Limited edition Fireblade for SA

"The special colour scheme will only be available on a small run of 50 Fireblades, and celebrates the tremendous response our latest superbike has received from the SA biking public," says Graham Eagle, general manager of Sales and Marketing at Honda SA.

The 2008 Fireblade benefits from an even more compact frame, the use of lightweight components, as well as innovative developments such as the underslung exhaust and assisted slipper clutch.

The all-new 999 cc engine delivers a significant increase in output across a wider power band, featuring a 12,3:1 compression ratio, the new power unit delivers maximum power of 130,7kW at 12 000 r/min, while the torque peak of 113,8Nm is reached at 8 500 r/min.

The overall weight reduction of key internal parts allows new levels of responsiveness, midrange pick-up and acceleration.

The 2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade benefits from a new, proprietary slipper clutch that addresses the inherent limitations of existing designs.

Known as the Honda Assist Slipper Clutch, it minimises disengagement time while greatly reducing the amount of spring pressure needed to re-engage the clutch.

The new system delivers enhanced braking performance and smoother control into and through corners. It also allows quicker and more positive clutch re-engagement, as well as much lighter and easier clutch operation in all riding and racing conditions.

Up front, the sturdy 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork is essentially the same as before, while the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension has also been retained, although some minor changes have been introduced to the system's shape.

While the new Pearl Sunbeam White (with Graphite Black) colour scheme of the 50 limited edition models adds further head-turning class and style to the CBR1000RR Fireblade, Honda's performance flag bearer also remains available in its standard colour schemes.

These include: