CB1000RR-R Fireblade

The original 1992 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade created a revolution in open class Super Sport motorcycle design. Its combination of big-hitting litre-bike power and light, middleweight-size chassis created a breathtaking - yet very useable - riding experience on open road or closed circuit. From 2004 to date the CBR1000RR's story is one of constant evolution and development. Honda's 'Total Control' concept - a design philosophy running continuously through every single model - has resulted in a motorcycle in total balance, combining exceptional performance and handling with a satisfying ability to extract the very best from every rider. For 2014 it is once again evolution for the CBR1000RR - with an additional, new direction.

Its 999.8cc, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine's has received extensive work, with Honda's engineers focusing on the cylinder head - re-shaping the inlet and exhaust ports and polishing the combustion chambers 'gas-flow' to improve efficiency. This has effectively improved both the quality and quantity of airflow at high rpm when air resistance becomes much greater; increasing combustion efficiency and outright power.

The valve seats have also been revised to match the cylinder head work and the intake funnels are now 'slash cut', a design used in WSB. The engine now makes more power and revs higher, and harder for longer. Peak power of 133kW - up 2kW - arrives at 12,250rpm; torque is improved in the 4-6,000rpm area peaking with 114Nm delivered at 10,500rpm. As ever, the all-round usability of such a potent engine - especially throttle control at partial openings - has been a principal factor for Honda's engineers.

Key is the Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection system (PGM-DSFI). Remapped to match the revised cylinder head and updated power and torque output, PGM-DSFI delivers precise fuelling and an accessible power delivery, especially at low speeds and low rpm, where response is particularly refined, predictable and progressive. The MotoGP-derived slipper clutch ensures full power transmission together with ultra-smooth gear shifting and light feel at the lever. In the critical hard braking, back-shifting corner-entry phase it decreases the torque passed from engine to the rear wheel, reducing the chance of traction loss and increasing stability. The aluminium gull-wing swingarm is deliberately long. It operates through MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link rear suspension to deliver outstanding traction and rider feedback.

In response to customer feedback, the 2014 CBR1000RR riding position has been made more aggressive. The foot pegs are set 10mm further back, and the handlebars made wider, and brought 1 degree lower and 5 degrees forward compared to the previous model. A new compact car-style 'wave' design ignition key offers improved security and greatly reduces the chance of breakage.

Also new is the fuel tank cap - it uses an improved breather design for better venting. The CBR1000RR uses multi-function LCD instrumentation with a cockpit display dominated by the digital bar-type linear tachometer that scrolls left to right as engine speed increases. Beneath this are the main numerical readouts: gear position, coolant temperature, speedometer, clock/lap time, trip/fuel efficiency/fuel consumption and odometer/numerical tachometer. At the bottom of the display are lights for headlight high beam, neutral and indicators. Honda's high-performance electronically-controlled Combined Anti-lock Brake System (electronic Combined ABS) is an option on the CBR1000RR.