Honda CBR 1000 SP Fireblade.
Honda’s CBR 1000SP Fireblade Flows through the Forest.
The CBR 1000SP Fireblade is an icon of sports bikes and has been for decades. The latest model continues with the same DNA, and Jeremy Webb had the pleasure of riding the superbike around the New Forest for Intelligent Magazine.
Honda CBR 1000 sp Fireblade
Launched in 1992 the FireBlade was a hit right from the start, and the bike remains popular twenty-seven years later with the 2019 model selling well in the 1000cc market. As soon as you see the CBR 1000sp, you understand why it remains the choice of so many bikers.
A bike built for the track that fortunately is legal on the road and allows the rider to experience stunning performance and remain in total control. Advancements in safety technology help the rider without them even being aware, correcting the bike to make sure the wheels stay in contact with the road and adjusting braking as required.
The 2019 bike has plenty of technology onboard.
Equipped with semi-active Öhlins Step motor-type Electronic Control suspension, plus Honda Selectable Torque Control (with built-in Wheelie Control and Rear Lift Control), Selectable Engine Brake, New ABS, Quickshifter (with Downshift Assist), Riding Mode Select System and Power Selector. RC213V-S MotoGP derived technology elevates the riding experience even further.
Honda CBR 1000 SP Fireblade by Jeremy Webb
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 a minimum amount of HSTC input 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 can fully concentrate on acceleration performance for the best possible lap time.
Accordingly, the TFT display now has a ‘W’ for ‘Wheelie Control’ (with three 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 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.
CBR 1000 SP Fireblade from Honda motorcycles
ABS
For high-speed circuit use, the level of ABS intervention has been reduced, and deceleration performance improved substantially.
On the road, you never get the chance to fully experience the performance of the CBR 1000SP with its 189 bhp and a potential top speed of 182mph, and this was the case when I took it to a favourite of motorcyclists, the New Forest. However, the beautiful look of the bike makes for great photos in the stunning setting with its wonderful wildlife.
The New Forest lies within Hampshire and Dorset and is a National Park
with lots of history. First used as a hunting area for the Monarchy in the middle ages. Later in history trees from the forest were used to supply the Royal Navy in the construction of their great ships of the line such as HMS Victory. Lots of beautiful towns lie within theNew Forest in particular Brockenhurst, Lymington and Lyndhurst.
There are few other places in England where the ancient landscape has remained so unchanged. In 1079 when William The Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest'. The sense of history in The New Forest remains strong, and the ancient system established by William The Conqueror to protect and manage the woodlands and wilderness heaths is still very much in place today through the efforts of our Verderers, Agisters and Commoners.
Tales of witchcraft, ghouls and folklore abound in the small New Forest village of Burley plus you can discover the long history of smuggling at Lymington, the monastic and Victorian influences at Beaulieu and maritime history at Buckler’s Hard. The National Park covers an area of 219 square miles (566 square kilometres).
Profile of Honda CBR 1000 SP Fireblade
Wildlife and nature are fundamental to the area, and the ancient woodland brings with it not only some unique flora and fauna but the opportunity to see ponies, donkeys, pigs and cattle roaming free. Anyone with an eye for nature will enjoy wandering the footpaths, photographing the landscape or simply stepping away from the bustle of modern-day living. The iconic New Forest ponies roam the open heathland and can even be spotted strolling down high streets.
The New Forest National Park is also home to five species of deer: fallow, roe, red, sika and muntjac. Flora and fauna can be enjoyed in the heathland, woodlands and along our coastline. There are also several nature reserves that provided havens for wetland birds and other species of animal.
Relax on one of the area’s beaches at Lepe, Milford on Sea or Barton-on-Sea or take a coastal walk along the Solent Way at Lymington or Hythe.
I mention that you can't use the potential of the Fireblade as the speed limit within the New Forest is 40 mph to try and prevent accidents between vehicles and the roaming wildlife with the park. This speed limit allows you to take in the beauty when riding to and from the forest. You can enjoy some faster roads such as the A31and A35. On these A roads, you experience the incredible acceleration available in each gear and the impressive handling. The Fireblade is super responsive to every input, whether on the throttle or changing direction.
Hondas are robust and reliable, and the CBR 1000 SP is also good looking, with its sharp lines and paint scheme. For the money, it offers you a superb road bike and great track one. The 2019 bike is leaner, meaner, and keener, more powerful and lighter, which makes for happy riding.