The Blade is back: New Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is the sharpest yet

The 2024 race-spec CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is taking what Honda calls ‘a huge step forward’ in performance, specification – and even styling – in a renewed bid to produce the superbike capable of winning races straight out of the box.

The homologation special – which will be the only version of the legendary Honda superbike brought into the UK next year – was already the most explosive, exotic and extreme Fireblade ever, after being completely redesigned in 2020. It was then updated in 2022 to give 215bhp, tiny proportions and phenomenal, track-focussed equipment.

But now, with that bike still conspicuously failing to match the latest Ducati, Yamaha and Kawasaki efforts in world and domestic racing, it’s all change once again with even more input from HRC and their MotoGP RCV racer.

Revised engine

Although the new SP is based on the old version and peak power and torque are unchanged at 215bhp and 83lbft, Honda says the 999cc power unit is, internally, virtually all-new to improve delivery throughout the range and corner exit acceleration.

In addition, the frame is uprated and now uses a swingarm based on the RC213V-S. It also becomes the first bike to use the new, third generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control suspension, and braking is taken care of by new Brembo Stylema R four-piston calipers. This is coupled with a redesigned fairing mid-section has new winglets to improve braking stability and deliver consistent front-end grip.

Roomier ride

Road (and track) riders may also be pleased to learn the SP’s formerly extreme riding position has also been changed with the bars now higher and footpegs lower than before – making it easier to move around the bike and (with any luck) encourage a few more on-road sales.

The engine changes are comprehensive and influenced heavily by MotoGP. Compression has been raised from 13.4:1 to 13.6:1, the intake ports adjusted, and valve timing altered in conjunction with lighter valves and new valve springs. 

There’s a lighter crank and lighter titanium con rods. Friction is reduced via DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings on the cam lobes and big end surfaces while pistons are now forged from A2618 aluminium, like the exotic RCV213V-S. 

There’s also a new larger and quieter (but lighter) Akrapovič titanium exhaust, a new ‘two-motor’ ride by wire throttle and the gear ratios have also been shortened to improve acceleration. The electronics are essentially unchanged but all settings have been revised according to the revised performance delivery.

Carbon special

Elsewhere, the third generation Öhlins suspension employs 43mm NPX forks and a TTX36 rear shock and there’s a new digital spring preload guide on the dash. While the brakes feature new Cornering ABS with three modes – Standard, Track or Race.

But most exotic and possibly exciting innovation of all might be the additional introduction of a new Fireblade SP Carbon Edition.

Limited to just 300 units all with a commemorative plaque on the airbox cover, it gets a carbon fibre front mudguard, three-part fairing including winglets plus mudguard cover all of which may only reduce its weight by 1kg but surely make it the most desirable Fireblade ever.

RCV internals Although peak power and torque are unchanged, huge revisions to the engine internals, many derived from the RCV213V-S improve performance throughout the rev range. These include new increased compression, new pistons, lighter crank and now titanium rods and the use of low friction DLC (Diamond Like Coating) 

New suspension The new SP uses the new third generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control suspension system which comprises 43mm NPX forks and a TTX36 rear shock. A further new addition is a new digital spring preload display on the five inch TFT dash. The swingarm is now based on that of the MotoGP-alike RC213V-S.

Improved brakes Although the SP’s massive 330m front discs are unchanged, they’re now gripped by Brembo’s latest Stylema R radially mounted four-piston calipers. There is also uprated Cornering ABS which now has three modes – Standard, Track or Race – while the rear caliper is now also the Brembo item from the RC213V-S.

Extra ‘aero’ A new mid-section fairing houses re-shaped, more forward-set winglets claimed to improve aero performance while a new lower fairing extends closer to the rear tyre and has an aerodynamic step to reduce airflow around the tyre. The fuel tank cover has also been reshaped while fuel capacity has been increased by 0.4litres.

And a carbon version, too! A special CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Carbon Edition is also being offered which is limited to just 300 units and will feature a commemorative plaque as well as having a carbon fibre front mudguard, three-part fairing including winglets plus mudguard cover which together reduce overall weight by 1kg.