It has been a long time coming since we have seen a properly new superbike from Honda, but that day has finally come. The all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R has been talked about a great deal before this year’s EICMA show, and now it is here.
As we predicted, the new Honda CBR1000RR-R earns that extra “R” with a 215hp (160 kW) four-cylinder engine, that makes 83 lbs•ft of peak torque.
Unlike the outgoing model, this is a truly new machine. The twin-spar aluminum “diamond frame” chassis is a fresh design with increased vertical and torsional rigidity, and the total wet weight of the bike tips the scales at 443 lbs (201 kg) .
Showa handles the suspension duties on the base model RR-R, with 43mm Big Piston Forks (BPF) at the front, and Pro-Link rear suspension that features a Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-Light) shock.
Braking on the CBR1000RR-R is handled by Nissin four-piston calipers, now with dual 330mm discs at the front. Interestingly, Honda has opted for the 200/55-17 tire size for the rear tire, while the front is 120/70-17.
While Honda is boasting about its class-leading coefficient of drag (0.270), the real talk is the winglet pods attached to the fairing on the Honda CBR1000RR-R, which Honda says comes from its MotoGP program and produce the same amount of downforce as the RC213V.
Packed full of electronic goodies, a six-axis IMU assists the traction control (the previous generation used a five-axis IMU), wheelie control, and cornering ABS.
The 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R lineup also has switchable power modes, engine braking control, an electronic steering damper (HESD), and a 5” TFT display to keep it all in check.
Of course, there will be two models of the new Honda Fireblade, with the base model CBR1000RR-R (which isn’t coming to the USA), as well as an up-spec Honda CBR1000RR-R SP.
The premium-focused SP model brings with it the second-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension, replacing the Showa pieces. The brakes also get an upgrade, with the CBR1000RR-R SP using Brembo Stylema calipers at the front.
American Honda lists only the “2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP” as coming to the USA (yes, we will now start calling the CBR1000RR the “Fireblade” in the United States). There is no word on US pricing, but delivery is set for June 2020.
Similarly, Honda Motor Europe has not announced pricing yet for the CBR1000RR-R family, but it will bring both the base model and SP model to dealers.
We expect to hear that the CBR1000RR-R will be priced at €20,000, with the SP model hitting that wallet at €25,000, but that has not been confirmed by Honda.
Photos of the Honda CBR1000RR-R/SP:
Technical Specifications of the Honda CBR1000RR-R:
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4 |
| Engine Displacement (cm³) | 999.9cc |
| No. of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Bore ´ Stroke (mm) | 81mm x 48.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0 x 1 |
| Max. Power Output | 160kW @ 14,500 |
| Max. Torque | 113Nm @ 12,500 |
| Oil Capacity | 4.0L |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Carburation | PGM-DSFI |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.1L |
| Fuel Consumption | 16.0km/litre |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
| Starter | Electric |
| Battery Capacity | 12-6 YTZ7S |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Clutch Type | Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| FRAME | |
| Type | Aluminium composite twin spar |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2100 x 745 x 1140mm |
| Wheelbase | 1455mm |
| Caster Angle | 24o |
| Trail | 102mm |
| Seat Height | 830mm |
| Ground Clearance | 115mm |
| Kerb Weight | 201kg |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Type Front | Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a Big Piston Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm stroke |
| Type Rear | Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke.
Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion with preload, compression and rebound adjustment. |
| WHEELS | |
| Rim Size Front | 17 inch x 3.5 |
| Rim Size Rear | 17 inch x 6.0 |
| Tyres Front | 120/70-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP Bridgestone RS11 |
| Tyres Rear | 200/55-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP Bridgestone RS11 |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS System Type | 2 Channel |
| Front | 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper |
| Rear | 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
| Instruments | TFT-LCD |
| Security System | HISS |
| Headlight | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
Source: Honda Motor Europe
Be sure to follow all of our 2019 EICMA show coverage this over the coming days, for the latest news and releases for the 2020 motorcycle model year.
Our EICMA show coverage is made possible by our A&R Pro members. If you like reading this unique race coverage on Asphalt & Rubber, you should consider supporting this content by signing up for A&R Pro.
Comments