The competitors for the 91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have just concluded a two-day tire test at the Colorado road course, and it should perhaps come as no surprise that our boy Carlin Dunne has posted the outright fastest lap for a motorcycle during the tire test (the Santa Barbara native set the outright two-wheeled course record last year on his Ducati Multistrada 1200 S). What is surprising about Carlin’s result at the tire test is that he was on the Lightning Motorcycles electric superbike. That’s right, the fastest bike so far for 2013′s Race to the Clouds is a 200+ hp electric superbike that is refueled with solar energy. Petrol heads, eat your heart out.
Talking to the Indy Star, Mark Miles (CEO of Hulman & Co, the parent company to Indianapolis Motor Speedway) has put some doubt into the historic venue’s commitment to host the MotoGP Championship. Having a contract to run the race through the 2014 season, Miles said that IMS might opt-out of the final year in its agreement with Dorna (IMS apparently has this option for a brief window after the 2013 Indianapolis GP). However while the news has focused so far on IMS’s ability to opt-out, both Dorna and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have options in their contract to go through with the 2014 round, and with a bevy of variables in the air, we may or may not see three American GP rounds next year.
Surprise! America will be getting a 847cc three-cylinder naked bike for the 2014 model year, the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09. Replacing the Yamaha FZ8 in the Japanese company’s line-up, the FZ-09 is the first motorcycle from the tuning fork brand to sport the Yamaha’s new line of three-cylinder engines. The Yamaha FZ-09 comes about as the MIC is reporting its second-consecutive year of growth in the 751+cc sport bike segment, as well as increase in commuter riding over short-distance sport riding. With those trends in mind, Yamaha has punched out the displacement on its middleweight naked bike, and focused on giving riders a comfortable, yet stout, motorcycle. Priced at $7,990 MSRP, we think Yamaha hit the nail pretty much on the head with this one.
In the past few years I’ve come to believe that, while superior physical differences (their reflexes and fine motor skills) are significant, it’s the mental differences that are the most interesting. I suppose anyone who has ridden a motorcycle even a bit beyond one’s comfort zone can appreciate some part of the physical aspect of riding a racing bike. For most of us, even the speed of racers in local events is impressive compared to our street riding. While the skills with throttle, brakes, and balance are on a level similar to the best athletes in other sports, I think that what really sets motorcycle racers apart is their ability to overcome fear.
The progress in the last five years on electric motorcycles has been astounding. Taking their first laps around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course, a 87.434 mph pace was the best an electric motorcycle could do at the prestigious road race in 2009 — a pace that was on par with the 50cc record set in 1971. In just five years after the first laps were taken by electric motorcycles at Snaefell, these machines have grown their average lap speeds by over 20 mph at the TT Zero race, setting a new record of 109.675 mph in 2013, and boasting a rate of improvement of roughly 5 mph each year since 2009. If hitting 142.2 mph down the Sulby Straight speed trap wasn’t further proof of the speeds these bikes are achieving, maybe some visual evidence will help support the notion.
Darius Glover is a dirt bike racer. Like you and me, he lives to ride, and when he is on two-wheels he feels the freedom that only other motorcyclists can truly understand. The thing is though, Darius is paralyzed from the waist down. Where others would give up their dreams and this sport, Darius at the age of 15 instead pushed onward. No pity parties, no excuses, just simply a daily example of where there is a will, there is a way, and a reminder that you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. It’s hard not to get a bit choked up listening to Darius tell his story, but you walk away feeling uplifted after feeling his attitude come across the screen.
Any race where 1,500 riders start, 500 qualify, and only 14 finish, has got to be an epic competition, and considering the fact that the Erzberg Rodeo starts in the excavation pit of an Austrian mine…well, it takes a special rider to be enticed by such an event. One such special rider is Graham Jarvis, who was the first of the fourteen men to reach the 20th and final checkpoint. Taking 2 hours and 52 seconds to complete the course, Jarvis made the 2013 Erzberg Rodeo look downright easy. However, with one look at the race-day conditions from this past weekend, we know it was anything but.
While normally, MotoGP fans never get enough of seeing Valentino Rossi on TV, there is one shot they would (for the most part) gladly be spared. As he leaves the pits, Rossi stands on the footpegs, and pulls his leathers from between his buttocks, before sitting back down again and leaving. These rituals – part useful limbering up, part invocation of Lady Luck – are something many riders perform, in their attempt to exert control over themselves, and over their environment. In a fascinating press release – by far the most interesting we have received in many months – the Aspar team today provided a discussion and explanation of what riders are trying to achieve through the use of these rituals.
Hoping to make it four wins in a row, it goes without saying that the MotoCzysz crew is working hard to close the gap to the John McGuinness and the Mugen team. However, having Team Principal Michael Czysz stuck back in the US, undergoing cancer treatments, must certainly add another level of motivation for the on-island MotoCzysz crew. Making time in their busy schedule, Asphalt & Rubber got to take some up-close photos of the 2013 MotoCzysz E1pc. The most obvious changes made to the MotoCzysz E1pc for the 2013 TT Zero race are the use conventional suspension pieces. Of course, it’s not a completely standard suspension setup, as MotoCzysz has developed its own adjustable triple clamp that incorporates tunable lateral flex parameters.
Max Biaggi is to make a surprise return to riding a MotoGP machine. The former 250 and World Superbike champion will take a seat on Ben Spies’ Ignite Pramac Ducati as part of a one-day test at Mugello, as part of Ducati’s testing program, according to Italian site GPOne. Spies was scheduled to stay on at Mugello to take part in a two-day test, but after the first day of practice at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, it was clear to both Spies and Ducati that his shoulder was still too weak to ride a MotoGP machine. With work continuing on the Desmosedici, it was important for Ducati to get as much data as possible on their bike, and so Biaggi was offered the chance to ride the machine.
Certainly doesn’t look that stellar, can’t wait til the actual new one comes out, not the facelifted one. You can only imagine it’ll be bonkers with electronics but hopefully the mechanicals will be even more so.
Funny these high res leaked pictures taken in Hong Kong, dealers there must be getting them already. Can only imagine Japan must have had it for a while already too..
Looks like the R1 at a glance! Just my opinion.
Like the new wheels. Not much for the LCD tach, though..
Looks like BPF front end there. That’s new isn’t it? New wheels. Seems like it’s more than BNG.
I have been waiting for a new Fireblade for a couple years now. I guess I’ll just have to enjoy the RSV a little longer.
Once Honda actually announces a new model though (hopefully with a V4) the aprilia 2003 Mille is getting put on craigslist.
undoubtedly uglier than the previous version….yuck-o
I think they went backwards, the front headlights look like the previous cbr 600 generation. UGLY! What a joke, just to change the headlight and making it worst.
I like the new tachometer, quite sexy indeed!
Cant see the R1 in it at all personally…
Love the current model – still like this 2012 model too, however dissappointed a little that it isn’t a new bike yet… But as said – they are probably looking at producing the next BMW killer – and that would take some time to brew, I would guess… ;)
JD ;)
Suspension is different and the cosmetic updates you’ve mentioned. Other than that, it looks like my 2008 :-)
Does anyone else notice the new Bridgestones? What are those? It looks like it says on the sidewall “Battlax Hypersport S20″. Can anyone else confirm this? If these are the BT-016 replacements, I’m stoked!!!
LOL! A new ‘Blade and I’m hyperventilating over the tires. LMFAO!
Another year, another disapointment from Honda. Anyone remember when this car company made innovative motorcycles?? Now they are the pioneers of “BOLD NEW GRAPHICS”!!
If it works, don’t fix it.
A track junkie (WERA champion) I know swears the CBR1000RR is the easiest bike to ride fast on the track. So other than cosmetics, why change anything?
@ Johnny,
I think what’s more disappointing is that Honda is a Motorcycle company first, Car company second. And they use to make innovative bikes AND cars but someone hit the boring button at Honda. The new Civic is a not so exciting facelift. The CR-Z failed to capture much market share for hybrids. No sports cars anymore in production at all, no super cars. And as we see now their cream of the crop fireblade simply gets a face lift after half a decade, with headlights borrowed from the previous generation 600…
It’s all a bit strange at Honda these days. I truely hope they come out with a bonkers Fireblade, or a new RVF, soon. The entire brand needs a spark. And for the car department, I hope something happens just as much.
