HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP (2014 - 2017) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 178 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (439 lbs / 199 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesHonda has given Fireblade fans a reason to smile. With its classy Öhlins suspension, Brembo monobloc brakes, blueprinted engine and drop-dead gorgeous HRC paintjob, the SP is the most desirable Blade in its 21-year history. With its improved handling, braking performance and grip, the SP is destined to be a faster-lapping, easier-to-handle track day bike than any previous model. And all the sexy bits make it a far better road bike, too, thanks to its smoother engine, plusher suspension, stronger brakes and taller double-bubble screen.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineSome of the changes to the 2014 Blade models are so minor you would be hard pushed to notice them back-to-back, but the SP gives you so much more confidence and feel through the rear tyre when you are at full lean. When you are flying along, wide-eyed and pumped full of adrenalin, you really notice the things that make the SP special: the new suspension, brakes, tyres and a bigger screen to hide behind down the straights. The 2013 Blade was always a nicely balanced, easy-to-ride superbike – with the SP there is all this and more.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe standard old Blade’s engine is a little gruff, so at low speeds you really notice the beautiful smoothness of the SP’s blueprinted motor. Then there’s the engine’s easy grunt, flexibility, the typically glassy-smooth Honda throttle response and the way the Blade SP rolls obediently into corners with the lightest touch on the wider, lower, bars. Did I miss the lack of rider aids? Unless you have the talent of a top racer you are never going to get the Blade to misbehave and you never miss not having electronic aids, although a quickshifter would be nice…
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe Blade is extremely well built with an almost faultless reliability record.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Blade SP is more expensive than the S1000RR and RSV4 R, but on a par with the MV F4R and cheaper than a basic Panigale.
Equipment
Lacking and electronic aids such as traction control or fuel modes, but it does have Öhlins suspension.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 999cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 16v inline four |
| Frame type | Aluminium perimeter |
| Fuel capacity | 17.7 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 199kg |
| Front suspension | Öhlins 55mm inverted forks, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Öhlins fully adjustable rear shock |
| Front brake | 2x320mm discs. Brembo four-piston radial monobloc calipers |
| Rear brake | 1x220mm disc, Nissin single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/50ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 42 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £7,000 - £13,400 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 178 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 84 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 186 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 130 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2014: Model introduced
Other versions
ABS costs £600 more while the basic Fireblade is £11,999 or £12,599 with ABS.
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: My standard Blade SP's too loud. How weird is that?
Talk about a slow burner. As the miles slip by, this Blade SP inexorably grows bigger in my life – to the point where my attitude towards it has progressed from one of indifference and Guy Martin and John McGuinness-fuelled suspicion to one of desire. But, as you may have heard, there is a prob…
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP (2014 - 2017)
5 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP (2014 - 2017) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP (2014 - 2017)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
Year: 2017
Oh yes. Light, fast, good looking, brakes are great, engine pulls all the way from 1st gear, handles like a 600.
Tank refills
Pulls in every gear, awesome. My 5th blade.
Honda built, Honda reliable.
Controls are all great, you just need 2 weeks to read the manual. First thing to change is the exhaust.
Buying experience: Dealer, Victor Devine, Glasgow.
Year: 2017
Had the KTM 690 Duke, we won’t talk about that! Then the Daytona 675. But the Blade is a different level. You have to get one!
Smooth and effortless
Mmmm the sound.
Phenomenal
Unknown as only done minimal miles. This weather! Had it new in November
Quick shifter is a must Slide control really does work
Buying experience: Sutton Motorcycles at Bromsgrove were fantastic. Steve Woods is helpful and not the usual pressure sales type. Would and will be back there. Thanks Steve, what a bloke. What a bike...
Year: 2017
Incredible sports bike. From the engine to the build quality, Honda have nailed this new Fireblade. As a road bike it's comfortable, plenty fast enough and has a great interface.
I still need to set the suspension up properly
Lovely smooth power delivery and a raspy engine note, sounds great under load.
Not a cheap bike but looks like it will last a long time
Excellent Bike for the money. Very smooth riding bike, and handles much better than the standard CBR. Leans nicely in the turns, and makes me look like a better rider than I am. I was somewhat disappointed in the suspension and brakes - better than stock, but I was hoping for a full track suspension. The Ohlins is a reworked road and track version and is not height adjustable. I like the bike, and it is worth every penny. The extra cost is well worth it. I am getting it track ready. HRC ECU, change out air filter and exhaust, Power Commander, quick shift, dyno tune. Swap shifter. Swap handles for a better look. swap out stock Ohlins with track Ohlins, swap brakes. Change Chain and sprockets. My builder (Jett Tuning) states the bike will produce 175 at the rear wheels when running race fuel, 170 on premium gas, with an upper rpm limit of 14,500.
Early days to comment on reliability but Quality is usual Honda high standard and I expect reliability will be same. Gorgeous looking and fantastic ride and with limited numbers should hold value well.
