CBR1000RR - Introduction

In November 1991, the CBR900RR, nicknamed "FireBlade," made its spectacular debut at the Esposizone Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori (EICMA) in Milan, Italy. At that time, the mainstream focus of development for sports bikes had been greater engine capacity and power output; these targets were being achieved through increased rigidity of the frame and suspension, resulting in consequent increases in weight to around 250kg. While the overall dynamic performance of such machines was widely acknowledged, the "fun of riding" that constituted the essence of sports machines was being lost. The CBR900RR went against this trend: under the development concept of "the most lightweight super sports bike, allowing riders to experience the joy of riding to the full," with the CBR900RR Honda committed itself to a comprehensive improvement in performance, and opened up new ground in the world of true super sports bikes to offer a machine with both nimble handling and a new kind of dynamic performance.

Later CBR900RR models also continued to inherit this basic concept. The chassis has always remained lightweight and compact, while engine displacement increased from 893cc to 918cc and then 929cc. The design and technological features were also repeatedly matured. Eventually, in 2002, a machine with engine displacement of 954cc was created that maintained the tradition of excellent dynamic performance and nimble handling, while boasting the best power-to-weight ratio available. At the same time, the latest incarnation of the machine met Japanese noise and exhaust emission standards which were the most stringent in the world.

In 2004, in line with changes to World Superbike Championship regulations, the CBR1000RR was launched. With engine displacement increased to 998cc, the successor to the CBR900RR was developed under the concept of "the strongest RR model, crystallising Honda's racing DNA". The machine was a truly high level fusion of the riding, cornering and braking performance.

Honda held nothing back in taking advantage of the cutting-edge technology of the RC211V, a machine that took the championship two years in a row, in 2002 and 2003, in the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing, the MotoGP Road Racing World Championship. Technological advancements were numerous: Unit Pro-Link suspension system offered excellent road-holding performance; new fairings gave better aerodynamic performance; the centre-up exhaust system, with the centrally-placed muffler, contributed significantly to the machine's side-to-side balance of weight; the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) adopted for the first time in the world in a commercial bike was yet another step forward. As a result, the CBR1000RR, the true embodiment of Honda's racing DNA, was acclaimed by customers seeking advanced technology and even greater performance.

In 2006, against the background of the early introduction in Europe of the Euro 3 emission standards, while not changing the basic engine specifications, Honda revised the compression ratio, optimized the cylinder head inlet and exhaust shapes, and perfected valve timing to improve engine performance. At the same time, a review of the body dimensions and extensive reductions in weight lead to even greater improvements in running performance for the latest version of the machine.

Under the styling concept of "tight, aggressive, clear-cut design," the 2006 model also offered a completely new appearance, particularly for the front fairing. The significant reduction in size of many external parts compared to the 2004 model contributed to weight reduction and better handling. The overall effect was one of sharp and dynamic styling brimming with a lightweight feel.

Then in 2008, Honda carried out a full model change with the concept of "All the Best in SS." Aiming for "fun to ride", "exciting and friendly" and "lightest in class and best power-to-weight ratio," the peak engine rpm was increased and the compression ratio was altered to a higher compression, among other improvements. Cylinder bore pitch was reduced to a minimum, and thorough weight and size reductions were carried out for all parts, including the cylinder heads and the upper and lower crankcases. For the clutch mechanism, the assist slipper clutch of the RC211V MotoGP machine was newly adopted to allow smooth downshifting from high speeds and low-load clutch operation to ease rider fatigue. Compact dimensions were also set for the complete machine with consideration given to engine placement, and Honda also focused on the pursuit of a more compact form. lighter weight and more centralisation of mass through a thorough review of all parts including the adoption of a mid-muffler and a new, smaller and lighter HESD. The overall result was a high-level fusion of agile handling and outstanding stability which offered the similar kind of riding performance to a 600cc bike.

New styling also contributed to the pursuit of ultimate performance. The latest model was extremely compact, with such features as a shortened nose for the upper cowl and a slimmed rear to minimize the cross-sectional area.

Furthermore, in 2008, Honda also originated its electronically controlled "Combined ABS", the world's first for a super sports bike, developed taking advantage of a combined brake system (CBS) and ABS technology. From the 2009 model onward, the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR have both offered this feature. Distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels during braking allows for finer control, earning rave reviews from super sports bike loving riders all over the world.

In this way, ever since the machine's launch in 1992, successive CBR-RR generations have constantly evolved to actively incorporate new safety features and cutting-edge technologies, while staying true to the initial concept of "the most lightweight super sports bike, allowing riders to experience the joy of riding to the full". The strong support of riders worldwide has allowed the CBR brand to flourish.

