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The regular CBR1000RR is still sold in the US
 
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The '''Honda Fireblade''' is a family of [[Sport bike|sport motorcycles]] manufactured by [[Honda]] since 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drag Race: 1996 Honda Fireblade CBR900RR Vs. 1994 Yamaha YZF 750R |url=https://www.rideapart.com/news/681738/drag-race-cbr900rr-vs-yzf750r/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=RideApart.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pennefather |first=Charles |date=2023-06-26 |title=Best Versions Of The Fireblade |url=https://www.topspeed.com/best-versions-of-the-fireblade/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=TopSpeed |language=en}}</ref> The first model was designed by [[Tadao Baba]].
{{Redirect|Fireblade|the videogame|Fireblade (video game)}}
{{Inappropriate tone|date=December 2007}}


* [[Honda CBR900RR|CBR900RR]], 1992–1995
{{Infobox Motorcycle
** CBR919RR, 1996–1999
| image = [[File:CBR1000R Fireblade 08.jpg|250px]]
** CBR929RR, 2000–2001
| aka = Fireblade, 'Blade
** CBR954RR, 2002–2003
| manufacturer = Honda
* [[Honda CBR1000RR|CBR1000RR]], 2004–present
| production = since 1992
** CBR1000RR-R, 2020–present<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade 30th Anniversary Review |url=https://www.cyclenews.com/2023/05/article/2023-honda-cbr1000rr-r-sp-fireblade-30th-anniversary-review/ |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Cycle News |language=en-US}}</ref>
| related = [[Honda CBR600RR]]
}}


== References ==
'''Fireblade''' was originally the world market term for [[Honda]]'s {{convert|900|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} [[sport bike]]. It now encompasses several models spanning from 1992, starting with the Honda [[CBR900RR]].<ref>
{{Reflist}}{{Honda}}
{{cite news
|url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23734763-5010760,00.html
|title=Honda Fireblade takes a quantum leap forward | The Courier-Mail
|publisher=www.news.com.au
|accessdate=2008-11-20
|last=Hinchliffe
|first=Mark
| date=2008-05-31
}}
</ref>

==Background==
In 1984 Kawasaki introduced the [[Kawasaki GPZ900R|GPZ900]] which reached {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and at the same time was controllable.{{Clarify|date=December 2009}}{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} A year later Suzuki introduced the {{convert|176|kg|lb|abbr=on}} [[GSX-R750]]F. The origin of the GSX-R was a factory developed model for endurance races and it was true racer. In 1986 Suzuki offered an even bigger and more powerful bike, the {{convert|198|kg|lb|abbr=on}} [[Suzuki GSX-R1100|GSX-R1100]]. This was argued to be{{By whom|date=December 2009}} the basis of a new breed of modern sport bikes, with the 5 valve [[Yamaha FZR1000]]T following it in 1987. From then on the Japanese machines only got heavier, and by 1992 the GSXR1100N was {{convert|225|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and the 750 version was over {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

==Development==

[[Tadao Baba]] began design of the Fireblade, originally intended to use a 750 cc engine, in 1989. This was later changed to an engine with an {{convert|893|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} capacity to position the new machine away from existing machines in the Honda range, creating a new class of 1 with no direct competition.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

===Name===
In the bike's early development, the name Fireblade came along, through a mis-translation from French to English for the Japanese word for lightning.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} It became the adopted internal name for the project's development, but all Honda inline-engined sport motorcycles of the time were labelled CBR, followed by a number approximately equal to the engine's capacity in CC. However, Baba had said{{Attribution needed|date=December 2009}} that as the project came to launch, the internal name was chosen as the bike's marketing name so as not to emphasise the first Fireblade's 893&nbsp;cc engine displacement, because at that time potential customers not accustomed to the new concept of lighter and agile superbikes would not perceive a motorbike of less than 1000 cc as a top performer.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

== History ==
===1992 CBR900RR===
:{{Main|Honda CBR900RR}}
At {{convert|407|lb|abbr=on}} and putting out approximately {{convert|124|hp}} from its inline 4 cylinder engine, the original Fireblade defined a new genre - big displacement bikes that were as light as, if not lighter than, their 600 cc counterparts.

The first 893 cc Fireblade sold quickly, even with a relatively high UK list price of £7390.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} Demand soon outstripped supply.

It was widely regarded{{By whom|date=December 2009}} as one of the best-handling sport bikes ever although there were some calls for a steering damper initially due to the {{convert|16|in|mm|sing=on}} front wheel making the front seem twitchy.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} It was soon proven{{By whom|date=December 2009}} to be the correct choice of wheel, as the reduced unsprung weight of a {{convert|16|in|mm|sing=on}} wheel over a {{convert|17|in|mm|sing=on}} improved turning ability.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} The steering geometry was also virtually identical to the Kawasaki KR1-s 250 cc two stroke. The bike was tested with help by Phillip McCallen, a professional racer who also raced the Fireblade at the Isle of Man TT.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

The first colors were red/white/blue and black/silver version.

