Race-Ready Suspension Components

Although the CBR1000RR’s engine, frame and geometry received impressive redesigns, it was felt that the ’Blade’s advanced suspension systems were still well-equipped to effectively do their jobs, so their basic configurations received few changes. Up front, handling is overseen by essentially the same sturdy 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork, which provides smoothly responsive performance coupled with excellent rigidity and low unsprung weight for the precise and confident control required for world-class racing. The span of the fork tubes was reduced by 10mm (from 214mm to 204mm) and offset was increased by 2.5mm (from 25mm to 27.5mm) for sharper response to steering inputs, while the front axle holders were modified with a more centred design that increases rigidity while further minimising unsprung weight.

Integrated into the ’Blade’s rigid but lighter-weight new ‘Gull-Arm’ hybrid aluminium swingarm is essentially the same Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system pioneered on Honda’s dominating RC211V MotoGP racer and featured on both of Honda’s race-winning CBRs. Its highly advanced design completely isolates the frame from the shocks and stresses generated by conventional rear suspension systems, especially under aggressive riding and racing conditions. For 2008, some minor changes were made to the system’s shape, but linkage ratios and damper settings all remain the same.

Lighter Weight Wheels

The new CBR1000RR Fireblade’s hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium wheels feature new thinner-wall spoke castings for 240g of reduced unsprung weight at the front and 310g at the rear—a significant weight savings that offers beneficial effects on both ride and handling. These mount sets of Bridgestone Battlax BT015 or Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier radial tyres front and rear.

New Monoblock Front Disc Brake Callipers

The Fireblade’s superbly responsive radial-mount front disc brakes now feature new four-piston brake callipers of a stronger and lighter new monoblock design that achieves a weight reduction of 126g per calliper and a much more rigid configuration. Inside, new chrome-plated aluminium brake pistons replace heavier steel units for an impresive total of 430g reduced unsprung weight just at the callipers alone. These combine with narrower brake lines and a modified brake lever ratio to increase braking performance with a livelier, more responsive feel at the brake lever.
But that’s not all, the brake rotors were also lightened with new six-point floating inner rotors replacing the current ten-point units for a 90g reduction in weight. The drilled rotor hole pattern, essentially the same year after year, has also been significantly changed, with several different hole sizes used across the surface to achieve both better feel and lighter weight in a design innovation that debuted on Honda’s Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance racers.

Equipment

New Second-Generation HESD Steering Damper

In 2004, the new CBR1000RR introduced a startling new innovation to motorcycle handling in the form of its new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), which helps maintain smoothly predictable high-speed handling while having remarkably little effect on control at slower speeds. In a further innovation on this highly effective system, the Fireblade now mounts a new second-generation HESD unit like that introduced on the 2007 CBR600RR. Significantly more compact in construction, this new HESD unit is secreted away underneath the fuel tank cover and mounted to the frame behind the steering head, where it is connected to the upper triple-clamp by an articulating arm that moves the unit’s damping vane within its oil chamber.

New Lighter, More Compact 7AH Battery

Virtually ignored in most performance evaluations, motorcycle batteries always tend to be weighty problems that often require special design measures to work around. A typical 10 amp-hour battery can weigh well over 3kg and takes up a considerable amount of space—preferably close to the motorcycle’s centre of mass—that other components must be arranged around. Battery output is generally determined by how many repeated starts are possible on a single charge. Until now, like most litre bikes, the CBR1000RR Fireblade’s engine startup characteristics have required the use of a 10AH battery. On the new 2008 Fireblade, the engine’s starter ratio was revised along with starter motor characteristics to produce the same strong engine-turning torque with less electrical current draw. These changes made it possible to achieve the same number of repeated starts—and quicker starts—with less battery output, thus permitting a smaller battery to be used in the Fireblade than any other motorcycle in its displacement class. The result? Its smaller new 7AH battery is over 1kg lighter than the conventional 10AH battery it replaces.

Optional Equipment

Honda Access Europe N.V. will be supplying the new CBR1000RR Fireblade with a broad assortment of accessories to further extend its range of operating versatility and aggressive good looks. These accessories include:

• A selection of lightweight and stylish carbon fibre parts specially developed for the Fireblade, including a rear wheel hugger to protect chassis internals, a front mudguard that also protects the lower front fork tubes, and decorative crankcase covers that attach to ACG and clutch covers.
• A carbon fibre-look protective rear tank pad and fuel lid cover set adorned with the HRC logo.
• A colour-matched rear seat cowl that snaps into place to accentuate the CBR1000RR’s purposefully competitive look.
• A 30mm taller, tinted windscreen that impressively accentuates the Fireblade’s sharp look of aggressive race-ready performance while providing extra wind protection and long-term riding comfort.
• An attractive racing sticker set that includes fairing and wheel stickers.
• A set of black nylon fairing protectors which reduce the risk of damage to fairing parts.
• A replacement comfort rider’s seat constructed of special elastomer foam for extended riding comfort.
• A U-lock designed to fit into the compact space located under the pillion seat pad or optional rear seat cowl.
• A slimline tank bag specially designed for the CBR1000RR Fireblade to securely store valuable items.
• A seat bag that can be mounted on the pillion seat for extra luggage space.
• A compact alarm unit with motion detector, siren and back-up battery to provide extra protection against vandalism and theft. A low-consumption sleep mode protects battery from drainage.
  

Specifications

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