Drove: Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade

BMW says its S 1000 RR will have both built-in elements, so the electronics will prevent slippage both when accelerating and decelerating. That the direction is correct was also confirmed by German PS magazine, where they tested the Ducati 1198 S and Hondo Fireblade on the racetrack and compared the speed graphs with and without electronics.

The result: shorter stopping distances on the Honda and faster cornering acceleration on the Duce. Electronics has a future, but we still have to be against it. Just look at how events are developing in the automotive world ...

To be able to install a more powerful battery for additional hydraulic and electrical wiring, they had to change the space under the seat, making the bottom (above the rear wheel) a few centimeters thicker than the bike without it. ABS, which, probably, does not even seem, you will not notice at first glance. Plus, Fireblade has new directions, and that says it all. Both technically and in terms of design, it remained the same as last year's model, but was offered in new color combinations.

Most anticipated, of course, is the toxic orange-black-red Repsol racing car, signed by the same sponsors as the Royal World Class racing car. Another graphic novelty, in my opinion even more beautiful than the Repsolka, is dressed in Honda racing colors, and this marked the 50th anniversary of successful participation in racing.

Dressed in the colors of the Slovenian flag, it is less aggressive than the flashy orange Repsol, and is given a very beautiful shade of black that ends abruptly between the headlights. In addition to these two, the offer has been expanded with models in matte black and pearl blue. That's all about flowers.

Honda last year became synonymous with a highly centralized mass motorcycle. It looks charged and at the same time small, since the back is extremely minimalistic, and the front, as if someone would have shortened it with a strong blow to the mask.

The Fireblade's perfect look is only achieved when the plate holder with the turn signals and mirrors is removed for racing purposes and the plastic parts are replaced with racing ones without holes for the lights. When you see a car prepared in this way with a sports exhaust sticking out from under the unit, it becomes clear to you that this is a real superbike.

After finishing the ride on our sister CBR 1.000 RR, the 600cc CBR was tested on the Qatar racetrack. 600 to 1.000 cubes. And in general, there is no such big difference! As for the seat-pedal-handlebar triangle, the position is very similar, even the biggest change is felt between the legs as the aluminum frame and fuel tank are wider on the more powerful bike. And, of course, right during the maneuver, it seems that a two-wheeled car with a liter engine is heavier.

Then - gas. Wow, there is a noticeable difference. Even at medium speeds, the engine pulls so devilishly that on the first laps, except in airplanes, I don't even change the four-cylinder engine to the red box. It wasn't until later that I realized that the new Bridgestone BT 003 holds up well enough that cornering acceleration isn't nonsense, that you just need to have the right amount of intelligence on the right and the rear wheel doesn't slip.

The brakes have toxic adhesion and can operate for a long time without any Combined ABS operation. But there is no panic, even when we are too brave at a speed of 270 km / h, since the electronics very well calm the motorcycle and make sure that the wheels do not lock and the driver does not fly over the steering wheel. In case of exaggeration (such as in the case of convulsive braking), the rear wheel is momentarily lifted off the ground, but after a moment the Fireblade calms down and provides a safe deceleration.

There is enough power, we probably agree with that. Especially with sports exhaust and electronics, where the RR achieves the most uniform power and torque curve in its class (which you can check at www.akrapovic.net).

And now, thanks to the electronically controlled brakes, they have further enhanced the safety of this two-wheeled projectile. When asked if they would introduce anti-slip controls anytime soon, they responded at a press conference that they would not be very soon. Do you believe them?

Honda CBR 1000 RR Fire Blade

engine: four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 999cc? , electronic fuel injection? 46 mm, 4 valves per cylinder.

Maximum power: 131 kW (178 KM) at 12.000/min.

Maximum torque: 112 Nm @ 8.500 rpm

Energy transfer: six-speed transmission, chain.

Frame: aluminum.

brakes: two coils ahead? 320mm, 220-rod radial jaws, rear disc? XNUMX mm, single piston caliper.

Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork? 43mm, 120mm travel, rear adjustable single shock, 135mm travel.

Tires: 120/70-17, 190/50-17.

Seat height from ground: 820 mm.

Fuel tank: 17, 7 l.

Wheelbase: 1.410 mm.

Weight: 199 kg (210 kg with ABS).

Representative: Motocentr AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, Trzin, 01/562 33 33, www.honda-as.com

First impression

Appearance 4/5

It doesn't deserve an A because some are still not impressed by the very specific lines today, over a year after the presentation. Honda is very beautiful in HRC color or full racing armor with no lights.

Motor 5/5

Very durable and flexible, it perfectly complements your bike ride. Honda's advantage over the competition is that, despite its agile handling, it remains calm during hard acceleration around corners, thanks in part to the electronic steering damper.

Comfort 2/5

It only has three and a half inches in the crotch than its 600 cubic foot sister, so long-legged drivers tarnish in cramped workplaces. The seat, fuel tank and handlebars provide good contact with the machine. That mass-produced supercars are no longer touring motorcycles, but you understand, right?

Price 3/5

For the price, the Honda takes the place we're used to in the company of similar people - it's a little more expensive than the Kawasaki and Suzuki, and a few hundred euros cheaper than this year's new R1. However, the price of an anti-lock braking system is quite high.

First class 5/5

With a great engine, light ride and great brakes, it's hard to judge him worse than a five. She's unfamiliar with the fact that this is a one-year-old car, and the option to buy ABS is also to be commended. Just kindly ask - in any case, do not buy such a car to find the limits of physics on the road. Only in price: in second gear it accelerates to 200 km / h ...

Matevž Hribar, photo: Honda