The Honda Fireblade nameplate enters its 30th year of production with the 2022 model year update of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which is joined by the 30th Anniversary Edition commemorative model seen here in the white, red and blue livery that harks back to the CBR900RR Fireblade of 1992. Updates to the current generation of the CBR1000RR-R that made its debut in 2019 are now centred upon giving the Japanese marque’s road-going superbike improved mid-range acceleration.
In the 999.9 cc inline-four cylinder
powerplant, updates come courtesy of revised intake ports, airbox, airbox
funnels and mid-section of the 4-2-1 exhaust with a titanium Akrapovic muffler,
while the final drive has been shortened by adding three teeth to the rear
sprocket. The powertrain revisions for stronger mid-range have not impacted
peak output figures, as the oversquare engine with its 81 mm x 48.5 mm bore and
stroke continues to chart 214 hp at 14,500 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 12,500
rpm. The throttle-by-wire spring load has been reduced for this 2022 model year
or improved linearity and response when opened, while the Honda Selectable
Torque Control (HSTC) traction control has been refined to match the increased
corner exit drive.
Three riding modes are offered as default,
along with the option to adjust power, engine brake, wheelie control and HSTC
traction control. A six-axis IMU managing functionality of the traction
control, wheelie control and cornering ABS, as well as the HESD electronic
steering damper. Suspension for the 2022 model year SP variant continues to be
the electronically controlled Öhlins Smart Electronic Control setup for the 43
mm NPX front fork and TTX36 rear shock. Tuning is handled by a
second-generation Öhlins objective-based tuning interface (OBTi), while braking
is by a pair of Brembo Stylema calipers on 330 mm discs in front and a
two-piston Brembo caliper on a 220 mm disc at the rear.
The base, non-SP variant of the
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade also receives updates for the 2022 model year, namely a
new material and surface finish for its front Nissin brake caliper pistons in
order to improve braking performance and consistency for “superstock”
production-class racing applications. Here, the base Fireblade is specified
with a Showa 43 mm BPF front fork and a Showa BFRC rear shock, both adjustable
for preload, compression and rebound. Tyres offered as standard fitment is a
choice of either the Bridgestone RS11 or the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, in
both cases measuring 120/70 in front and 200/55 at the rear for the 17-inch
wheels.
The 2022 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade can also be
optioned with a range of Honda genuine accessories, both individually or as
Carbon, Racing or Long Distance accessory packs. These include carbon-fibre
airbox cover, bellypan cowl, front mudguard and rear hugger; colour-matched
rear seat cowl, quickshifter, frame slider, rear sprocket cover, tall screen
(smoked and clear versions), tank pad, Alcantara seat, HRC-branded oil filler
cap, wheel stickers, a USB power socket, a 7L tank bag, an expandable 15-22L
tail bag, and motorcycle covers.
