Fireblade review

In 1992, a true game-changer was born; the Honda Fireblade. Developed by Tadao Baba and his team, the initial concept design was to succeed and ultimately out-race Honda’s RVF750 by making the bike even lighter and more compact. The Fireblade was originally developed as a 750, but the displacement of the in-line four resulted in an increase to top 893cc.

By 2004-2005, with Baba no longer in command, Honda turned to its racing arm, HRC, for the creation of the next generation of the Fireblade. Inspired by Honda’s prevailing four-stroke MotoGP machine, the RCV211V, Honda would need to create a motorcycle which would complete in the Superbike World Championship under the new 1000cc four-cylinder regulations; this resulted in an all-new bike.

Fast forward to 21012 and the Fireblade launched to mark the 20th anniversary of the model; which received a boost of improvements, most notably the face-lifted nose. With revised front and rear suspension including new ‘Big Piston’ forks; more lightweight and a new LCD dash. It wasn’t however until 2014 before we saw the introduction of an Ohlins-equipped ‘SP’ version. The SP was also the first production Honda to be equipped with Brembo brakes.

Now, we are here, with three new colour schemes; the blue/red tri, metallic black and most anticipated 30th Anniversary colour. Currently seen and admired across the HRC Superbikes and IOM TT machine, bearing the #1 for TT legend, John McGuinness MBE.

This time, the 2022 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP retains the same 999cc inline-four, lightweight frame, and aerodynamic bodywork, but the subtle tweaks are making immeasurable improvements. With stable cornering and improved corner-exit speed, the engineers adopted a 43-tooth rear sprocket, new intake ports, updated airbox funnels, and a revised exhaust mid-section.

Boasting a whopping 215 horsepower in 2022, the newly applied adjustments make that power more accessible in the low-mid rev range. Updated electronic controls such as Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) also enhance stability at lean.

Straight off the back of British Superbikes Round 1 at Silverstone, Factory Honda Rider, Glenn Irwin charged to success not once, but three times! Bringing home pole position on all three races throughout the opening round and firmly putting Honda’s new 2022 ‘Blade at the top of everyone’s radar!

Charley has had the pleasure of riding the current Honda Fireblade 2020/2021 SP on the road, and supports TAG Honda Racing on board the CBR1000R-RR SP whilst on track, and finds the ride almost faultless.

“The current ‘Blade does adopt a very sports aggressive ride, with foot-peg placement giving the rider more-lean over the tank and to become more ‘at-one’ with the ride of the bike. This gives ultimate power and control over one of the most sought-after sportsbikes on the market. The way the bike handles is one of the most confidence inspiring aspects of this machine, with a point-and-shoot mentality when cornering, this bike will go exactly where you want it to. This allowed me to build my speed more securely in the knowledge that this bike would take me there. My only one recommendation, if you buy yourself a 2020 or 2022 Fireblade, be sure to take it on track just once – you’ll have no regrets!

FUN FACT: The Fireblade was named as part of a mis-translation from Japanese for lightning! Launching in 1992 as ‘FireBlade’, and now in 2022 we welcome the 30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade.