First Ride: Honda Fireblade SP

I’m currently at the launch of the new Honda Fireblade SP at the Losail circuit in Qatar.

The standard Fireblade has been updated for 2014 with engine and riding position tweaks, but Honda are offering an SP version for the first time, which includes a 178bhp blueprinted motor, Ohlins NIX30 forks and TTX rear shock, Brembo monobloc four-piston calipers, Pirelli Super Corsa SP rubber, a lighter subframe, double-bubble screen, a single seat and an HRC paint job.

All that excitement will cost £14,999 (£15,599 for ABS version) when it hits in dealers in January.

Read my track test report on Wednesday in the bumper Christmas edition of MCN