Over the next few years, the Fireblade saw some minor updates as the bike received a redesign to the bodywork, as the now familiar Foxeye/Urban Tiger{{Clarify|date=December 2009}} came along in December 1993, and soon sold out, as it had the year before, even at the list price of £8195.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

===1995 CBR919RR===
November 1995 saw a big revamp, unusual for Honda,{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} as the RRT model was released with an all new dedicated 918 cc engine, not the previous Japan-only bored-out 750 engine. A revised suspension package and other updates to the riding position gave the rider a little more civility. List price was an even more extortionate £9265.

In 1997 The RRV was released but although the power was increased by a few horsepower little had changed from the 1996 bike, except a new set of colour schemes and a slight weight loss now {{convert|183|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, due to a new aluminium silencer.

===1998 CBR900RR===
The 1998 CBR900RRW FireBlade (UK Model) had minor cosmetic revisions from the 1997 model. The cooling ducts in the rear panels reduced from a total of four large slits to two small slits, one each side and losing the "fox-eye" twin headlight for a more angular shaped twin headlight. The engine and overall weight remained the same at 919cc, claimed 128&nbsp;bhp and 180&nbsp;kg dry weight respectively. The only change for the 1999 CBR900RRX model was a revised paint scheme.

<ref>Reference Honda Motor Co., Ltd 1997 CBR 900RR Owners Manual and RiDE Magazine April 2010 page 32</ref>

===2000 CBR929RR===
The millennium year Fireblade had an all new fuel injected {{convert|929|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} engine, inverted forks and a much awaited {{convert|17|in|mm|sing=on}} front wheel. Honda had also given the bike a squarer look, with a dry weight of {{convert|170|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, losing {{convert|9|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in the process. But again the bike lost out to the Yamaha R1 in the sales charts. The 929 lasted for only two years, in the guises of model RRY and RR1.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

===2002 CBR954RR===
A CBR929RR with a bigger capacity engine created models RR2 and RR3. The new 954 Fireblade made {{convert|149|bhp|abbr=on}} and {{convert|77|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on}} of torque, due to a heavily improved EFI system with bigger injectors and more processing ability. It also handled better{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} due to frame and headstock strengthening, and a more rigid [[swingarm]]. Weighing in at a class leading {{convert|168|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

===2004 CBR1000RR===
:{{Main|Honda CBR1000RR}}
The [[CBR1000RR]] displaced a full litre, to more easily compete with litre bikes from [[Yamaha Motor Corporation|Yamaha]], [[Suzuki]] and [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries|Kawasaki]]. It was developed by the same team that was behind the [[Honda RC211V]] race bike for the [[MotoGP]] series.<ref name="FirebladeHistory">[http://www.motorcyclenews.com/pdf/944/108690.pdf Honda Fireblade] article from motorcyclenews.com (PDF)</ref> Many of the new technologies introduced in the [[Honda CBR600RR]], a direct descendent of the RC211V, were used in the new CBR1000RR such as a lengthy swingarm, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, and Dual Stage Fuel Injection System (DSFI).

Almost no parts of the CBR954RR were carried over to the [http://www.hondanews.com/CatID7102?mid=2004022043998&mime=asc CBR1000RR Development] The compact {{convert|998|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} in-line four was a completely fresh design, with unique bore and stroke dimensions, race-inspired cassette-type six-speed gearbox, all-new ECU-controlled ram-air system, dual-stage fuel injection, and center-up exhaust featuring a new computer-controlled butterfly valve. The chassis was likewise all new, including an organic-style aluminum frame composed of Gravity Die-Cast main sections and Fine Die-Cast steering head structure, inverted fork, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, radial-mounted front brakes, and a centrally-located fuel tank hidden under a faux cover.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

A longer swingarm acted as a longer lever arm in the rear suspension for superior traction under acceleration and more progressive suspension action.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} Substantially longer than the corresponding unit on the CBR954RR (585&nbsp;mm compared to 551&nbsp;mm) the CBR1000RR's 34&nbsp;mm-longer swingarm made up 41.6% of its total wheelbase. The CBR1000RR's wheelbase also increased, taping out at 1405&nbsp;mm (55.3&nbsp;inches), a 5&nbsp;mm increase over the 954.

Providing room for a longer swingarm required massive changes to the engine architecture,{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} another reason the CBR1000RR power plant shares nothing with the 954. Shortening the engine compared to the 954 meant rejecting the conventional in-line layout. Instead, engineers positioned the CBR1000RR's crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft in a triangulated configuration - like the Yamaha R1.

