Honda's 2021 lineup is full of exciting models, but one that truly stands out is the redesigned CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. This stunning liter-bike represents a major highlight of Honda's 2021 rollout, and it's clear that Honda has spared no expense in making this a true modern superbike. With its sleek design and powerful performance, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is sure to impress even the most discerning riders.
And let’s get this out of the way right off the bat – that’s a lot of ‘Rs’. Like, probably too many. Surely there may have been an easier/less single-letter-heavy name for Honda’s top-tier motorcycle. But all is forgiven when you start to dig down into the details.
This new motorcycle is an absolute weapon and an exciting addition to Honda’s superbike lineup. Honestly, I love motorcycles like this. They’re expensive, rare, and crazy fast, and only the lucky few will ever ride one. It’s these kinds of wild machines that make little “logical” sense, but they play an incredibly important role in something equally as impactful – dreams. The Fireblade SP is exactly the kind of thing that ends up on a poster on a kid’s bedroom wall or a big kid’s background on their computer. It’s rolling inspiration to reach higher, and I love it.
Honda’s most lethal weapon starts at $28,500. For that, you get a 999cc engine that draws heavy inspiration from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP racebike. The SP’s mill share’s the same bore and stroke as the RC213V, uses double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, a unique coating on specific engine components to greatly reduce frictional resistance, titanium connecting rods, and special rocker arms that reduce inertia weight of the valve system by a massive 75%. The SP might be road legal, but it's abundantly clear its heart was bred for the track.
It has a full-color TFT dash that allows for a wide range of customization. Honda enlisted Ohlins for the SP’s suspension and it uses the brand’s second-generation electronically controlled NPX front fork, which is a leap forward over the previous generation NIX unit. The bike also features an aluminum frame, titanium muffler, Brembo brakes, a full suite of electronics including five different power models, and a further nine levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control, and check out those enclosed wings/ducts on the front fairing. Righteous.
If you’re interested in the Fireblade SP, you’ll have to deal with but one color choice. This is ok because the HRC Tri-Color pattern that Honda painted this bike in looks fantastic. It may not be an actual MotoGP bike, but man oh man, it sure comes close.
Motorcycles like the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP are a spectacle, a showstopper, and something to be respected and admired. For me personally, it's machines like these and the passion that creates them that inspires me to keep working work hard, chasing my dreams, and keep on riding.