Yaaawn. Nothing new to really see here. This bike is the result of my criticism of FIM in constricting the design of motorcycles. How does this bike look substantively different than a bike from 2005? 2001? 1998? The continued use of telescopic forks on a “sport” bike. And we criticize Harley for clinging to outdated tech that doesn’t do well what it pretends to.
No need to jump the gun… The motor could very well be overhauled? They can’t stand back and watch BMW disappear into the distance in super stock for another year. They don’t have a reason to change the look of the bike completely, although I do not love the headlights myself being a previous 2008 Fireblade owner and preferring them.
Hopefully motorwork is the case. But a solid bet would be some sort of electronics the bike doesn’t currently have, as well as the obvious suspension upgrades and wheels.
We can only hope there is something we do not see…
@ SBPilot,
As a person that has worked in the industry for 25 years now, I remember the yearly excitement of the Honda dealer show, waiting to see what new, amazing motorcycle Honda was coming out with. I built the first CBR our dealership recieved, the same with the first GL1500, CB-1, VTR250 etc… Now there is no dealer show, only web video. How do you expect the dealership management to get the staff and customers excited about the new Honda products, when no one has actually seen, touched or sat on them?! I believe that the engineers all take a back seat to the accounting department, and the customer is the last one to be heard!! How many versions of the same chrome covered couch do we need? How many Shadow varients? How many VTX1300 based “production Customs” Come on Honda, you were better than this…
I think the new face on this is an improvement over the last.
Sooo…this is the new CBR that Ten Kate was excited about for next year? Looks like they could be in for another long season in 2012…
Jonny Rea needs to get away from Ten Kate as soon as possible. If it’s all merely cosmetic then he’ll crock himself (again) trying to keep up with the Aprilia, Ducati and Yamahas (if they’re still racing next season.)
A longer video has been posted yesterday here: http://youtu.be/F1Sk_rtusc4
New big piston forks and rear shock a la ZX10R.
Naive question: are the Kawasaki and Suzuki WSSP and WSBK teams using “conventional” Ohlins forks or the BPFs?
LOL, Oh Honda…you are such a cock teaser.
It certainly looks like an improvement over the exiting model…and yet…SUCH A LETDOWN…but honestly…why would someone expect something TOTALLY NEW ? Is Honda we talking about here after all…the State of the Art when it comes to recycling old hardware with BNG.
@Dr.Gellar…LMAO. +1.
Just a few uneducated observations…Headlight Lenses lower part forming part of the ram air (1199), shape of the intakes(RSV4), still loving the anorexic tail section, one of the cleanest and best looking of the industry, THE WHEELS! (Thank u who ever u may be at Honda for slapping these on instead of those OLD-OUTDATED-FUGLY-HEAVY LOOKING-EXCITING TO LOOK AT AS WATCHING PAINT DRY 3 Spoked abbominations (IM LOOKING AT U ZX-10R AND ALL THE Gixxers )…YES, YOU !
Are these calipers Monoblocks ? and last but not least…did they change the curve of the “SnowPlow” section or is the Hype and the white paintjob playing tricks of me ?
I like these 600ish headlights better than the old fish bowls.
Crap…forgot about the Dash ( MV Agusta F4 rip-off)…also, why dump the analog tach for a digital one ? This thing is not even close to the blinged out counterpart installed on the ZX10R.
L.E.D Shift lights layout ? = Daytona 675
I wonder whats going on with those calipers? Did Tokico step it up?
@Tom:
“The continued use of telescopic forks on a “sport” bike”
What else would you propose? Many have tried different, “theoretically better” systems, but which one of them can displace the humble telescopic forks in practice? Cost/performance is tough to beat.
I’m open to new technologies, but only if they’re actually better in reality, not different for the sake of being different.
heres more video:
No TC or ABS evident on the bike or the dash test, how in gods name are they going to market this thing against whats out now (BMW,KWAK,APE), let alone Yamaha and Suzuki have not announced their 2012 cake mix.
i got coin ready to go, im walkin straight past this tent. Yamaha, Suzuki….what you got for me?
