First introduced overseas in 1992 (and in the U.S. shortly thereafter), Honda's largest CBR has continuously reset expectations of what an open-class sport bike should be, with a holistic "Total Control" design approach that focuses on cornering, acceleration and braking. That practice is taken to the next level with the 25th anniversary CBR1000RR, which has a 14% better power-to-weight ratio thanks to a weight reduction of 33 lbs. and a 10 horsepower increase. Fully loaded with a cutting-edge electronics package, the CBR1000RR is underpinned by the "Next Stage Total Control" concept, with nimble handling and amazing acceleration.
Engine/Drivetrain
- Valve lift and timing have been optimized for higher engine speeds, with the maximum raised fro 12,250 to 13,000 rpm.
- Thickness of different areas of pistons optimized, retaining same weight while increasing compression ratio from 12.3:1 to 13.0:1.
- A new air-intake duct and air box with reduced air resistance, with a throttle-body bore that is up 2mm to 48mm. Fuel-discharge pressure is up 14%, promoting fuel atomization and raising combustion efficiency, while throttle response is improved by intake funnels with a slash-cut design.
- Magnesium construction of the oil pan and ignition cover contribute to a 4.4 lb. reduction in engine weight.
- Assist force in the slipper clutch has been increased, resulting in a 17% lower clutch-spring load. Die-cast aluminum assist cams (transmitting & receiving) reduce weight, while optimized clearance between the cams improve clutch-lever feel.
- Derived from the RC213V-S, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) measures front and rear wheel speeds and body roll angle, and also uses attitude-detection technology developed for ASIMO.
- Wheelie behavior is electronically mitigated during acceleration; based on wheel speeds, the ECU decreases the throttle-valve opening to reduce torque.
- The slip rate of the rear wheel is restrained during cornering and acceleration; torque is controlled based on vehicle roll angle, such as when turning, contributing to a sense of security during the riding experience.
- The rider can choose how strongly the engine brake is applied when the throttle is closed during deceleration; three levels of adjustability are available, depending on rider preference.
- A quick shifter allows shifting up or down without use of the throttle or clutch; the driving load on gears is reduced during shifting, simplifying the rider's shifting process on the track, on winding roads or in traffic. For both upshifting and downshifting, feel can be adjusted between three levels.
- Adapted from the RC213V-S, the throttle-by-wire system (a first on a straight-four Honda) features a built-in Accelerator Position Sensor and improves response and rideability.
- A first on a Honda, the full-color thin-film-transistor liquid crystal meter features Street, Circuit and Mechanic displays and is designed to be less intrusive for the rider.
- A five-level Power Selector enables on-the-fly adjustment of riding modes, HSTC and suspension electronics, adapting the machine to changing conditions.
- The lithium-ion battery is one-half the weight of the previous, lead-acid battery. Service life is improved, and the central mounting location helps improve mass centralization.
Chassis/Suspension
- Portions of frame walls have been thinned down to reduce weight by 300 grams while maintaining appropriate flexibility.
- Redesigned die-cast aluminum subframe is 800 grams lighter.
- Swingarm section thicknesses have been adjusted resulting in weight reduction of 300 grams lighter and an increase in torsional rigidity.
- Wheels have five Y-spokes instead of six for improved aerodynamic stability, while thickness has been reduced to cut weight by approximately 100 grams.
- Radiator has a new high-density core that achieves same level of heat dissipation while reducing width by 30mm and weight by approximately 100 grams overall.
- Minimalist, aggressive, aerodynamic design reduces widths at front of fairings; top fairing is 24mm narrow and middle fairing is 18mm narrower.
- Showa 43mm large-volume BPF inverted fork and Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock.
- Highly rigid Tokico four-piston opposed radial-mounted front-brake calipers with high-friction brake pads provide strong stopping power.
- Available in standard and ABS versions.
- Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
- Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
