Honda’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade won a Red Dot 2020 design award in the motorcycle category. The Red Dot Award is given to products in 49 categories, judged on nine criteria including degree of innovation, functionality, durability and ergonomics.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade was developed with the concept, “Total control for the track.” Many of its elements were designed and created in pursuit of that. Its engine was designed with technologies from the RC213V MotoGP machine which continues to win world titles, resulting in the most powerful engine for a CBR yet. The frame has enhanced stability under acceleration and braking, and with the help of advanced electronic control system supporting sport riding, its potential has been further enhanced.
Honda believes the Fireblade won the award in part due to its functional beauty honed through pursuing the limits of high-performance and radical new form to achieve uncompromising function not only in the public roads, but also in the circuit.
The Fireblade is built on a lightweight aluminum diamond frame adopting the thin-walled GDC (gravity mold casting) method that enables high-precision rigidity tuning. It features a Prolink rear suspension, fastened to the rear of the engine block, contributing to optimization of frame rigidity and weight reduction. It’s governed by electronic control suspension manufactured by Öhlins.
Powering it is a newly designed water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 999cc engine. The same cylinder bore and stroke as Honda's RC213V racing machine. It’s governed by a throttle-by-wire system that includes riding modes that control the opening of the throttle valves, along with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Selectable Engine Brake, and Wheelie Behavior.
The body attitude control system uses a Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), with improved body posture estimation accuracy. The SP even includes a quick shifter for faster gear changes.
The Red Dot Award was founded in 1955, and has since become one of the most respected design awards worldwide. Outstanding designs are awarded by three awards, “Red Dot: Best of the Best”, “Red Dot” and “Honourable Mention.”
