CBR Stories
Honda’s Super Sports Flagship Model Pursuing “Total Control”
The engine for the 1992 CBR900RR Fireblade was increased while overall performance as a super sports bike was enhanced. In 2002, the 954 cc CBR954RR (Japan model name), pursuing the “Total Control” concept of maximizing the riding experience, was released to wide acclaim.
However, as other manufacturers’ 1000 cc models evolved, riders increasingly demanded higher performance on the track. In response, Honda began development of a new 1000 cc model aiming to reach the next level.
The development team defined the new model’s concept as “sparkling crystallization of racing DNA.”
They aimed to carry over the development concept of the MotoGP RC211V racing bike to a production model. The new model CBR1000RR Fireblade was complete, with racing technologies applied throughout, while being easy to ride from city streets to winding roads, yet more competitive in races.
The technologies developed for the RC211V were the full fairing with superior aerodynamic characteristics, the unit Pro-Link rear suspension, and the centered up-tilting exhaust system. The new model was also the world’s first production bike to adopt HESD (Honda Electronic Steering Damper), the most advanced technology of its time, enabling nimble handling at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
The engine was a newly developed liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC unit, aimed at taking weight reduction and compact size to the extreme.
This is how the CBR1000RR Fireblade, Honda’s super sports flagship model, was developed.
CBR1000RR Fireblade (left, European model) and RC211V MotoGP racing bike (right, 2003 championship winner)
CBR1000RR Fireblade (left, European model) and RC211V MotoGP racing bike (right, 2003 championship winner)
Aerodynamically designed front and rear
Newly developed 4-cylinder engine (European model)
CBR1000RR and Motorsports
Prior to the CBR1000RR’s launch in 2004, the CBR1000RR Race Base model was released in Japan for riders competing in production races.
2004 CBR1000RR Race Base model (limited-production model based on European model)
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), which handles Honda’s global racing activities, built the CBR1000RRW based on the CBR1000RR, in order to win the FIM Endurance World Championship Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race.
In its debut Suzuka 8 Hours race, the #7 SevenStarts Honda CBR1000RR (Tohru Ukawa / Hitoyasu Izutsu) won, demonstrating the potential of its production model sibling.
The racing model for the Suzuka 8 Hours based on the CBR1000RR won for three consecutive years, beginning in its debut race in 2004. It also won five consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours races, from 2010 to 2014, attesting to its outstanding reliability.
Tohru Ukawa (CBR1000RRW) wins the 2004 Suzuka 8 Hours
#634 MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO (Takumi Takahashi / Leon Haslam / Michael van der Mark wins the 2014 Suzuka 8 Hours (photo: Leon Haslam and the CBR1000RR)
In Japan, the CBR1000RR debuted in the JSB1000 class of the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship. Hitoyasu Izutsu, rode his CBR1000RR to championship victory that year. Other riders in the class also helped prove the CBR1000RR’s dominance, such as 2005 and 2006 champion Shinichi Ito.
Hitoyasu Izutsu (CBR1000RR) wins the 2004 MFJ JSB1000 class
Shinichi Ito (CBR1000RR) wins the 2006 MFJ JSB1000 class
CBR1000RR Evolution in Japan
February 2006 CBR1000RR
New fairing design, fine-tuned and lighter components realize 4 kg weight reduction.
July 2008 CBR1000RR
Facelift model with new exhaust system. 5 kg lighter than the previous model.
February 2009 CBR1000RR<ABS>
Equipped with the world’s first electronically controlled combined ABS for super sports models, added as a new type. This system, which electronically controls both the combined braking system and ABS, provided more precise control and greatly improves braking confidence.
February 2014 CBR1000RR SP (New type)
In addition to weight reduction, enhanced specifications such as Öhlins front and rear suspension and Brembo front brake calipers were adopted for the exclusive single-seater.
March 2017 CBR1000RR
Completely revamped model with higher overall performance featured electronic control technologies such as Honda Selectable Torque Control and Selectable Engine Brake.
Since its introduction in 2004, the CBR1000RR has continued to evolve as Honda’s flagship super sports model while meeting increasingly stringent emission regulations, and win over many fans.
The CBR1000RR’s evolution continues in the 2020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
2004 CBR1000RR