2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Is How Rolling Monsters Look Like Now

The new motorcycle traces its roots, just like the ones before it, to the Fireblade of the 1990s, more specifically the CBR900RR. It's a model that made history on race tracks, and so did it successors – and that means the new incarnation of the CBR1000RR-R couldn't have been any different.

In the week of the EICMA motorcycle show, Honda's European branch pulled the wraps off the 2024 model year version of the bike, showing the world not just a minor color scheme change, but significant upgrades compared to what came before, in one than more departments.

It's the bike's engine that kickstarts the list of significant tweaks. In this version as well we're dealing with a 1,000cc inline four-cylinder powerplant "in a new state of tune" that develops a staggering 215 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque.

The revisions for the bike's heart include improvements to the cylinder head, compression ratio, valve timing and springs. New and lighter crankshaft and con-rods have been installed.

The engine is controlled by means of a six-speed transmission that now boasts shorter ratios. The breathing needs, more specifically the ones that have to do with exhaling, are handled by 4-2-1 exhaust downpipes that end in a titanium Akrapovic muffler. This piece is slightly larger than what came before in terms of volume, but it has been tweaked to provide sound muffled by five decibels.

The engine is held in place by an aluminum diamond frame, the same kind used until now. In its turn it makes contact with the ground through 17-inch five-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

It's the hardware that can be found linking the frame to the wheels that takes center stage on the new Fireblade. We're talking about a race-spec suspension based on the new Ohlins Smart Electronic Control system.

Comprising 43 mm forks at the front and a new rear shock at the rear, the third-generation hardware is used for the first time ever on a motorcycle. Both forks and shock use spool valve internals, and their setting can be controlled with the help of a digital spring preload guide available in the instrument panel.

As you'd imagine on a ride of this caliber, stopping power is provided by Brembo brakes. Given the effort it needs to keep this monster in check, a lot of rider assistance systems have been embedded in the machine, including cornering ABS with an extra race setting, emergency stop signal, and wheelie control.

Design-wise there aren't all that many changes, but if you know where to look you'll spot a series of differences.

On the fairing mid-section, for instance, you'll notice new winglets. They are there to help generate more downforce, especially during high-speed cornering.

Then, the handlebars were moved higher and the footpegs relocated to a lower position to allow for a revised (and hopefully better) riding position.

To top all these changes off, the volume of the bike's fuel tank has been increased. True, the change is not that great, of only 0.4 liters (0.8 pint), but it does bring the total volume of the tank to 16.5 liters now (4.3 gallons).

Honda will offer for the Fireblade's 2024 model year a special Carbon Edition. The range will be limited to just 300 units, and it will bring to the table things like carbon fiber cowls and mudguards. With these things on, the bike is one kilo (2.2 pounds) lighter than its standard sibling.

Honda will offer the standard Fireblade SP in three-color Grand Prix Red, while the Carbon Edition will come in Mat Pearl Morion Black, and with a commemorative plaque installed on the airbox cover.

Honda did not say when the sale of the new motorcycles will begin, or whether they will be available in the U.S. or not. We also don't have any info on pricing yet, but regardless of where it stands, we know how to significantly increase it through optional packages.

The Japanese offer no less than three packages for the two-wheeler. The first is the Comfort Pack, which adds things like a USB socket, and bags for the tank and the rear seat.

Second on the list, the Racing pack offers extra protection for the frame, oil filter, and tank, but also an Alcantara seat.

The ultimate 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP package is the Race Kit. This one is not road-legal, as it brings changes to the motorcycle's ECU, wiring, clutch, and exhaust.

We'll follow Honda's announcements and report back once we learn the price for all of the above wonders.