Connect with us

2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. (Honda/)

Ups

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is Honda’s single-minded pursuit of production-class racing gloryThe engine uses the same bore and stroke (81.0 x 48.5mm) as the RC213V MotoGP racebike, emphasizing the depth of HRC’s involvementDripping with ‘Blade nostalgia, the striking paint scheme was designed by Hiroaki Tsukui who was also responsible for the original 1992 design.

Downs

The US-spec model’s output is limited to 186 hp at the crank. Who wants to spend top dollar and not get all the goods?Uncompromising seating positionWhere’s a rider supposed to put the key fob when wearing one-piece leathers?

Verdict

The pinnacle of Honda’s CB lineage, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is an HRC-developed, uncompromising race replica with significantly more performance than the CBR1000RR that American Honda continues to sell. For a production Honda motorcycle, it’s as rarefied as they come. The only problem? In the US, output is limited to 186 hp at the crank, and less when measured at the rear wheel.

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s anniversary livery is about as good as it gets.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP’s anniversary livery is about as good as it gets. (Honda/)

Overview

The 1992 Honda CBR900RR is easily one of the most significant motorcycles of its day. As CW’s first prescient analysis said back in 1991: “It is a motorcycle that promises to change forever the way big-bore sportbikes are conceived and built.”

Its first comparison test—against the Yamaha FZR1000 and Suzuki GSX-R1100—confirmed the veracity of that statement. On the CW scales, the CBR weighed 76 pounds less than the FZR and 94 pounds less than the GSX-R. That first ‘Blade was the shot heard round the world, transforming the economy of two-wheeled performance in much the same way the Honda Interceptor and the original Suzuki GSX-R750 did the decade before.

Thirty years later, it’s difficult to conceive of a motorcycle so technically beyond the competition that it inspires such a sea change. Still, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is a credit to Tadao Baba’s legacy.

At $28,900, the Triple R is as expensive as the European competition with performance to match. From the highest-spec electronic suspension to integrated aero and a screaming inline-four powerplant, the CBR is Honda’s purest performance weapon. Undoubtedly, the latest CBR was built to win. While the World SBK crown has thus far evaded capture, Honda won the 2022 and 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours.

The fly in the ointment, however, is that the US-spec Triple R comes stateside with output limited to 186 hp. In a highly competitive field, coming to the fray with one hand tied behind its back is very unfortunate.

Related: Fastest Bikes You Can Buy in 2023

While American Honda still sells the base-model CBR1000RR, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is recognized as its top-tier, track-focused offering. This is one of those bikes that makes the most sense when being pushed around a racetrack.
While American Honda still sells the base-model CBR1000RR, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is recognized as its top-tier, track-focused offering. This is one of those bikes that makes the most sense when being pushed around a racetrack. (Honda/)

Updates for 2023

The Fireblade SP is unchanged for 2023. For 2022, however, the engine was tweaked with revised intake ports, narrower than before to increase the air velocity into the combustion chambers and bump up torque, along with an increased compression ratio of 13.4:1, up from 13.2:1. A new airbox, modified to improve flow, feeds revised intake funnels, with the center pair shorter by 15mm, and all four getting new, slash-cut shapes.

On the other side of the engine, the exhaust was modified with a new center section and redesigned catalytic converter, both intended to improve gas flow. Elsewhere, the throttle was modified to make it easier on the wrist, no doubt further emphasizing the impression of improved response. More notably, the rear sprocket gained three teeth, rising to 43 in total, reducing the final drive gearing for better acceleration. That sprocket change, and the longer chain that comes with it,

Read More

—————-

By: Cycle World Staff
Title: 2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/honda/cbr1000rr-r-fireblade-sp/
Published Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:46:06 +0000

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Related Topics:

Motor

BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

AdobeStock 527991764 Editorial Use Only copy 200x123 1 jpeg

>

BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

Read More

—————-

By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

Continue Reading

Motor

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

269679 Front 3 4 200x133 1 jpg

>

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

Read More

—————-

By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

Continue Reading

Motor

From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

honda cbx 1000 restomod 745x497 1 jpg

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

—————-

By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

Continue Reading

Trending