second-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) offers finer choice of settings. A new Öhlins NPX fork features pressurized damping for improved bump absorption and feel
  • New dual Brembo Stylema radial-mount four-piston calipers managed by ABS with switchable SPORT/TRACK modes
  • Showa’s new 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) controlled by IMU for precise stability management

The reduction in physical size of the CBR1000RR-R SP’s engine opened up new packaging options around it for the new frame and swingarm – with completely revised geometry. The goals? Even more accurate high-speed steering, improved stability under acceleration and braking, and feel for front and rear grip on the limit. And at the very highest level of competition.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Frame body / Chassis

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Swing Arm

The diamond frame is constructed from 2mm aluminum and allows much more accurate tuning of the rigidity balance; in manufacture, after the four main frame components are welded, the engine now mounts in six locations improving machine handling. Vertical and torsional rigidity are increased by 18% and 9%, with horizontal rigidity decreased by 11% – all aimed at producing maximum levels of feel.

Wheelbase is now 57.3 in. (1,455mm), with rake and trail of 24°/102mm (from 1405mm, 23°/96mm) for stability. Curb weight is 443 lbs (201kg). There have also been considerable changes to balance and center of gravity; the crankshaft is 33mm further from the front wheel spindle and raised 16mm. This evens out weight distribution, while the higher c-of-g reduces pitching and improves side-to-side agility.

The swingarm – stamped out from 18 individual thicknesses of aluminum and as used by the RC213V-S – is 30.5mm longer, at 622.7mm, but weighs exactly the same as the previous design. Its horizontal rigidity is reduced by 15%, with vertical rigidity maintained to generate grip and feel.

For optimum frame rigidity (and to save weight) the top mount of the Pro-Link rear suspension attaches to the rear of the engine block via a bracket, doing away with the upper cross-member. This also isolates the rear wheel from the headstock, improving high-speed stability and feel for rear wheel traction.

Round, thin-wall aluminum tubing forms the minimal subframe. It also mounts to the frame from the top (rather than sides) to narrow the area around the rear of the fuel tank and seat, making for a compact – and aerodynamically efficient – riding position. Seat height is 830mm, with the handlebar position pushed forward (for leverage) and foot pegs moved rearward, and up.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Rear Subframe / Seat Rail

A Bosch six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) replaces the five-axis unit of the previous design; this allows more accurate calculation of pitch and roll for even more precise control of bike behavior.

The CBR1000RR-R SP is also equipped with Showa’s new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD). A lightweight through-rod design that mounts on the bottom of the steering stem and attaches to the bottom yoke, HESD is controlled by input from the wheel speed sensors and IMU; 3 levels of control are available.

Second-generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (S-EC) is featured on the RR-R SP. The 43mm Öhlins NPX fork uses a pressurized damping system to minimize cavitation, resulting in more stable damping control and improved bump absorption at race-track speeds. Feel for front tire grip is also enhanced. Its length also offers greater freedom for geometry changes. The shock is an Öhlins TTX36 Smart-EC unit.

In conjunction with the hardware upgrade the Öhlins Objective Based Tuning interface (OBTi) now offers much finer suspension adjustment front and rear; both can be set independently from the default settings and 3 individual modes can be set and stored allowing the rider to configure multiple settings for a track, and switch instantly while riding.

New Brembo Stylema four-piston radial mount brake calipers are operated by a Brembo master cylinder and brake lever. They now grip 10mm larger 330mm diameter discs; the 5mm disc thickness also dissipates heat more efficiently. The rear brake caliper is the same Brembo unit used by the RC213V-S.

Rear lift control and ABS-managed brake force relative to lean angle were a feature of the previous design. For the CBR1000RR-R the system gains two switchable modes; SPORT mode focuses on road-riding performance, with high brake force and less pitching, while TRACK mode offers performance in braking from much higher circuit speeds.

The rear 6-inch rim has new hub geometry, to save weight while maintaining rigidity and mounts a 200/55-ZR17 sized tire (from 190/50-ZR17) Minimizing the change in chassis geometry when going from street to track rubber. The front rim mounts a 120/70-ZR17 tire.

3.4 | Aerodynamic Package & Equipment

  • Aerodynamic fairing, screen and mudguard minimize frontal area and reduce drag; lower fuel tank also provides more compact riding position
  • Inner fairing winglets drawn from the RC213V MotoGP machine reduce wheelies under acceleration and improve braking stability
  • 5-inch color TFT screen and simplified four-way left-hand switch offer intuitive control of riding systems
  • Honda Smart Key adds convenience and simplifies top-yoke design

Alongside its new engine and chassis the CBR1000RR-R SP has an aggressive new fairing design. It’s no mere styling exercise however; the drivers in development were to create a class-leading drag coefficient (with a tucked-in rider under track conditions) and restrict lift under acceleration while improving braking stability.

