2016 EICMA Motorcycle Show: 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Launched

Honda had vowed everyone by riding in its latest litre-class flagship, the new CBR1000RR Fireblade at INTERMOT motorcycle show last month. It showcased two model – the SP and the SP-2 while the standard model was missing. Well, it was saved by the Japanese bikemaker for 2016 EICMA motorcycle show as the new motorcycle was officially unveiled in Italy. Although it might seem that the new bike isn’t far off from the older motorcycle, Honda claims that the 2017 CBR1000RR is almost 90 per cent different from its predecessor. Power to weight ratio has been improved by 14 per cent and this was achieved as the new CBR1000RR was put through a strict diet to shed 15kg while gaining 11PS of power. Power rating for the new motorcycle stands at 191PS and 116Nm of peak torque.

With its rivals updating their respective models, the Honda CBR1000RR was among the few litre-class bikes to not have any electronic aids. That changes with the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR as it gets 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. As you figured out, Honda made sure that even if they were late to join the electronic wizardry party, they made a banging entry. 

The 2017 Fireblade also features full-colour TFT display even in the entry-level model. The frame has been made lighter to improve handling dynamics while it also sports Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD). Instead of Ohlins, the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR gets equipped with Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork which we feel isn’t a bad thing as it impressed us on the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Retardation is offered by Tokico four-piston opposed radial mounted brake calipers instead of Brembo units while the aluminium wheels feature a Y-shape design. We can expect the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade to land on Indian shores by mid-2016 and it will be a CBU offering.