Anniversary Blade has keener edge

12 December 2011 - 23:10 By DENNIS TAU
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Honda is celebrating 20 years of sports bike production with the Fireblade
Honda is celebrating 20 years of sports bike production with the Fireblade

Honda has opted to only sharpen the tip of its spear with its iconic sports flagship, the Fireblade, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with a host of refinements and upgrades.

The 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade puts out the same claimed 128kW of power and 112Nm of torque - the lowest output figures of the top five superbike manufacturers.

Honda has changed the fuel injection system to improve throttle control. It claims the revision is particularly noticeable at 25% throttle opening and eliminates the slight on-off sensation felt with throttle use at low speed.

The Blade's engine is unchanged for 2012, but wheels and running gear - in particular the all-new rear suspension - have been updated.

The styling has also been revised, incorporating the layered body panels first seen on VFR sports tourers, to improve airflow and lead hot air away from the rider.

With all the detail changes comes a small penalty of an extra kilo on the kerb weight figure for the standard Blade (now 200kg) and C-ABS model (211kg).

It will be available in three colour schemes for 2012 and each will carry a decal commemorating the anniversary of 20 years of Honda Fireblade production.

Other features that the bike will come equipped with, include new 12-spoke cast aluminium wheels, new LCD instrument panel with gearshift warning lights and the usual fuel use and warning lights.

Also helping to improve high-speed stability, reduce turbulence and increase rider comfort is a new slimline tail section and mid-section fairing panels that incorporate dual-layer panels.

No prices for the new models has been announced but a Honda spokesman said prices would not be raised significantly above this year's prices.

The 20th anniversary FireBlade will be available in South Africa from February.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now