The 2012 CBR1000RR aims for superior handling and greater rideability through the strengthening of suspension and other underbody components, and the styling is upgraded for an even more aggressive look. Full LCD meters, gear position indicator and lap timer are also incorporated to enhance its attractive features.

Thanks to these features, this is a model allowing all super sports bike lovers, including the most experienced, to savour the joy of owning the CBR1000RR, while at the same time feeling more fun in sporty riding and more joy of riding than ever before, whether it be on winding roads or at a circuit.

Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Motorcycle R&D Center
CBR1000RR Large Development Project Leader
HIROFUMI FUKUNAGA

CBR1000RR - Development concept

The CBR1000RR has continued to offer "total control" performance for a period of twenty years; its mission has been to emphasize "ease of handling" among the many fun attributes of riding a super sports bike.

In developing this new CBR1000RR, deep discussion among the development team resulted in the following requirements being identified in order to increase the fun of riding and ease of handling:

(1) Evolution of the fun of sport riding and ease of handling
Changes made to the front and rear suspensions and the wheels, which contribute significantly to manoeuverability offer improved stability under braking, increased traction performance when pulling away, and enhanced ease of handling for sport riding. A review of the fuel injection settings also offers improvements in throttle handling when pulling away.

(2) Even more aggressive styling for Honda's super sports flagship model
The styling expresses a sense of speed and dynamic action, that allows people to imagine sporty riding performance at a glance.

(3) Full array of equipment to enjoy sport riding
Full LCD meters are adopted for a variety of functions, to further improve the user-friendliness of circuit riding.

With these requirements in mind, Honda aimed for a model change befitting the CBR1000RR Fireblade's twentieth anniversary, for a series that our customers have supported and that has layered advancement on advancement, actively adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Motorcycle R&D Center
CBR1000RR Development Project Leader
YUZURU ISHIKAWA

CBR1000RR - Suspension

In keeping with the overall aim of improved handling, and with the aim of achieving unprecedented levels of riding stability for its class, changes have been made to specifications such as the damping force characteristics for the front and rear suspension. The result is both even smoother operability and a feeling of effective responsiveness, that underpins improvements in basic riding performance.

• Rear suspension

The rear suspension continues to use the same Unit Pro-Link suspension system as previous models, which offers excellent road holding capabilities. In addition, the world's first balance-free rear cushion (Balance Free Rear Cushion, made by Showa) has been adopted, and its performance maximized through optimal combination with the unique Unit Pro-Link suspension. (Patent pending).

As a result, the new CBR1000RR sees significantly improved stability in both damping force and shock-absorbing performance, leading to improved traction. The appearance also contributes to the advanced look of the 2012 machine.

Compared with the conventional single-tube structure, the Balance Free Rear Cushion adopted for this machine uses a double-tube structure (damper case and cylinder). The valve-less piston slides inside the cylinder, and the oil pushed out passes through a purpose-built separate component to generate damping force.

In a conventional structure, the compression-side damping force is generated in two places with the main and sub damping valves, but elimination of the sub valve and concentration in one place allows pressure changes within the cushion to be controlled even more smoothly. And because there is no small amount of oil being used at high pressures, damping force response is improved and damping force can function smoothly during load input. Moreover, damping force can be generated smoothly when switching from tension to compression due to smooth pressure changes.

With this system, traction and road holding performance is significantly increased.

• Front suspension

For the front suspension, the new CBR1000RR features a telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a big piston front fork (Big Piston Front Fork, made by Showa) is newly adopted. The pressure-receiving area is larger than in the previous specifications, and to generate damping force at low internal pressures, transient characteristics are improved by damping force through such means as smooth operation and reduction of play at the start of the stroke. Combining this with the new rear cushion allows for even greater excellence in handling characteristics and stability during braking.

CBR1000RR - Wheels

• Wheels

A new design, 12-spoke, lightweight aluminum cast wheel was adopted for both the front and rear. Compared with the conventional model, due to the increased number of spokes, rigidity has been further evened out for load received in all directions from the tyre contact points. This change and the changes to the suspension offer improved manoeuvring feel.

CBR1000RR - Design

Based on key phrases such as "compact, lightweight, mass concentration" that have been notable features of successive generations of CBR-RR, themes of "speed" and "dynamic" have been increasingly integrated to further highlight the machine's racing image.

These qualities of "speed" and "dynamism" have been highlighted further by the use of a wedge-shaped theme and sharp character lines at the front of the bike. With a line-beam headlight and air intake shapes adding even greater sharpness, the new CBR1000RR offers a novel and intrepid front face.

