Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially re-launched its flagship superbike, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, in India. The bike carries a hefty ex-showroom price of ₹28.99 lakh, placing it firmly in the premium bracket. It aims to attract riders who want track-ready performance, advanced electronics, and superbike pedigree.
Below is what you need to know about this beast:
Engine & Performance
- The Fireblade SP is powered by a 999cc inline-four, liquid-cooled DOHC engine.
- It delivers around 217.5 horsepower (hp) at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 12,500 rpm.
- It uses a 6-speed gearbox with a bi‐directional quickshifter and ride-by-wire throttle.
Chassis, Weight, & Dynamics
- Kerb weight is about 201 kg.
- Fuel tank capacity is around 16.1-16.5 litres.
- Seat height: 830 mm, which makes it a tall and aggressive posture.
Suspension, Brakes & Tyres
- Front suspension: Premium Showa or Öhlins unit (SP version) with adjustable damping.
- Rear suspension: Matching high-end unit, electronically adjustable in the SP variant.
- Brakes: Twin 330 mm front discs with Brembo Stylema calipers in the front (SP), and a 220 mm disc at rear.
- Tyres / Wheels: 17-inch front & rear alloy wheels designed to handle high speed and sharp cornering.
Electronics & Rider Aids
The Fireblade SP is loaded with electronic aids and features to make it safe, adaptable, and high-performing:
- A 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) enabling features like wheelie control, launch control, traction control, etc.
- Multiple riding modes, engine braking settings.
- Race / Track / Standard ABS modes.
- Quickshifter (up & down) for smoother shifts without clutch use.
- Electronic steering damper for high-speed stability.
Features & Design
- Aerodynamic winglets derived from racing experience, specifically designed to provide downforce and stability at high speeds.
- RC213V-S inspired swingarm for improved rear-end grip and feedback.
- Akrapovič titanium exhaust in some versions, especially racing‐oriented trims.
- TFT full-colour display that gives ride data, modes, and connectivity.
Rivals & Market Positioning
At its price of ₹28.99 lakh (ex showroom, India), the Fireblade SP competes with other top litre-class superbikes:
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
- BMW S 1000 RR
- Ducati Panigale V4
It’s positioned as a track-focused superbike for buyers who want high electronics, top-tier components, and the prestige of owning Honda’s flagship.
What It Means for Buyers
- Ownership costs will be high: maintenance, insurance, tyres, servicing at premium levels. Buyers will need to be enthusiasts or track day users to fully benefit.
- Riding comfort in traffic might be less, due to riding posture, seat height, and power delivery. This is designed more for performance than daily commuting.
- Requires regular high-octane fuel to extract peak performance.
Summary
The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP marks a bold return of Honda’s flagship in the Indian superbike market. With high price but higher performance, premium components, race-derived tech, and strong electronics, it’s made for riders who want maximum performance and prestige. For those, every spec speaks of Honda’s engineering excellence and track pedigree.