Special Honda Fireblades here
2007-09-05 07:23
Special-edition Repsol Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. Pics by Motorpics
The Fireblade has always solicited drewling aplenty. With two special edition models available now, it is as good a time as ever to get one of your own.
There's never been a better time to purchase one of Honda's special edition CBR1000RR Fireblades. Considered the benchmark superbike by many, the Fireblade has an enviable reputation for blazing performance, response and refinement - and the two special-edition models add further appeal to the package.
Both the Repsol Honda Racing and the HRC editions link eye-catching livery and exclusivity to the proven dynamics of the 'Blade.
Spanish oil giant Repsol YPF and Honda have had a long and successful association at the cutting edge of motorcycle racing, starting with Mick Doohan's 1995 World Championship title onboard a Repsol Honda GP racer.
Since then, Repsol and Honda have won nine of the last 13 world championship crowns, with the most recent being Nicky Hayden's 2006 title on the Repsol Honda RC211V. Together, HRC and Repsol have scored 96 race victories and 163 podium finishes.
Honda's association with YPF Repsol was recently extended with the announcement that Repsol will continue its title sponsorship of the Honda factory MotoGP team for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
The special-edition Repsol Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is an eye-catching and exclusive celebration of this proud racing tradition and is likely to become a sought after collector's item in years to come.
The same can be said of the HRC edition. While mechanically identical to the standard CBR1000RR, the HRC features the blue, white and red livery of Honda Racing Corporation - the racing and tuning division of Honda motorcycles.
HRC is the custodian of Honda's motorcycle racing heritage. As a division of the Honda Motor Company, it not only participates in motorcycle racing, but also plays a vital role in the research and development of the many race-proven technologies employed on road-going Honda motorcycles.
The HRC Edition of the Honda Fireblade celebrates the contribution of HRC to Honda's technological prowess, and its close association with the world of motorsport.
Honda has confirmed that the Repsol and HRC versions will not be repeated when the next-generation Fireblade debuts, further underscoring their rarity.
Both editions are based on the current CBR1000RR Fireblade, a superbike many believe is the most successful and desirable version of the Fireblade to date.
Benefiting from the same race-proven DNA that propelled the RC211V MotoGP bike the Fireblade boasts a host of race-developed technologies, including dual sequential fuel injection, a mass-centralised chassis configuration and an electronic steering damper.
The all-aluminium frame is based on the RC211V race bike, ensuring high levels of stiffness and reduced weight, while the centrally located fuel tank is one of the key factors in the frame's extremely compact dimensions.
The Fireblade has an inverted, fully adjustable fork, and Honda's race-proven Unit Pro-Link rear suspension with gas-filled HMAS damper and equally comprehensive adjustability. The 17-inch wheels are ultra-light, hollow-spoke aluminium alloy designs.
The 998 cc four-cylinder engine features dual overhead cams and 16 valves, and produces a healthy 126,4 kW and 114,5 Nm. The power-to-weight ratio is an impressive 621 kW/ton.
It allows the Fireblade to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds, and to reach topspeeds approaching 300 km/.h.
The gearbox features a cassette-type, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, while the compact, tough clutch is an eight-plate design employing durable friction plate material.
The Fireblade's searing performance potential is matched by excellent brakes. The radial-mounted 320 mm front discs are cross-drilled and served by four-pot callipers, while there is a single 220 mm rear disc with single-piston calliper.
Also on the Fireblade's list of talents is its exceptional refinement and ease of use. Its inherent balance and carefully tuned suspension ensure a perfect mix of responsive handling and comfort - one of the reasons why the CBR1000RR is considered one of the world's great all-rounders.
More good news is that Honda is offering a free track day with every purchase of a special edition Repsol or HRC Honda Fireblade. The training is conducted by Honda's On-Road Academy, and is valid for all Honda superbike customers, ensuring that they are able to safely extract the maximum pleasure possible from their steeds.
Both the Repsol and HRC Special Edition Honda Fireblades are available in limited quantities from accredited Honda Motorcycle dealers nationwide, at a recommended retail price of R112 000.