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Honda Fireblade ABS is a success

Video: ABS Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade gets MCN thumbs-up

By Michael Neeves -

First rides & tests

16 December 2008 14:04

Honda recently launched their new-for-2009 ABS equipped Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade in Qatar - and our verdict is the system works.

The electronically-controlled ‘brake-by-wire’ system on the new Fireblade is revolutionary, totally unique on a motorcycle and very, very clever. It will save your skin in an emergency and give maximum braking power and complete stability for anyone, whenever you need it.

Watch Michael Neeves' video explanation of how the Fireblade ABS works

Most importantly it won’t detract from the pant-wetting experience that riding a 180mph superbike gives you.

For more and full technical details, check out the December 17 edition of MCN, on sale now.

Zoom & Watch more videos on MCN | TV

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brianhevans says

190/50 rear tire

Any idea why Honda is still using the 190/50 tire. If I got this bike I would want to switch to a 190/55 tire. Any idea if this will interfere with the new C-ABS system? Did you use a different tire on track at Qatar?

19 December 2008 15:52

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Neevesysays

Don't worry...

...The Blade's Combined ABS system only works in an emergency situation. For normal riding, including blasting around the track at Qatar, the C-ABS Blade feels just the same as a standard bike. There's the same feel on the brakes approaching the corner, and you can still trail brake in and feel what the tyres are doing, if that's what you want to do. Believe me, I would be the first person to flag it up if the C-ABS system got in the way, as I love riding on the track.

The whole explaination of how it works and what it feels like to ride is in this week's MCN. This isn't Honda trying to take awway our fun, far from it. This is what's called having your cake and eating it.

Michael Neeves, Road Tester, MCN

18 December 2008 12:20

hawk66 says

Missed the point

I think you have completely missed the point... I don't think it behaves like the old system at all spondonste. I read that you can trail the rear brake normally, and apply the front normally and it will behave like a normal bike. I think its only when the wheels start to lock that the electronic brain takes over to get you out of the shit. If im wrong, then fair enough but if im right this might just be a life saver that can't be ignored. Im sitting on the fence untill we get more info...

18 December 2008 10:48

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spondonstesays

Not for me thanks

Its not just an ABS system but a combined ABS system which takes away from the rider the ability to use only the front or rear brake. If you use the rear brake going in to a corner then the system will apply the front brakes aswell irrespective of wether the rider wanted that or not. Of course Honda will claim that it improves safety but the combined system removes functionality from the standard set up for what I can see is no real discrenable benefit. if Honda continue to use combined braking systems on their range then all they're doing is ensuring that I won't be a customer of theirs in the future. Honda appear to have so little respect for the ability of its customers that it assumes they can't pull a lever AND press on a pedal at the same time.

17 December 2008 12:25

ahg196 says

Is it switchable

Very nice ABS system, does anyone know whether or not the ABS can be switched off. It might be nice to have the option to ride it normally in summer and oin track, and to switch on the ABS is wet slimy winter weather?

Andy

17 December 2008 12:13

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Video: ABS Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade gets MCN thumbs-up

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