Styling concept

DYNAMIC SPEED SHAPE

• Front cowl

Introducing wind to cool the engine and perform highly-efficient air management, the side cowl and lower cowl that constitute the front cowl have an intricately worked surface shape to allow truly nimble handling. (Patent pending)

As a power accent on the simple cowl design, the vertical slit inherited from its predecessors built into the side cowl gives a feeling of tension in the overall styling. And the chin spoiler formed as a single unit on the front cowl allows exquisite airflow control, to improve handling even further. (Patent pending)

• Rear cowl

The rear cowl has an extremely distinctive overhang to the right and left, offering up a sporty rear view.

• Cover

For the cover, the lines moving from the sides to the top on the left and right are emphasized, making edges more effective for a sharp feel.

• Wheel design

Both the front and rear wheels adopt a new design, 12-spoke, lightweight aluminum cast wheel, for a novel design that promises superb handling.

• Meter design

Along with adopting full LCD screens offering excellent visibility, the meters have higher functionality from the addition of features like a gear position indicator and a lap timer, for a truly race-inspired image. Moreover, with a 5-level display, the REV indicator linked to a digital tachometer instantly transmits accurate information to the rider.

CBR1000RR - Meters

Along with a design aiming for a linear display with the LCD, the new tachometer allows riders to change the display to their own preference.

• Tachometer Display Modes

May select from four different tachometer display modes.

• Numerical Tachometer Display

The odometer may be switched to display engine RPM numerically.

CBR1000RR - Meters

To increase the ser-friendliness of circuit riding, a lap timer has been added. A useful display feature for riding on a circuit, the lap timer allows display of fuel consumption, distance traveled and running time.

• Lap Timer

- Lap Time Measurement Mode

May select from four display modes during lap time measurement.

Lap timer operation

Start/Stop: SET button
Lap input: Starter switch

- Lap Time Recall Mode

Displays the stored lap data as well as the fastest lap time and its lap number.

Stored data

Lap time: Up to 99 laps (up to 59:59.99 for each lap)
Fuel consumption: Up to 99.9 L/gal
Traveled distance: Up to 999.9 km/mile
Total elapsed time: Up to 99Hr59:59.99

The shift indicator has a 5-level display, with significantly improved visibility for the rider during circuit riding.

Shift Indicator

White LEDs illuminate sequentially and finally blink at preset rpm(Blinking RPM).

The Blinking RPM can be set between 4000 to 13000 rpm.

The Interval RPM can be set at either 0, 200, or 400 rpm.

Default settings:

Blinking RPM: 13000 r/min
Interval RPM: 200 r/min

CBR1000RR - Handling/Brakes

<Handling>

• Big Piston Front Fork

Recently, for super sports bikes, with improvements in engine performance, tyre performance and brake effectiveness, there is a tendency for the front fork to dive. Stabilizing performance has been difficult, making improvements to damping function necessary. By adopting Big Piston Front Fork here, the new CBR1000RR features improved damping force transient characteristics due to the increased pressure-receiving area from the larger piston diameter. Front fork movement is stable, with stability particularly improved during braking, and because damping force is generated properly from low speeds without a delay, the machine brings together both high-level stability during full braking and improved ride feel. As a result, the CBR1000RR realizes improved ride feel during riding on general roads, along with improved stability and road-holding feel during braking in situations pushing the bike to its limits, such as circuit riding. And with damping adjustment functions for the tension/compression side concentrated in the upper area of the front fork, the ease of setting is also improved.

• Balance Free Rear Cushion

Increasing the piston pressure-receiving area and fixing the pressure balance has stabilized damping force even when the number of strokes is small and resulted in a high-level balance of responsiveness, ride feel and road-holding feel (traction performance). As a result, the new CBR1000RR achieves stable traction performance that allows riders to take corners with real confidence.

Furthermore, as with the front fork, with damping adjustment functions for the tension/compression side concentrated in one place in the upper area, setting ease has also been improved.

• Brakes

As in the previous machine, the CBR1000RR brake system is set with the standard type and the electronically controlled "Combined ABS". In the front, as before, the machine is equipped with a combination of a 320 mm-diameter double disc and 4-piston opposing calipers. The calipers are radial-mount, lightweight and highly rigid monoblock type, with lightweight aluminum material adopted for the piston. And although the disc diameter is large, setting the number of floating pins to six allows for reduced weight. As a result, along with realizing direct responsiveness, the machine achieves nimble handling.

Furthermore, the rear, as in the previous model, features a 220 mm-diameter disc and compact, lightweight single-piston calipers.

• Electronically controlled "Combined ABS"

The new CBR1000RR also features the world's first electronically controlled "Combined ABS" for super sports bikes, developed by Honda in 2008 and loaded on the 2009 model, garnering rave reviews from super sports bike-loving riders all over the world.

By having both the conventional mechanically-controlled combined brake system (CBS) and the combined electronically controlled anti-lock brake system (ABS), this advanced braking system allows for even finer control of braking force distribution to the front and rear wheels during braking, and offers the rider an even higher level of controllability, without sacrificing the superior performance possible only with a super sports model.

