The 2004 Blade takes its inspiration from Rossi's RCV211 MotoGP racer, but you can still see the family resemblance to the 954RR and CBR600.
Weighing in at 178kg, the latest Blade features a completely new, in-line four engine. The bore remains the same as the 954RR, but the stroke has been increased from 54 to 56.5mm.
Shorter, lighter and more compact than ever before, the engine provides a strong yet smoothly linear power delivery. Engine capacity has been upped from 954cc to 998cc, and power increased from 149bhp to an impressive 165bhp without forced air induction - the same power output as the GSX-R1000 Suzuki.
Pioneered on the RC211V and first introduced in the CBR600RR, the Fireblade's new fuel injection system features two separate sets of injectors. The first is installed in the throttle bodies attached to the cylinder head, as in most conventional systems, and the second set positioned up in the air cleaner, directly above the velocity stack of each cylinder. The result is stronger, more highly responsive low-to-midrange power output.
The stainless steel four-into-two-into-one exhaust exits under the seat unit. A servo-controlled exhaust valve system controls a new type of valve located inside the under-seat exhaust. By giving independent control over the flap located at the front mouth of the ram air intake, power and torque across the rpm range are significantly increased.
A six-speed cassette type gearbox is used, which allows gear ratios to be changed quickly at the pits if you are serious about racing.
There is also an electro-hydraulic shock pinched from the back of the HRC storeroom. This exotic piece of kit adapts its rate of damping according to information transmitted by various sensors on the chassis.
The alloy frame is inspired by the CBR600RR, with Honda's Pro-Link rear suspension. The swingarm is a composite construction that combines cast, press-forged and extruded alloy sections joined together into a rigid and lightweight whole. Because the engine is shorter, the swingarm was increased in length for more progressive suspension operation and better handling. Torsional rigidity was also increased compared to the current 'Blade, while lateral rigidity was reduced to help the chassis settle more easily into fast corners.
Front fork uses 43mm tubes, with 310mm discs and radial four-piston Tokico calipers. Triple-spoke wheels are shod with new BT014 tyres developed by Bridgestone for the CBR1000RR.
The all-new CBR1000RR Fireblade borrows many of its design ideas from Honda's MotoGP racers. Digital instrumentation owes much to the RCV211. Adding to the new Blade's sleek MotoGP look is a slim pair of "Line Beam" headlights like those introduced on the CBR600RR. These low-profile units feature a compact, high-illumination multi-reflector design projecting through clear lenses that are less than half the size of the dual headlights used on most road bikes.
Like most big Hondas, the new Fireblade comes with the Honda Ignition Security System, which prevents the engine from being started by any other than the motorcycle's two original keys. The system cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module, effectively deterring ride-away theft.
Top performance, leading-edge technology and ultimate riding control combine to make the CBR1000RR the best Blade ever. But if that's not enough, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will be offering an extensive catalogue of specialised race parts.