Hey just looking, can somebody tell me this aint the 2012 600 and we been tricked?
John, the “Fireblade” decal on the fairing tells us this is the big boy CBR.
some of us don’t want/need abs or tc……
Suspension, wheels, and possible motor updates = significant. Great for those that want to RIDE.
Cosmetic and dash updates = less significant.
Both = this is not just a one year model. They will squeeze a minimum of 2 model years out of this bike, because otherwise they have one random model year for bodywork, parts, etc. Would never happen.
I hold my breathe in anticipation of the rumors that Honda releases a super-superbike running the V4 and having higher end components in addition to the CBR model.
@Johnny,
Completely agree with you. Since the economy going down (and still is) seems like Honda and other companies have their Accounting department at the top of the pyramid and everyone else somewhere down there. I use to love Honda and it’s so hard to feel passionate for them now. So many Shadow varients. It is the reason why BMW still holds a place in my heart, they are SO passionate about motorsports, they never do any motosport half assed. If they do it, they go all out.
It’s a shame the BMW electronics on their WSBK bike aint really working out, and their team, still very green. The Italia team with ex factory Ducati personel is making leaps forward in development on that bike, and using conventional MM electronics.
Back on topic, again, I hope Honda turns around sooner rather than later.
Thanks Jensen ya right.
Kyle, not totally fussed myself either way with electronics, i dont have it now and i manage, im just disapointed though….been holding onto my 08 zx10 praying Honda would do the V4 thing.
lets hope theres something evil in that motor and tranny we dont know of yet.
Funny guess I’m the only one around here who hated the look of the current flat faced Honda and think the front end if real on the 2012 is a HUGE improvement. Now if they’d fit a complete tail on the bike then yeah. But until they give details on the motor I don’t understand how people can already be ragging on the bike. So what if it isn’t a V-4, that doesn’t mean it can’t be better. I mean the S1000R isn’t a V-4 and it pretty much out guns everything else in the class (if you are into that).
not all bad…but i still can’t stomach that intergrated exhaust design, just seems a little od…
@carboncanyon,
Vyrus has developed the Bimota Tesi’s hub-centered steering that gives a hell of lot more stable control than telescopic forks. The Hossack design was used by Britten. Even Motoczysz was developing an improvement over telescopic forks. For street bikes, better options exist. I won’t even start on rider position.
Jake, you’re not the only one – everybody bitched about the flat faced front when it came out – now the same people bitch because Honda listened to them! I like the way this bike looks, and I like the way current Fireblade rides. It’s a fantastic bike for street riding, no matter where it places in track based comparos, it is the most useable superbike on the street and being a street rider, that’s all I care about. So I’m not gutted at all if they hang on to the current design for another year or two, it’s already much better than I will ever be anyway… I’m not too fond of the way exhaust looks, but it is still the easiest part to replace. I’m much more concerned about that LCD dash because I hate those things with a passion, and it is much harder to change – basically impossible for an amateur.
This so-called facelift CBR 1000RR could still well be a BMW S1000RR killer, if only it’s equipped with a host of updated hardwares especially – more potent highly tuned engine and perhaps some form of traction control, but the engine department is what Honda really need to upgrade in order to topple BMW from the Superbike crown. It doesn’t mean it will be a brand new V4 for this bike (although that certainly very much welcomed!) , Honda just need to squeeze out more from the current In Line 4 plus the accompanying electronics gadgetry..
You can keep your ABS and Traction Control, Honestly give me better tires and a engine upgrade
I think it is too early to pass judgement on anything other than the way the bike looks. Even so, I think this is a visual improvement over the current Fireblade. We aren’t even sure if what we are seeing at this point is just the base model with a factory edition about to make its debut. Best thing is to wait and see what people who have ridden the bike in full test have to say. Or better yet, when your dealer gets a demo bike that you are allowed to test ride. Somehow, I have the feeling that this machine will ride as good if not better than any Fireblade before it. If so then it is an improvement. If not, there are many other bikes you can choose from.
Cheers.