The first part of the process was to lower the fuel tank cover by 45mm (compared to the previous design) decreasing the frontal area with the rider prone. At a 35° angle the screen smoothly channels airflow from the upper fairing over the rider and seat cowl, which itself presents the minimum possible drag resistance. The left and right upper fairing slits reduce yaw and roll resistance while turning.

To make steering easier a convex surface on each side of the front mudguard moves air flow away from the front wheel, smoothly directing it to the fairing sides. Cooling air for radiator and oil cooler has been optimized by aerodynamic management of both velocity and pressure of air flowing from the tire.

The lower fairing has been extended close to the rear tire, and shaped to channel air downward. This has two effects: in dry conditions, less air hits the tire, lowering drag; in the wet, less water hits the tire, improving grip. To let air flow around the rider’s feet with minimum resistance the sides of the rear hugger are carefully shaped while its upper side is cut-out to vent air that channels up from underneath either side of the swingarm, decreasing rear lift.

The net result of all this work, with the CBR1000RR-R in stock race trim, is a best-in-class drag coefficient value of 0.270.

To generate downforce at track speeds – and maintain the smallest possible frontal area – the CBR1000RR-R employs winglet structures that effectively generate the same downforce as the 2018 RC213V MotoGP machine. The results are a reduction in wheelies under acceleration and increased stability on braking and corner entry.

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Airflow over winglets / Aerodynamics

2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE Airflow over front fender and side fairing / Aerodynamics

Three wings are arranged in a vertical line inside both left and right fairing ducts. This arrangement (vertically deep and longitudinally shallow) has no detrimental effect on yaw and roll ability during corner entry. And the consistent distance between the trailing wing tips and the inner fairing wall limits separation of the airflow, producing maximum downforce.

The wing angle balances opposing right/left downforces from the dihedral and twist angles when yaw occurs through a corner, for stable behavior. Flow speeds over the top and below the wings differ to prevent air getting ‘trapped’ on the fairing sides and affecting handling.

For full and intuitive control of the CBR1000RR-R SP’s systems the full color 5-inch TFT screen is larger and with higher resolution. It’s fully customizable to show exactly what the rider wants to see. The compact left hand switchgear houses a four-way switch. Fast and easy to use, the top/bottom buttons set riding mode parameters, while the left/right buttons cycle screen display information.

Honda’s Smart Key System has been added. The ignition now operates without having to insert a key, as does handlebar lock. This is both convenient in day-to-day use and has allowed use of a competition-style top yoke while freeing up optimum space for the ram air system.

4. | 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Accessories

Next up are some of the available OEM accessories from Honda for the 2021 CBR1000RR-R & CBR1000RR-R SP models with items ranging from a quick shifter to taller windscreen to carbon fiber fenders and underbelly pans, seats etc.

5. | 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP R&D Pictures / Photo Gallery

5.1 | 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Pictures / Photo Gallery

6. | 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP Technical Specifications (USA)

Model

CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP

ENGINE  
Type 999cc liquid-cooled in-line-four-cylinder four-stroke
Horsepower 215 HP / 160 kW @ 14,500 RPM
Torque 83 ft/lb torque / 113Nm @ 12,500 RPM
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 81.0mm x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio 13:1
Induction PGM-FI; 52mm throttle bodies
Ignition Digital transistorized w/ electronic advance
Miles Per Gallon 37.6 MPG / 16.0 km/liter
Starter Electric
Transmission Manual 6 speed
Clutch Multiplate wet
Final Drive 16T/43T; #525 chain
SUSPENSION  
Front Öhlins NPX 43mm telescopic fork w/ Electronic Control (S-EC); 4.9 in. travel
Rear Pro-Link® system; single Öhlins shock w/ Electronic Control (S-EC); 5.6 in. travel
BRAKES  
Front Two 330mm discs w/ Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mount hydraulic calipers; ABS
Rear Single 220mm disc w/ Brembo hydraulic calipers; ABS

TIRES

 
Front 120/70-17
Rear 200/55-17
MEASUREMENTS  
Rake (Caster Angle) 24º
Trail 102mm (4.0 in.)
Length 82.7 in.
Width 29.3 in.
Height 44.9 in.
Seat Height 32.6 in.
Ground Clearance 4.5 in.
Wheelbase 57.3 in.
Fuel Capacity 4.3 gal.
Color HRC Tricolor
Curb Weight* 443 lbs.

* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride. Meets current EPA and CARB standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment. Specifications subject to change.

Honda Accessory Discount Code for Motorcycles, ATV, SxS, UTV, Scooters, Side by Side Models!

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