2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP First Look Preview

Honda is leaving well enough alone with regard to its top-tier superbike this year, keeping its CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the new motorcycle lineup unchanged in 2023. The track weapon is now available starting at $28,900 in a Pearl White color scheme.

Editor’s note: We test rode this vehicle during the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP First Ride Review and 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP MC Commute Review articles and videos.

The SP is designed for on-track performance, first coming to the States in its current trim as a 2021 model. That major update resulted in a sportbike with a compact 999cc inline-four with numerous elements derived from MotoGP machines. The frame was revised to accommodate the new engine size and improve handling characteristics. Those changes coupled with improved tech and Öhlins semi-active electronic suspension resulted in a much-improved motorcycle during our first outing on track back in late 2020.

Other highlights of note include a much better-performing ride-by-wire system and quickshifter, taller rev range, and an improved braking package. The update brought the bike much more in line with literbike offerings from other manufacturers and left our testers feeling that this was a “superbike like we’ve never seen from Big Red.”

Related: The Best Superbikes of 2023

As a homologation platform, though, the bike also needs to perform in competition and in the years since its release the results haven’t been great in World Superbike. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for the 2023 edition, which if the rumors that have been circling prove to be true, will mark another notable update to the platform. Possibly with a better aerodynamics package to help the platform reach the top step. Only time will tell.