We ALL want a new RVF but the truth is most of us couldnt afford or justify a $30-40k (Based on previous models that sounds like a reasonable est price)V4 Honda over a much cheaper and might I add well equiped CBR1000RR. So Unless Honda wants a title in WSBK and thinks it can win with a new RVF I dont see how it would be wise to invest capital in a project that wont make a return on the investment.
love reading these posts. I’m having a good whinge too, and all this over it’s looks and no apparent electronics. And we say women nag on.
makes champion reading gents.
hope this thing blows our minds like the current bike.
……oh yeah, we loved it all along….
This + v4 would =erection. Rc 48 or something. Hon…da, I love you. Please bring back a proper v4 sportbike…
Honestly, the prejudice condemnation so many have posted here is ridiculous. Where most of us mere mortals actually spend by far the majority of our time (on public roads), the current CBR1000RR isn’t lacking in any area whatsoever. If all Honda has done for the new model is lighten a bit, improve handling a bit, and power up the engine a bit, it would still arguably be the best street going 1000 cc street bike made. I do expect anti-lock brakes will at least be an option for those that want them…
so, its true then… I thought its just customized blade :D
looks like they used the same headlight chrome pieces and just changed the lens shape.
Yawnnnnnnn! Honda, you bore me.
Can someone please tell me about this S1000rr that is outgunning everything? AMA, nope… BSB, nope… WSBK, nope….
Sure it has a shitload of horsepower and a dam fine bike, yet it still has outgunned nothing really, oh wait, that german championship, maybe they got that
Who cares about HP when you cant use it?
a ver si sacan una Touring ;) RT @Druidacelta: por cierto, habeis visto el posible nuevo modelo de la honda cbr 1000 rr http://t.co/hV0tXnW
Jorl! cosa bonita http://j.mp/q6KBli @Druidacelta
ほほう、これが2012年式CBR1000RR…。顔つきがキリッとしてるね。うちは現行型が好みかも…。／LEAKED: 2012 Honda CBR1000RR http://j.mp/pP9XfD
@76: ok, I’ll tell you:
In 2010 the S1000RR won at least the German and French SBK (champion and runner-up in France, on its way to do it again this year) and the FIM Superstock series with Badovini taking 8 poles, 9 wins and 10 podiums in 10 races.
In France SBK it won 20 out of 24 races since its introduction.
All this for the first try, first BMW superbike ever and first year of commercialization and competition.
In fact, the BMW is super competitive in lesser-spec series which forbid extensive modifications from the street bike. When it comes to higher-spec series it is less competitive especially because BMW develop their own electronics which are sub-par for the moment compared to state-of-the-art Magneto Marelli WSBK electronics.
So to me it means it definitely outguns anything on the street.
@John Magnum, Sentinel…
Put down the Red Kool-Aid and stop being so condescending towards Honda…they are in deep shit and they know it…this refresh is all the evidence anyone needs to tell they are in a world of hurt both morally(more lipstick and make up on the old pug face) and financially(no COMPLETELY NEW Model).
U do that and i’ll stop it with the Hate-O-Rade. (^_^ )
The CBR1000RR’s biggest competitor for 2012 will be the used ’08 that is selling for less than half the price of new.
The fact that the CBR is getting nothing special only makes the 1199 more attractive. Thanks, Honda, for making the decision on my next bike that much easier.
@Tom:
I’ve seen all of those solutions, but are they truly better? Or just different? How do they compare in cost, weight, and performance?
The Japanese manufacturers are hurting financially and so are many of their customers. Clearly Honda weren’t going to change the Fireblade to an expensive V4 (or introduce an alternate suspension system) under those conditions.
The Fireblade is still coming out at, or near, the top in magazine comparisons and selling relatively well (at least here in Oz). So there isnt a strong reason for major changes.
As for TC etc, How long did it take for the CBRs to get a slipper clutch?
… and Im not entirely convinced that those photos are the actually 2012 Fireblade, rather than a modded current Blade.
@carboncanyon:
From my readings over the years, I recall that the hub design is truly more stable and gives a faster and more confidence inspiring response. The Hossack design is tried and proven by BMW. I am not a racing history oracle so someone much more knowledgeable than me on the subject can verify, but I recall that both designs were banned by MotoGP and IIRC, other technologies are banned as well.