===2006 CBR1000RR===
As the name remained unchanged, the 2006 CBR1000RR shared much with the previous years as a mid-model update. Honda redesigned the top-end of the engine to increase the red line, lightened the bike by 17 pounds primarily in the exhaust, and slightly revised the chassis and suspension geometry for quicker steering.

Additionally, the sprocket was changed to increase acceleration at the significant cost of top speed. In an effort to lighten turn-in and directional changes, Honda slightly tightened up the geometry on the CBR along with reducing the front rotor mass. This led to a more "flick-able" bike while maintaining the stable handling the CBR1000RR remains known for.

Finally, a redesign of the ram air system increased airflow into the airbox while an updated electronic steering damper reduced additional mass. The tried and true Honda dual-stage fuel injection system (44-mm throttle bodies) with two injectors per cylinder also sits on the other side of the air filter. Honda maintains the '06 1000RR continues to share "DNA" with the since departed RC211V MotoGP racer. Along with modified fairings, the CBR presented a more aggressive appearance cosmetically.{{POV-statement|date=December 2009}}

===2008 CBR1000RR===
For 2008, the Fireblade saw a complete redesign. The '08 CBR1000RR's clocks are still minimalistic, there are no switchable riding modes like its competition and the Fireblade is now the only class leading Japanese 1000&nbsp;cc superbike that does not have a gear indicator as standard.

Displacement: 999.8cc,
Wet Weight: 199&nbsp;kg(438&nbsp;lb),
Wheelbase: 1,405mm,
Fuel Capacity: 17.7 litres(3.9 gal)

===2010 CBR1000RR===
The 2010 CBR1000RR Fireblade remains largely unchanged like its competitors (see [[Kawasaki ZX-10R]], [[Suzuki GSX-R 1000]], [[Yamaha YZF-R1]]) due to the [[financial crisis of 2007–2010]]. Changes for 2010 include a larger [[flywheel]] for increased engine inertia and quick-release plate hanger.

Engine Type: 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/50ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 55.4&nbsp;inches
Rake: 23.3o
Trail: 96.2mm (3.8&nbsp;inches)
Seat Height: 32.3&nbsp;inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gallons, including 1.06-gallon reserve
Colors: CBR1000RR: Pearl Orange/Light Metallic Silver, Red/Black
CBR1000RR C-ABS: Black

==Racing==
The CBR1000RR has been used extensively in the international racing scene since its inception in 2004. Chris Vermeulen and the Dutch Ten Kate team placed the bike 4th 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 2004-05 and Scottish motorcycle racer Stuart Easton achieving the same, in 2008-09.
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 Hondas success at the circuit. Since 2006, the HM Plant team and Padgetts UK Honda team utilising the CBR1000RR have achieved 8 victories at the event ranging from the Superbike, Superstock and the blue riband Senior TT races. 2009 was 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 Hondas 50th racing year at the event.

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr1000rr.aspx Honda CBR1000RR] - official Honda USA site
* [http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=honda+fireblade Honda Fireblade] at the [[Open Directory Project]]
* [http://www.bikehps.com/954/index.html] - UK Fast Bikes magazine test of modified FireBlade; journalist described as "arguably the best FireBlade I have ever ridden"
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/?&N=189+146+4294043294&Ns=P_Publication_Date|1&id=1899 Fireblade Road Tests] - Reviews of the CBR1000RR Fireblade
* [http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/09/2010-honda-cbr1000rr-minor-twe.html] - hellforleathermagazine.com
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{{Set index article}}
[[Category:Set index articles on vehicles]]
[[Category:Honda motorcycles|Fireblade]]
[[Category:Honda motorcycles|Fireblade]]
[[Category:Sport bikes]]
[[Category:Sport bikes]]

[[de:Honda Fireblade]]
[[ja:ホンダ・CBR900RR]]
[[pl:Honda Fireblade]]
[[fi:Honda Fireblade]]
[[sv:Honda Fireblade]]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 22 December 2024

The Honda Fireblade is a family of sport motorcycles manufactured by Honda since 1992.[1][2] The first model was designed by Tadao Baba.

  • CBR900RR, 1992–1995
    • CBR919RR, 1996–1999
    • CBR929RR, 2000–2001
    • CBR954RR, 2002–2003
  • CBR1000RR, 2004–present
    • CBR1000RR-R, 2020–present[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Drag Race: 1996 Honda Fireblade CBR900RR Vs. 1994 Yamaha YZF 750R". RideApart.com. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  2. ^ Pennefather, Charles (2023-06-26). "Best Versions Of The Fireblade". TopSpeed. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  3. ^ "2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade 30th Anniversary Review". Cycle News. Retrieved 2023-09-04.