Lightweight 2018 Honda CBR1000RR SP is made for the track

For the 2018 Bangkok International Motor Show, Honda chose to unveil this year’s CBR1000RR SP for the Thai market. The CBR1000RR Fireblade is Honda’s flagship superbike, while the SP is a variant upgraded for improving lap times at the track.

After the Fireblade went through such a major redesign for the 2017 model year, 2018 sees nothing significantly new in the line. The changes are mostly aesthetic — and even then, they are subtle.

BIMS 2018: Honda CBR1000RR

All CBR1000RR models this year share the same engine, chassis, and aerodynamic bodywork while packing technology derived from the RC213V-S MotoGP bike. The new Fireblade is powered by a liquid-cooled, 16-valve, 999 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder mated to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a Quickshifter and light Assist Slipper Clutch.

The SP is designated specifically for the track, with lightweight features including a lithium-ion battery and titanium components. It gets semi-active, fully adjustable Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (Smart-EC) suspension with three pre-set and two user-programmable modes. The system uses 43mm NIX30 front forks with 120 mm of travel, and a TTX36 rear damper with 60 mm of travel.

BIMS 2018: Honda CBR1000RR

The motorcycle brakes its 17-inch wheels using 320mm dual hydraulic discs with Brembo radial mounted calipers up front and a 220mm hydraulic disc out back. Both ends get electronically controlled ABS. Its electronic suite is centered around the 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) gyro working with a Throttle By Wire system. The Riding Mode Select System provides a Power Selector with five levels of engine power, nine levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control, and three levels of Selectable Engine Brake Control.

The 2018 CBR1000RR Fireblade SP has a seat height of 823 mm, a fuel capacity of 16 L, and a curb weight of 195 kg. It is available in Grand Prix Red with Blue/White graphics.

The 39th Bangkok International Motor Show is ongoing from March 27 to April 8, 2018 at the IMPACT Challenger Halls 1-3 at Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand.