Honda previews 2022 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
The sportsbike icon that is the CBR900RR Fireblade turns 30 in 2022 and Honda are celebrating with the release of a special 30th Anniversary edition of the latest CBR1000RR-R SP.
The milestone model will only be produced in limited numbers, but will benefit from a number of mechanical and electronic improvements applied to the regular MY22 Fireblade SP.
The updates start with revisions to the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section – which have no impact on maximum power and torque numbers (160kW at 14,500rpm and 113Nm at 12,500rpm) from the liquid-cooled 1000cc inline four, but smooth out the airflow and adjust the intake port configuration. These changes, delivering improved mid-range performance and mid-corner acceleration, address criticism of the MY20 Fireblade’s top-end focused performance.
To further improve mid-range performance, the final drive sprocket has been increased from 40 teeth to 43, resulting in stronger acceleration through each gear ratio. In harmony with this, the SP’s quickshifter has been upgraded, too, now with a shorter fuel cut time while shifting and smoother torque pickup after shifting.
On the electronic front, the Honda Selectable Torque Control introduced on the 2020 model has been optimised for 2022 to deliver claimed improvements in throttle feel and rear tyre grip. HRC riders are said to have provided input on the modifications to this traction control system.
The ride-by-wire throttle has been tweaked, too, for lighter, more responsive throttle control.
Outside of this, most other mechanical, technical and electronic features for the Fireblade SP are unchanged, including the aluminium diamond-type frame, RC213V-S-derived aluminium swingarm, Öhlins suspension (NPX S-EC front and TTX36 S-EC rear) with electronically-adjustable compression and rebound, Honda Electronic Steering Damper, six-speed gearbox, Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo performance Stylema brake calipers (dual 330mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and 220mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper), two-channel ABS, a six-axis IMU, smart key for keyless unlocking and starting, riding modes, wheelie control and other rider assistance features.
Of course, the premium Öhlins and Brembo gear remain exclusive to the SP, with the regular Fireblade 1000 running Showa suspension and Nissin brakes.
Key measures are unchanged for 2022, including 2,100mmL x 745mmW x 1,140mH, a 1,460mm wheelbase, 115mm ground clearance, 830mm seat height, 16.1-litre fuel capacity and 201kg wet weight.
All the plastics, including the MotoGP-inspired winglets, carry over, as do most of the familiar styling features, but there is a minor revision to the Fireblade SP’s cosmetics, with both the Grand Prix Red and Morion Black metallic pearl colour options to feature gold wheels as standard for 2022.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary features a distinctive tri-colour scheme with red and blue ‘brushstrokes’ over pearl white that pays homage to the original Fireblade from 1992. Designed by Hioraki Tsukui, the same man who created the original Fireblade’s livery, the 30th Anniversary version also adds a 1992-inspired blue pillion seat, with 30th Anniversary identification on the fuel tank, silencer and key fob, while on startup, the 5-inch TFT instrument display adds a ‘ring of fire’ animation.
Each unit also features individually numbered identification on the top fork yoke, and while build numbers are yet to be confirmed, early indicators point to less than 1,000 examples of the 30th Anniversary Fireblade SP being built.
Only limited quantities of the MY22 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (including the 30th Anniversary) will be coming to Australia, with pricing and availability to be confirmed closer to the Q2, 2022 local release.