Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade gets a host of tech improvements in pursuit of racing glory
By its own high standards Honda has had a terrible time when it comes to its racing record in the last few years – struggling in MotoGP and WSBK – and it’s clear that the updates to the 2024 CBR1000RR-R SP are aimed at improving the bike’s chances of success on track.
Visually, you can tell the new model from its side fairings and winglets. The old multi-layer winglets, mounted close to the fairing sides, are gone and in their place come more pronounced, hoop shaped wings that extend further forwards to get more leverage over the front wheel. Honda isn’t claiming any increase in downforce, but says the design reduces the yaw moment in cornering by 10%, decreasing the strain on the rider and the effort that needs to be put into the steering. In pursuit of making life easier for riders, the bars are also taller and the footpegs lower than the 2023 model, giving more space, and while the fuel tank size has been increased by 0.4 litres, it’s been reshaped to make it easier to tuck out of the airstream and to give more knee grip on the sides.