Repsol YPF

After a complete overhaul of this motorbike in 2008 and the addition of safety improvements such as combined ABS this year, the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has become the undisputed reference model for any sports bike. At the moment it is undoubtedly the motorbike that provides the highest performance and the best handling. The work done by Honda´s engineers on the chassis combined with its compact size have, to a large extent, helped to produce the exceptional performance that this bike provides on the road.

True to its style the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009 has kept its minimalist and specialised concept. The search to centralise the masses has always been a priority on this model and that is why the Japanese company has launched a motorbike with a compact appearance. The fact is that its fairing and its contours have been created to maximise its aerodynamic efficiency in such a way that the rider and machine form a single block and offer the least wind resistance possible.

The safety concept
One of the big novelties concerning the modifications that can be found on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade for 2009 is a substantial improvement regarding safety, but without losing the slightest bit of sports feel on the bike. Engineers at the Japanese firm have worked hard so that it can mount a Combined ABS system, something that needed a lot of work as the CBR Fireblade has a very sporty character but this modifiication provides the rider with a significant increase in confidence and safety in emergency situations, or on unexpected slippery surfaces.

The colours of victory
And as the colour scheme is an important feature for all motorcycling fans the Japanese Honda company has strengthened its ties with the team that it has had a lot of success with on racing circuits. Therefore Honda now offers the public the possibility of purchasing the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade painted in the same colours as those used by the Repsol Team which emphasise the aggressive details on the fairing, chassis and high performance components.

The engine
Turning to the engine, it uses an improved 4 stroke unit with 4 cylinders in line that have no sleeves so that its weight is lowered, this at the same time allows a set up with a large bore and short stroke, essential to get a rapid response from the throttle. To round it all off it has a displacement of 999cc, electronic PGM-DSFI injection and 16 valves to improve the response even more, and it also includes the innovative Honda Assisted Slipper Clutch.

9/4/2009