Reviews

2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP MC Commute Review

A seat-of-the-leathers review on Honda’s 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

October 13, 2020

After years of getting beat up at the racetrack, Honda finally turns serious about the superbike class with its all-new 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Designed with World Superbike competition in mind, the Triple-R is positioned as a premium, competition-spec motorcycle slotting in above the standard CBR1000RR. In this real-time, seat-of-the-leathers review, we discuss what it’s like to ride the new Fireblade from the racetrack. For a deeper understanding of this machine, read the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP First Ride Review and 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Preview for all the juicy technical specifications.

We swing a leg over Honda’s bespoke $28,500 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the circuit in this review.Drew Ruiz

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei X-Fourteen

Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs

Suit: Alpinestars Race Replica V3 with Tech-Air Race Vest

Glove: Alpinestars GP Plus R V2

Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R

2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Specifications

PRICE	$28,500
ENGINE	999cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16-valve
BORE x STROKE	81.0 x 48.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	13.0:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Dual-stage fuel injection w/ 52mm throttle bodies
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain (16/43 gearing)
FRAME	Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION	Öhlins NPX 43mm inverted fork, w/ electronically controlled spring preload, compression, and rebound; 4.9-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Pro-Link single Öhlins shock w/ Electronic Control; 5.6-in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	Radial-mount Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers, 330mm discs
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Aluminum; 17 x 3.5-in. / 17 x 6.0-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3; 120/70-17 / 200/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL	24.0°/4.0 in.
WHEELBASE	57.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.6 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	4.3 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	443 lb.
WARRANTY	1-year, unlimited miles
AVAILABLE	October 2020
CONTACT	powersports.honda.com

The CBR1000RR-R sports an all-new liquid-cooled, 999cc, inline-four engine with more radial and oversquare bore/stroke dimensions.Drew Ruiz

The Akrapovič muffler has internal chambers designed to mitigate sound at idle, but voices a meaner growl at speed, on the road.Drew Ruiz

Honda says the 2021 CBR1000RR-R is the most slippery liter-and-above-sized sportbike in the segment.Drew Ruiz

The cockpit of the RR-R is more accommodating for taller riders. The fuel tank cover has been lowered and the clip-ons have a wider and more flat position.Drew Ruiz

The ignition/key stalk has been relocated to make more room for the ram air intake. The RR-R employs a proximity-style key fob.Drew Ruiz

The Fireblade SP gets a pressurized, semi-active damping-equipped fork from Öhlins. The fork offers impressive action in its auto-damping setting.Drew Ruiz

Winglets add downforce at speed, yet don’t disrupt handling at lean, says Honda.Drew Ruiz

The electronic suite is manipulated via this switch gear on the left clip-on. The menu navigation and function are better than Honda’s 2020 Africa Twin, but not as slick as some of its competitors in the class.Drew Ruiz

A 5-inch color TFT display keeps tabs on vehicle settings. Touchscreen navigation would have been a welcome addition.Drew Ruiz

The CBR1000RR-R has a longer wheelbase that boosts stability.Drew Ruiz

Honda’s triplane-like wings are neatly integrated into both sides of the bodywork.Drew Ruiz

An Öhlins gas-charged shock also features semi-active suspension damping adjustment based on road surface and rider control input. A fixed damping setting can also be selected.Drew Ruiz