HONDA CBR 1000RR
History
2004-2005
The Honda CBR1000RR was the successor to the CBR954RR. While evolving the CBR954RR design, few parts were carried over to the CBR1000RR. The compact 998 cc (60.9 cu in) in-line four was a new design, with different bore and stroke dimensions, race-inspired cassette-type six-speed gearbox, all-new ECU-controlled ram-air system, dual-stage fuel injection, and center-up exhaust featuring a new computer-controlled butterfly valve. The chassis was likewise all new, including an organic-style aluminum frame composed of Gravity Die-Cast main sections and Fine Die-Cast steering head structure, inverted fork, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, radial-mounted front brakes, and a centrally located fuel tank hidden under a faux cover. Additionally, the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) debuted as an industry first system which aimed to improve stability and help eliminate head shake while automatically adjusting for high and low speed steering effort.
2006-2007
- New intake and exhaust porting (higher flow, reduced chamber volume)
- Higher compression ratio (from 11.9:1 to 12.2:1)
- Revised cam timing
- More intake valve lift (from 8.9 mm to 9.1 mm)
- Double springs for the intake valves
- Higher redline (from 11,650 rpm to 12,200 rpm)
- Larger rear sprocket (from 41 to 42 teeth)
- New exhaust system
- New chassis geometry
- Larger 320 mm (13 in) front brake discs but thinner at 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
- Revised front suspension
- Revised rear suspension with new linkage ratios
- New lighter swingarm
- Revised front fairing design
2008-2011
Honda
made a very focused effort to reduce and centralize overall weight. A
lighter, narrower die cast frame was formed using a new technique which
Honda claimed allowed for very thin wall construction and only four
castings to be welded together. Almost every part of the new bike was
reengineered to reduce weight including the sidestand, front brake
hoses, brake rotors, battery, and wheels.
In
order to improve stability under deceleration, a slipper clutch was
added, with a center-cam-assist mechanism. The Honda Electronic Steering
Damper was revised as well. Another significant change was the exhaust
system which was no longer a center-up underseat design. The new exhaust
was a side slung design in order to increase mass centralization and
compactness while mimicking a MotoGP-style.
On
September 5, 2008, Honda announced the 2009 model. The bike remained
much the same, in terms of engine, styling, and performance. The only
significant addition was the introduction of the optional factory fitted
Combined ABS (C-ABS) system originally showcased on the CBR600RR
Combined ABS prototype. New, lightweight turn signals were also added.
On September 4, 2009, Honda announced the 2010 model. Honda increased the diameter of the flywheel for more inertia. This improved low-rpm
torque and smoother running just off idle. The license plate assembly
was redesigned for quicker removal when preparing the motorcycle for
track use. The muffler cover was also redesigned for improved
appearance.
Racing
The
CBR1000RR has been used extensively in the international racing scene
since its inception in 2004. Chris Vermeulen and the Dutch Ten Kate
Racing team placed the bike fourth in the standings in its debut year in
the World Superbike class. The following year, the bike and team
secured runner-up honours. In 2007, the Hannspree Ten Kate team was able
to secure the first World Superbike Championship with the CBR1000RR
with Briton James Toseland. Also, Ryuichi Kiyonari was able to win back
to back titles in the British Superbike Championship in 2006-07 using
the CBR1000RR with the HM Plant Honda team.
The
CBR1000RR has also been used heavily in the road racing scene, most
notably at the famous Macau Grand Prix. Since its debut in 2004, it has
recorded 4 victories with Michael Rutter having taken back to back
victories in 2004–2005 and Scottish motorcycle racer Stuart Easton
achieving the same, in 2008–2009. Arguably, the most famous of all road
races has been the annual Isle of Man TT races which the CBR has been
used to continue Honda's success at the circuit. Since 2006, the HM
Plant team and Padgett's UK Honda team utilising the CBR1000RR have
achieved eight victories at the event ranging from the Superbike,
Superstock and the blue riband Senior TT races. 2009 was an especially
dominant year for the Fireblade, having achieved the top 5 positions in
the Superbike TT final standings, as well as another CBR1000RR whitewash
in the Superstock TT where they occupied the top 5 again. Steve Plater
also won the blue riband Senior TT race to secure Honda the
manufacturers crown, fittingly as it was Honda's 50th racing year at the
event.
Awards
The
CBR1000RR was awarded Cycle World's International Bike of the Year for
2008-09 by the world's moto-journal communities as well as journalists.
The 2009 CBR1000RR won the Best Sportbike of the Year Award in
Motorcycle USA Best of 2009 Awards, having also won the over 750 cc open
sportbike class in 2008.
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