2009 Honda Fireblade and Fireblade ABS...

The CBR1000RR Fireblade is well established as the leading sports motorcycle available on the market today, offering the highest levels of outright performance and rideability - both on the racetrack and the road. Lighter than the competition, with searing speed and inspirational agility, the Fireblade is the touchstone of high-adrenaline motorcycling.

For 2009 the Honda engineers were charged with further extending the Fireblade’s reach by adding increased safety to already sky-high levels of dynamic ability - without losing any of the Fireblade’s razor-sharp edge. The optional addition of Honda’s all-new electronically-controlled “Combined ABS” achieves this formidable goal.

Make no mistake; the engineers didn’t underestimate the difficulty of this task. A Combined ABS system capable of matching the performance demands of a bike such as the Fireblade was always going to be a huge challenge. But it has been met, with no loss to the Fireblade’s ultimate sporting philosophy and with a minimal weight penalty.

While the Combined ABS system (optional) is not designed as a performance aid in the most extreme conditions of ultra-fast track riding, such is the sophistication of the system that even expert riders are likely to out-perform it only after several attempts. Meanwhile, the confidence benefits delivered by a Combined ABS system in emergency situations or unexpectedly slippery conditions are undisputed.

For the first time, a Super Sport machine is capable of delivering the highest levels of speed and performance, while also benefiting from the confidence and peace of mind provided by Combined ABS.

 

Styling Features :

• Purposeful and minimalist styling integrates only what is essential as part of a pared-down sports machine.
• Short, compact form seems to draw everything towards the centre of the bike in the pursuit of optimum mass centralisation.
• Sleek bodywork provides the minimum resistance to the wind at high speeds, while incorporating the rider into an efficient part of the aerodynamic package.
• Front cowl clings closely to the headstock, protruding as little as possible over the front of the bike in order to minimise inertia and maximise aerodynamic efficiency.
• Stylish wing-mirror mounted indicators complement the clutter-free design.
• New rear indicators come in a new oval shape and feature a clear lens with an orange bulb, all integrated into the compact licence plate holder.
• New matt black engine colour is enhanced with a new shape-hugging black engine cover.
• Standard (non-ABS) version features new black brake callipers (standard version only), while the C-ABS version features new Sherry Topaz Brown Metallic brake callipers.
• New bodywork features neatly cover ABS system components (C-ABS version only). A sleek continuation of the front fairing houses the independent front power unit near the engine. At the rear, an attractive, black underseat cowl covers the ECU unit.
• Two head-turning new Super Sports colour versions celebrate 50 years of Honda Racing victories while emphasising The Fireblade’s impressive lineage and close ties to the RC212V. These include a stunning HRC tricolour version and a full Honda Repsol racing livery

Performance Features :

• Dedicated focus on the mechanical efficiency of each engine component results in an incredibly light and compact package which delivers an astonishing top-end rush and superb, torquey through-the-revs drive.
• Lightweight sleeveless cylinders allow for a wide-bore, short stroke configuration essential for making high-revving power.
• Pistons, cams, valves and cranks are all pared down to the bare minimum weight, while retaining Honda’s incontestable reputation for durability.
• Honda’s innovative Assist Slipper Clutch further enhances the engine’s smooth, seamless delivery and helps maintain composure while rapidly changing down through the gears.
• ‘Assist’ mechanism assures both quicker and more assured clutch re-engagement and much lighter and more comfortable clutch actuation in virtually all riding and racing conditions.
• Low-slung exhaust system contributes to mass centralisation ethos of the machine, while also providing maximum ground clearance in extreme track-riding conditions.
• Two exhaust valves within the muffler constantly tailor the resonance of the exhaust system to achieve maximum drive and smoothness at all revs.
• HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalyser system constantly monitors harmful emissions within the exhaust gases and tailors fuelling in order to achieve the most efficient combustion mixture and keep emissions well within EURO-3 regulated levels.
• Strong, rigid, lightweight four-piece aluminium frame facilitates agile and secure handling while contributing to mass centralisation.
• High-spec, fully adjustable 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork contributes to an ideal balance between comfort and taut road-holding.
• Long, gull-wing shape hybrid aluminium swingarm provides the platform for delivering the Fireblade’s awesome drive to the road.
• Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system was developed for Honda’s MotoGP racing campaign.
• Lightweight aluminium three-spoke wheels help to minimise unsprung mass.
• Honda’s innovative second-generation HESD Steering Damper enhances high-speed stability while allowing light and easy steering at slower speeds, by automatically varying the resistance provided by the damper according to the road speed of the bike.
• Radially-mounted four-piston callipers in a lightweight monoblock configuration combine with six-point floating rotors to provide the rider with huge braking power whilst minimising unsprung weight.
• World’s first Combined ABS (optional) for a Super Sport machine is designed to consider the particular characteristics of Super Sports bikes, such as short wheelbase and sharp steering geometry, and operates without interference to sports riding, and with an emphasis on maintaining full rider control.
• Electronically-controlled “Combined ABS provides all the basic ABS and CBS functions, including the prevention of wheel lock, improved balance and easy operation, without any compromise to stability.
• New advanced combined “brake by wire control” system minimises rear wheel lifting under heavy braking.