Honda Racing UK is delighted to confirm that ‘TT Legend’ John McGuinness will return to Honda machinery in 2022 lining up alongside Glenn Irwin on the roads, as the team looks forward to debuting the race-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races.
Following a long line of significant model announcements already this year including the Super Cub, Monkey, CB500F, CB500X, CBR500R and NT1100, Honda today reveals its full 2022 European motorcycle line-up in Milan. The line-up includes a very special, limited edition super sports flag ship, a brand new adventure scooter and a host of colour options and graphics throughout the range.
Tadao Baba is a force of nature. Even now, his energy fills any space he inhabits. He is also the Honda Large Project Leader (LPL) behind the very first FireBlade – the seminal 1992 CBR900RR. Thirty years ago, large capacity bikes were fast, but big. Unwieldy. Baba-san questioned this orthodoxy and the result of his vision was litre-bike power in a middleweight package, and an amazing motorcycle that genuinely changed the game.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP was a brand-new motorcycle in 20YM, and built with an unwavering focus on circuit riding. For 22YM development of its inline four-cylinder engine, while retaining peak output of 160kW @ 14,500rpm, has centred on mid-corner acceleration and drive: intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section have all been revised to deliver extra mid-range. The final drive sprocket goes up 3 teeth, to 43, for stronger acceleration through each ratio and quick shifter performance has been upgraded. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has also been optimised - with feedback from HRC’s riders - for refined rear tyre traction management, and throttle feel improved even further. The rest of the chassis – comprising aluminium diamond-style frame, RC213V-S-style swingarm, six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) – is unchanged. Full, race-quality suspension is provided by Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) and OBTi user interface, with braking front and rear by Brembo. The bodywork and riding position maintain an uncompromising focus on aerodynamic performance, and the fairing features MotoGP-derived winglets to generate downforce. A full-colour TFT screen offers intuitive control of riding modes and adjustment of Power, Engine Brake, HSTC, Wheelie Control, Start Mode and ABS modes. A Smart Key is the finishing touch.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade heads into its 30th year of production. For its 20YM iteration it was a brand new machine from the ground up, created with an unwavering focus on circuit riding. Now, for 22YM development of its 160kW @ 14,500rpm, inline four-cylinder engine has centred on mid-corner acceleration and drive: intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section have all been revised to deliver extra mid-range. The final drive sprocket goes up 3 teeth, to 43, for stronger acceleration through each ratio. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has also been optimised - with feedback from HRC’s riders - for refined rear tyre traction management, and throttle feel improved even further. A new material and surface finish for the front Nissin brake calipers’ pistons improves braking performance and consistency in race conditions. The rest of the chassis – comprising aluminium diamond-style frame, RC213V-S-style swingarm, six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) and Showa suspension front and rear – is unchanged. The bodywork and riding position maintain an uncompromising focus on aerodynamic performance, and the fairing features MotoGP-derived winglets to generate downforce. A full-colour TFT screen offers intuitive control of riding modes and adjustment of Power, Engine Brake, HSTC, Wheelie Control, Start Mode and ABS modes. A Smart Key is the finishing touch.
