Motorcycles Technology
CBR1000RR - Engineers Talk Part 1
The CBR1000RR, Ever Pursuing the Joy of Riding, Meets Electronic Control
The Final Evolution as an Elemental Bike Looking Back at the 2014 CBR1000RR SP
Miyagi
To me, this is the epitome of an unchanging CBR-RR bike building.
Before talking about the new CBR1000RR, look at the previous generation model, loved by riders for a long time since its debut in 2008 and with the addition of the SP model in 2014.
I had the opportunity to be the interviewer on the 20th anniversary of the CBR1000RR. I was most impressed by the comment that “to realize the CBR-RR ease of handling and joy of riding, each component needed to make the bike ‘a bike,’ was perfected.” I think those words were indeed true.
Hosokawa
I agree. Up to the previous generation, the CBR1000RR was an exercise in taking an “elemental” bike and perfecting it, realizing the ease of handling and joy of riding. I believe the 2014 SP model is the epitome of that approach.
CBR1000RR SP（2014）
Debuted in January 2014. Built upon a CBR1000RR base, the SP was equipped with ÖHLINS suspension front and rear, Brembo front brake calipers, Pirelli sports tires, and a solo seat rail. It was developed to be “the edge of CBR,” pursuing the joy of sports riding.
Miyagi
The new CBR has gained electronic control, but it is still built upon the foundations of the previous CBR-RR generations. But in what way?
Sato
With the 2014 model, fine-tuning of the fuel injection settings improved controllability during acceleration, and tire grip in the turns was optimized by redesigning the tires’ spoke support structure. We went into the finest of details, and I could feel the differences it made.
On the other hand, through discussions with the project leader of the previous model, I came to the conclusion that the evolution of the CBR-RR as an “elemental” bike had reached its peak.
Miyagi
So the path it took from the first generation had reached its conclusion. I recall it was a bike that was extremely well built.
Hosokawa
We also think so. That’s why we could leave the basic structure of the hardware, such as the engine and the frame, untouched for the new model.
We then thought through where the new CBR-RR should lead, and refined the details.
Sato
The engine and the frame may look the same, but I would say that they are completely different from the previous model.
Hosokawa
We completely redesigned the engine’s pistons and valve train for high speed and output. We also went to great lengths to reduce weight, by using magnesium for the cover and such, and lightening the transmission.
Sato
The frame was also lightened, and the overall rigidity was reviewed.
I believe this allowed us improve the ease of handling and feeling of security significantly.
Hosokawa
Another major change was the seat rail, reducing weight even further.
The most important aspect of the CBR-RR is for the average rider to be able to savor the joy of riding on public roads. To that end, we pursued lightness, a major factor in ease of handling for a rider at any skill level, and a mature ride feel that suppressed nervous movements.
CBR1000RR - Engineers Talk
