When Honda released the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, in October, it sent a clear signal to the superbike world that it was intent on bringing the fight to the boys in black and green. In a surprise showing at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), proudly on display was the new model, in the flesh, as it were.
Singularly even more striking in real life, the new CBR1000RR exudes a sense of sleek purpose with straight, clean fairing lines and minimalist LED headlights. As per Honda’s promise, this top-of-the-line superbike has been slimmed down somewhat from the outgoing model.
Carrying a 999 cc DOHC inline-four, the new model puts out 189 hp at 13,000 rpm and 116 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. While this pales, somewhat, to the 197 hp (205 with ram-air) of its prime rival, the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, the CBR1000RR does weigh a claimed 195 kg wet, compared to the 206 kg from the ZX-10R; it also has more torque compared to the Kawasaki’s 113 Nm.
As dressed in Honda Racing Corporation colours of red, white and blue, the new CBR1000RR comes with all the prime goodies we expect from a machine of this calibre – Brembo radial calipers and gyroscope-based ABS handle the braking, while Ohlins Smart-EC looks after the bouncy bits with its electronic semi-active suspension.
A full suite of electronic aids comes with the 2017 model, including nine-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, includes slide and wheelie control), Selectable Engine Brake (SEB) and Riding Mode Select System (RMSS). De rigeur for all racing and sports-oriented machines these days is a quickshifter – fitted as standard – with three setting for the downshift mode.
Boon Siew Honda has declined to comment if they will be bringing in the new CBR1000RR officially, and from previous experience, it is unlikely that it will do so. Local market rival, the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, retails for RM104,859.
Mohan, going by the recent WSB results, the boys in black & green may be the WSB champion of 2016 but its the red Duke Panigale that is crashing the party by winning a record 6 wins in 2016.
If only Chaz Davies & Davide Giugliano finish their races I believe 2016 would have been the year the Duke become the champion. IMO, the Duke Panigale will be the team to beat in WSB 2017. Cheers & Happy Devali.
Towards the end the year, Chaz Davies & Ducati Panigale R is definitely the better package than the Factory Kawasaki duo, they just don’t have the answer for the Chaz Davies/Ducati steamrolling.It reminds me of the year 2002 WSBK, when Colin Edwards/Honda RC51 became the thorn among the Ducati 998 brigades. Next year the Factory Ducati is the team to watch. But of course, Team Green will not rest on it laurels and will work harder than ever to improve their bike’s performance. Ten Kate Honda should also be among the front runners as the New Fireblade should be very quick. Also watch out for the ever improving Team Pata Yamaha & newly formed Team Milwaukee Aprilia. I suspect the MV Agusta Reparto Corse & Althea BMW will still be in the middle group, but you never know what will happen next year. Very pity though for the SBK class, there still no news of the return of Suzuki next year when the New GSX-R is already launched, although their participation in BSB is the already confirmed..
Agree with you JD, you seems to know more than me on WSB & anything on 2 wheels. Maybe you can share your knowledge why the Duke is 1200cc/2 cylinders while the Japs & others are 1000cc/4 cylinders ? That is 200cc more than those 4 cylinders. Thanks.
Sure you don’t know ah? It’s the basic WSBK rule. 2-cyls can’t rev as high as the 4-cyls, that’s why the regulation allocate the extra 200cc..
JD, thumbs up. Clap clap clap.
For some reason, this bike looks quite tame.
Agree.but personally i prefer it that way.
Seems like bike and car dept in honda are using different design philosophy.look at civic type r or new civic.
this is cbr1000rr SP, not cbr1000rr
Honda’s philosophy with the new CBR as seen previously is “Total Control” so peak horsepower is not their main aim. Honda said they could easily bump the horspower of the roadgoing bike to 200+hp if they want to because the revised engine has a big potential, but of course that will be reserved for the racing bikes (Superstock 1000 & SBK). Anyway, I won’t be surprised if the road version will still be able to keep up with the top superbikes right now, as the power-to-weight ratio, mid-range torque and the nimbleness of the Fireblade could offset the power deficit and the bike will be at the sharp end of any comparo.