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2006 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

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The design team focussed on the "crystallisation of racing DNA". This means that they took the package they had and herded all the figures in the right directions.

They managed to make the bike lighter. By taking the concept of total control to the extreme the '06 features an increase in its power-to-weight ratio.

The cylinder head's intake ports have been refined and the exhaust port has been increased in size.

The combustion chamber has been reduced in size giving the bike improved exhaust gassing.

This has increased the compression ratio from 11.9 to 12.2:1 - an extremely high figure - even for a racing machine.

It also features new dual concentric valve springs in the intake valves - extending the redline from 11 650rpm to 12 200rpm. Indirectly making the bike more reliable at high speeds.

There is also a new crankshaft made from stronger and lighter metals. In all, the drive train has been made lighter by almost 500g.

The ECU has been retuned for more linear fuel injection and smoother throttle control. In the past this has always been a problem on Honda motorcycles.

A lager rear sprocket complements the bike's increased torque. Apparently also contributing to smoother and more controllable power delivery.

The chassis remains largely unchanged but the steering head caster angle has been reduced along with a reduction in the trail - for sharper handling and more precise steering.

Braking performance has been improved with an increase in disc size from 310mm to 320mm at the front. The brakes have been made thinner to keep the weight down.

Rear braking remains unchanged at 220mm.

Power still comes from a 998cc, in-line four, but the performance is now claimed to be 127kW at 11 250rpm and 115Nm at 10 000rpm.

In a bid to keep the bike fresh against the increasingly popular competition, the stylists sharpened the lines a bit.

The front and side cowls have been redesigned with a sleeker look with a more pronounced indent at the front and the headlamps were made slimmer to give the front a more aggressive look.

New for next year is the totally black colour scheme, a silver option and the typical red is also available.

No word on the price yet.

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