This is what I mean by FIM retarding motorcycle development because contrary to some people’s beliefs, racing for marketing is damned effective for the group of young people (who are often insecure trend humping fashion lemmings) who are swayed by the racing world. Its just a damned lie for people to say that racing improves the breed for motorcycles because the companies that compete aren’t interested in real competition.
They are interested in turning the marketing event into sales. Its a vicious cycle where companies and FIM work to maintain the safe status quo instead of being avant garde. Britten scared the holy hell out of motorcycle companies in the mid 1990s and no one in the business wants to see such uncertainty again.
This Honda is a testament to the maintenance of the status quo. There is nothing appreciable different between this CBR and one from 2001. Look at a F1 car from 2001 versus today. Look at the R34 GTR from 2001 versus the GTR today. The bridge between the cars is far far wider than what is happening in motorcycle racing development.
Just my ranting .02Yen.
@Tom:
If the Hossack is so much better, I find it strange that BMW wouldn’t use it on the S1000RR. As long as it’s homologated, I don’t see anywhere in this reference that outlaws it:
http://www.fim-live.com/fileadmin/alfresco/Codes_et_reglements/SBK_en.pdf
It’s a lengthy read, but I did my best to use the find function… I didn’t see any rules that banned a Hossack as long as it’s homologated (pg 70).
I’m not trying to argue with you Tom… just trying to educate myself by asking questions. :D I appreciate any comments!
@Tom:
Just another thought. I think it’s difficult to compare motorcycle development to automotive development. The budgets and the size of the teams working on them are an order of magnitude larger (for cars).
I don’t believe that avante garde is feared in the motorcycle industry itself. If they’re truly good ideas that can be brought to market profitably, I think any of the OEM’s would jump on them. For example, I see a lot of Cannondale in the current Yamaha dirtbikes. Maybe it doesn’t seem so nutty now, but I remember Cannondale having a lot of impact when they first came out.
It’s easy to blame the manufacturers, but frankly I see a lot of resistance in the marketplace. Customers love to *see* new tech, but they don’t always want to *buy* new tech. For example, the GTS1000 was a sales flop. Yes, it had issues; new technology always does. Unless the market is more supportive and tolerant of new and sometimes “quirky” tech, the OEM’s don’t have the financial motivation to grind it out.
On the flip side, the customers understandably fear being guinea pigs for new tech and view it with skepticism. There is a limit to just how much “avante garde” the customer will accept.
I see issues on both sides, not just the mfg’s.
Now browsing：LEAKED: 2012 Honda CBR1000RR http://t.co/yKUni5l
@TOM
“There is nothing appreciable different between this CBR and one from 2001″
Are you kidding me?? go ride a 01 929 and then ride a new cbr1000 and tell me you can’t tell the difference between about 40hp, less weight and better brakes.
@KYLE
I think Tom meant that the basic architecture is the same. Telescopic forks, inline four, etc.
I see what you mean tho… I rode my friend’s old CBR, and it felt like a dinosaur. Even though it’s more bike than my riding skills can fully utilize, I could still feel a huge difference in refinement, power, etc.
I think this one is a real bike but its an anniversary edition. There will be newer one that should be revealed this month. I owned 2005 & 2008 fireblades , 2008-2011 models are soooo good to the point that made me wounder if Honda can actually make a better bike. It is so good that it maintained its reputation throughout the 4 years and stayed the fastest in the track than all other bikes including the S1000RR. I kept the 2005 fireblade for dragracing and sold the 2008 one and purchased an S1000RR. I still prefer the 08 fireblade’s ride-ability over S1000RR.
My point is that Honda can keep producing the same model with little more improvement and will keep selling very well, but I highly doubt it, lets wait few more weeks and see what Honda will announce.
Also… it is so true what some has said… How can it be leaked from a showroom in HonKong and no one has an idea of its arrival let alone our local dealers still dunno what’s coming.
So I stand to what I said earlier… It is an anniversary Edition , but not the main production bike.
Looks great. Love the instruments. Thanks, Honda.