History
2004-2005
2006-2007
- New intake and exhaust porting (higher flow, reduced chamber volume)
- Higher compression ratio (from 11.9:1 to 12.2:1)
- Revised cam timing
- More intake valve lift (from 8.9 mm to 9.1 mm)
- Double springs for the intake valves
- Higher redline (from 11,650 rpm to 12,200 rpm)
- Larger rear sprocket (from 41 to 42 teeth)
- New exhaust system
- New chassis geometry
- Larger 320 mm (13 in) front brake discs but thinner at 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
- Revised front suspension
- Revised rear suspension with new linkage ratios
- New lighter swingarm
- Revised front fairing design
2008-2011
The engine had a completely new cylinder block, head configuration, and crankcase with lighter pistons. A new ECU had two separate revised maps sending the fuel and air mixture to be squeezed tight by the 12.3:1 compression ratio. Ram air was fed to an enlarged air box through two revised front scoops located under the headlamps. Honda claimed power output to be at least 178 hp (133 kW) at 12,000 rpm.
Honda made a very focused effort to reduce and centralize overall weight. A lighter, narrower die cast frame was formed using a new technique which Honda claimed allowed for very thin wall construction and only four castings to be welded together. Almost every part of the new bike was reengineered to reduce weight including the sidestand, front brake hoses, brake rotors, battery, and wheels.
In order to improve stability under deceleration, a slipper clutch was added, with a center-cam-assist mechanism. The Honda Electronic Steering Damper was revised as well. Another significant change was the exhaust system which was no longer a center-up underseat design. The new exhaust was a side slung design in order to increase mass centralization and compactness while mimicking a MotoGP-style.
On September 5, 2008, Honda announced the 2009 model. The bike remained much the same, in terms of engine, styling, and performance. The only significant addition was the introduction of the optional factory fitted Combined ABS (C-ABS) system originally showcased on the CBR600RR Combined ABS prototype. New, lightweight turn signals were also added.
On September 4, 2009, Honda announced the 2010 model. Honda increased the diameter of the flywheel for more inertia. This improved low-rpm torque and smoother running just off idle. The license plate assembly was redesigned for quicker removal when preparing the motorcycle for track use. The muffler cover was also redesigned for improved appearance.
Racing
The CBR1000RR has been used extensively in the international racing scene since its inception in 2004. Chris Vermeulen and the Dutch Ten Kate Racing team placed the bike fourth in the standings in its debut year in the World Superbike class. The following year, the bike and team secured runner-up honours. In 2007, the Hannspree Ten Kate team was able to secure the first World Superbike Championship with the CBR1000RR with Briton James Toseland. Also, Ryuichi Kiyonari was able to win back to back titles in the British Superbike Championship in 2006-07 using the CBR1000RR with the HM Plant Honda team.
The CBR1000RR has also been used heavily in the road racing scene, most notably at the famous Macau Grand Prix. Since its debut in 2004, it has recorded 4 victories with Michael Rutter having taken back to back victories in 2004–2005 and Scottish motorcycle racer Stuart Easton achieving the same, in 2008–2009. Arguably, the most famous of all road races has been the annual Isle of Man TT races which the CBR has been used to continue Honda's success at the circuit. Since 2006, the HM Plant team and Padgett's UK Honda team utilising the CBR1000RR have achieved eight victories at the event ranging from the Superbike, Superstock and the blue riband Senior TT races. 2009 was an especially dominant year for the Fireblade, having achieved the top 5 positions in the Superbike TT final standings, as well as another CBR1000RR whitewash in the Superstock TT where they occupied the top 5 again. Steve Plater also won the blue riband Senior TT race to secure Honda the manufacturers crown, fittingly as it was Honda's 50th racing year at the event.
Awards
The CBR1000RR was awarded Cycle World's International Bike of the Year for 2008-09 by the world's moto-journal communities as well as journalists. The 2009 CBR1000RR won the Best Sportbike of the Year Award in Motorcycle USA Best of 2009 Awards, having also won the over 750 cc open sportbike class in 2008.
