06 Nov 2018 ID: 155727
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CBR1000RR Fireblade and Fireblade SP Updates for 2019

CBR1000RR Fireblade and Fireblade SP Updates for 2019

Both models share extensive revisions to their electronics, including some derived from the HRC MotoGP team, focused on improving every aspect of race track performance.

 

  • Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers more refined intervention and throttle response
  • Wheelie Control is separated from HSTC for finer set-up management
  • Throttle response improved for better corner entry feel and stronger exit torque
  • ABS intervention level reduced for high speed running
  • New paint schemes for 2019 models

 

 

The Fireblade’s evolution – since its introduction in 1992 – has been guided by the design philosophy of Total Control, and it has always set the benchmark for how a litre-class super sports machine should deliver its prodigious power.

 

2017 saw a major advance for the CBR1000RR Fireblade and whole a new chapter in its story. The base model was made much lighter and employed a higher-revving, more powerful engine, while also benefiting from a Showa 43mm ‘Big Piston’ inverted telescopic fork matched to the Balance Free Rear Cushion. The Fireblade SP, lighter still, gained semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (S-EC) plus Öhlins Objective Based Tuning interface (OBTi).

 

Both machines featured a Bosch 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) working through the ECU in conjunction with a new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, with 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and ABS. The Riding Mode Select System offered an interface to adjust the machine’s power, engine braking and HSTC levels.

 

For 2019 both the Fireblade and Fireblade SP receive obvious updates to their visual appearance. Less conspicuous are some significant updates to the electronics package shared by the two machines, led by rider feedback and intensive work from Honda’s R&D engineers, as well as the HRC MotoGP team.

 

2019 UPDATES IN DETAIL

 

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)

For circuit riding, where throttle openings are wider and lean angles deeper than public road riding, changes have been made to allow improved vehicle behaviour during HSTC operation. By including into its calculation logic a consideration for the rear tyre profile, the intervention of HSTC as the machine leans has become more uniform and precise. The result is smoother vehicle behaviour during HSTC operation on corner exit, and increased confidence for the rider.

 

Wheelie Control

Many riders at a circuit wish to run a high level of Wheelie Control with minimum amount of HSTC input in order to manage wheelspin and slides, without fear of the front wheel rising too far with resultant loss of speed. Whereas on 17YM, low HSTC setting brought with it low Wheelie Control, these functions are now separated to allow set-up combinations such as low HSTC setting with higher Wheelie Control.

 

Furthermore, the new Wheelie Control system logic means that, however strongly the front wheel lifts, its ‘landing’ is smoothly controlled, and the rider is able to fully concentrate on acceleration performance for the best possible lap time.

 

Accordingly the TFT display now has a ‘W’ for ‘Wheelie Control’ (with 3 levels available) alongside the Power, Engine Braking and HSTC settings. 

 

Throttle response – corner entry

Circuit riding can see the throttle going from fully open to fully closed very quickly. To speed up deceleration when the throttle is closed, the operation speed of the TBW motor has been increased. The time required for engine rpm to drop when a fully-open throttle is closed has now been reduced by 45%.

 

The result is faster, smoother deceleration and increased rider confidence on corner entry.

 

Throttle response – corner exit

Reflecting input from the HRC MotoGP programme, the amount of torque delivered when further opening a semi-open throttle (such as at corner exit) has been increased, particularly in Power Mode 1.

 

The result is a performance level tailored for circuit running on high-grip tyres – with faster, lap time-reducing corner exit acceleration.

 

ABS

For high-speed circuit use, the level of ABS intervention has been reduced, and deceleration performance improved substantially.

 

Paint options

The Fireblade receives a subtle update of its Matt Ballistic Black Metallic paint, with Silver instead of Red highlights; the Grand Prix Red version features more defined white stripes on the upper fairings. The Fireblade SP’s Grand Prix Red HRC Tricolour is also given stronger White and Blue accent lines

 

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Matt McCabe Brown
Matt McCabe Brown
Honda Motor Europe
Motorcycle PR Events & Communications Manager