Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2009-current)

The big news for the 2009 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade isn’t its new, oval-shaped indicators, but its revolutionary electronically-controlled Combined ABS system. This makes the Honda Fireblade the world’s first ever ABS-equipped superbike. This system takes none of the enjoyment out of riding this incredible superbike and it feels just the same to ride as a normal Blade, even on the track. The system stays in the background until the moment you get into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in. This is a landmark motorcycle and surely the shape of things to come. Why would you ever want a bike without it?

Engine

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It might not make the ultimate power of its 1000cc rivals, but the magic of the Honda Fireblade is its grunt and searing acceleration. The Honda’s gem-like 163bhp in-line-four-cylinder 999.8cc motor is capable of powering the Blade to the naughty side of 180mph, but more impressively it can do 150mph in a quarter of a mile. The power is easy to use, all the way through the rev-range and the throttle response perfect. This is one of the all-time great engines.

Ride and Handling

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On track, the nimble, but stable Blade handles a lot like the RC212V MotoGP machine it’s styled to look like. The suspension is plush and soaks up bumps on the road nicely, while giving lots of support and control on the circuit. On the standard model the brakes have lots of feel and power, but the C-ABS model takes the braking to a whole new level. The ABS system stops the wheels locking in an emergency, but unlike more crude mechanical systems, there’s no pulsing at the lever, just smooth constant braking pressure. In normal conditions, if you only use the front brake, the system will apply a small amount of rear brake to keep the machine flatter, which increases stability on the way into a corner.

Equipment

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The Blade comes with every bell and whistle you need for fast riding. As well as the amazing C-ABS system; it has fully-adjustable suspension, radial brakes, a slipper clutch and an exhaust valve. The only thing missing from its armoury is traction control like you’ll find on the Ducati Streetfighter, Ducati 1198S and 1098R. Compare and buy products for the Honda Fireblade in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability

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Honda invented the words ‘quality’ and ‘reliable’. The Honda Fireblade is the machine against which the competition is judged when it comes to build-quality. The paint is swimming pool-deep and all the controls are solid and operate with an oily perfection.

Value

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Spending just over £9000 isn’t a lot to pay for a class-leading machine. The Blade has cost around nine grand since time began but that hasn’t stopped it getting better and better over the years. Shelling out £1000 for the C-ABS is a lot, but it’s a superb system that doesn’t detract from the riding pleasure and might one day save your skin.

Model History

2004 – CBR1000RR Fireblade launched
2006 – CBR1000RR Fireblade, minor updates including increased compression ratio, tweaked bodywork and larger front brake discs.
2008 – Second generation CBR1000RR Fireblade launched, a new model from ground-up. MCN’s superbike of the year.
2009 – CBR1000RR Fireblade gets new oval-shaped rear indicators and Combined ABS option.

Other Versions

Standard and Combined ABS versions available.

Specifications

Top speed	180 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.32 secs
Max power	178 bhp
Max torque	78 ft-lb
Weight	199 kg
Seat height	820 mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	32 mpg
Tank range	125 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	999 cc
Engine specification	16-valve, in-line-four
Frame	Aluminium twin-spar
Front suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/50 17 in