Changing the settings this time has further increased the machine's ease of handling.

• Improved pedal controllability

Modified front braking force distribution characteristics when applying rear brake to a setting more appropriate or sports riding.

CBR1000RR - Power unit

• Engine

The lightweight and compact, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine features 76mm bore, a short stroke of 55.1mm and a total displacement of 999cm3.

Furthermore, as with the previous model, the cylinder surface is treated with a nickel-silicon carbide (Ni-SiC), ensuring strength and reliability even in extreme regions. And along with remarkable output characteristics, the engine is extremely lightweight.

In addition to adopting from the previous model the Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI), cultivated by racing technology, the engine also features a supported material with high adsorbability for the catalyzer in the exhaust pipe and muffler, for a high-output engine with cleaner exhaust emissions.

\*Conventional specifications are used in Japan.

• Assist slipper clutch

The new CBR1000RR is fitted with an assist slipper clutch with the same specifications as its predecessor, of the same type as that loaded in the RC212V, making smooth engagement possible. By assisting with clutch capacity at times when even greater transmission capacity is needed for the clutch such as when accelerating, the assist slipper clutch allows smoother shifting and even lighter clutch operation with no need for a powerful clutch spring. In those instances when excessive back torque from engine braking is generated such as when decelerating, this back torque is reduced, contributing to a decrease in the burden on the rider.

• Rideability

To make a super sports model that is even easier to handle for even more fun sports riding, the PGM-DSFI settings were revisited. Specifically, when the throttle starts to open from fully closed in roads conditions such as when riding on winding roads, cornering at low speeds or riding on steep banks, the settings were changed for even greater road-holding feel for the rear tyre.

Thanks to extensive analysis of real situations, the new CBR1000RR achieves particular controllability at a throttle opening angle of one-quarter or less. Changes in output for different throttle openings have been precisely adjusted, resulting in refined output characteristics and improved throttle operation.

Moreover, for traction performance, changes in output have been set very small in the early stages of throttle operation, and to gradually grow larger when opening the throttle further.

As a result, the engine is able to respond to the rider's intentions, realizing easy maneuverability and linear acceleration performance in a variety of conditions.

CBR1000RR - Frame

• Frame

For the frame, as in the previous model, a compact 4-piece type, aluminum die-cast frame is adopted, achieving both high rigidity and a slim body. Front and rear suspension that offer more stable damping force, wheels with reassessed rigidity, and a new cowl design mean the new CBR1000RR frame offers nimble handling with quick and superior responsiveness.

CBR1000RR - Other Equipment

• Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD)

Like its predecessor, the new CBR1000RR is equipped with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), a compact and lightweight, electronically-controlled hydraulic steering damper. With sensors detecting vehicle speed and throttle opening angle, calculations being performed in the ECU to control damping force characteristics of the damper, the HESD allows nimble handling during low speed riding, while at high speeds, it suppresses disturbance from the road surface and keeps shimmy in check, to offer strong and stable handling.

CBR1000RR - Accessories - Europe

Accessories

Setting a newly designed high windscreen (European WVTA certification obtained) has amplified the sporty and dynamic styling. And riders can store the U-lock with one-key locking under the pillion seat.

As with the previous model, a single seat cover, PP hugger (STD only) and indoor cycle cover have also been prepared.

CBR1000RR - Patents

Patent Technology Offering Aggressive Design and Easy to Ride.
\*Four advanced patent technologies have been introduced into the new CBR1000RR.
\*Four patents pending (not published)

1. Chin spoiler
The chin spoiler was formed on the front cowl.
With the airflow, the spoiler allows excellent front load control, offering great handling with air management.

2. Layer cowl
This cowl has a new layered configuration of an outer cowl with a wide open slit and a rigid inner cowl extending from the bottom to the top.

The cowl ensures a large opening to significantly increase a rider's comfort and riding comfort. Cowl weight is reduced, rigidity is ensured, and a dynamic form is created.

3. Balance Free Rear Cushion
The advanced balance-free rear cushion's control adjuster concentrating damping force, was artfully placed within the Unit Pro-Link swing arm.

The adjuster was placed in the opening area consisting of the seat frame, the pillion step and the swing arm, with a concentrated placement of two adjusters on the tension and compression sides, so that adjustment in line with the rider's preference is even easier.

4. Electronically controlled "Combined ABS"
The improved situational adaptability was formed on the "Combined ABS".
The machine responds quickly in a variety of situations such as emphasis on deceleration or on control.

Media Contact:

Emma Kershaw
Coordinator Public Relations
Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Telephone: (+613) 9270 1183
Facsimile: (+613) 9357 0826
Website: www.honda.com.au
Email: EKershaw@hondampe.com.au

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