2012 Honda Fireblade released

First official pictures and details of the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR

Posted: 26 September 2011
by Visordown News

IT might have been leaked a month ago but Honda has finally revealed all the details of the revamped 2012 Fireblade.

The Blade doesn't qualify to be called a 'new' model – the engine and chassis are basically unchanged – but there are enough updates to make it a significantly different proposition to its predecessor.

Launched almost exactly 20 years on from the unveiling of the original Fireblade, the new bike isn't quite the same game-changer, but Honda's approach is interesting. Rather than chasing for near-200bhp power levels or trying to make headlines with even less weight (two routes that would have been extremely expensive to pursue) the firm is capitalising on the Blade's reputation for quality and controllability and honing it to further improve its abilities in those areas. “Smoother” seems to be a key word in Honda's press info...

Key changes are remapped injection for 'smoother' power, a new design of Showa rear shock (the 'Balance Free Rear Cushion'), which Honda also describes as 'smoother', a new second-generation electronic steering damper (it's probably smoother) and a new slipper clutch. Honda hasn't said much about that, but we're guessing it will be smoother...

There's also the addition of 'Big Piston' Showa forks, new instruments, stiffer 12-spoke wheels and new styling that's not only more up-to-date but which Honda claims reduces front-end lift.


All Images


Previous article
Keanu Reeves' motorcycle nears production		 Next article
New MV Agusta Brutale 1090R


2012, news, gallery, honda, cbr1000rr, fireblade, specs, price
TwitterStumbleUponFacebookDiggRedditGoogle


Discuss this story


rv4
The new blade looks good, but why not a V4 ?

Posted: 26/09/2011 at 16:35


mobus
Looks like its got abit of a mutton chop sideburn thing going on with the new styling

Posted: 27/09/2011 at 08:34


Pepler
New Blade does look good, but images and technical details were released on Friday 23 September. Can understand a paper-based publication not getting info out for a few days, but a website? A news-based website? Or does Visordown just do Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00??

Posted: 27/09/2011 at 11:57


deniz salman
Looks like an oil burner, just like my 2011 fireblade..

Posted: 27/09/2011 at 12:20


Chilo
My present 'blade is safe for another year..still ugly and needs a underseat exhaust

Posted: 27/09/2011 at 13:58


jimlindsay
Pepler, nobody likes a smartarse so butt out.

Posted: 27/09/2011 at 16:24


keet
underseat exhausts are just dumb. they are much heavier and put that weight in the wrong places (up high), that is why most manufacturers have gone away from them.

Posted: 28/09/2011 at 18:23


Suzsmokeyallan
An underseat exhaust is a great concept IF executed properly. Besides centralizing weight, if it was made with a titanium mid pipe and a carbon fibre rear can, it will be way lighter than any other system made of stainless, aluminum or steel.
However to each his own on what they perceive to be correct.
I wish the manufacturers would fix those ugly 'growths' sprouting off the tail piece for the numberplate, lights etc.
Those things are just plain nasty looking and ruins the look of the bodywork.
So its smoother everywhere they claim, I'll bet the new price isn't too smooth on your wallet,LOL.

Posted: 28/09/2011 at 22:24


john turnbull
I'd like a manufacturer to make the front mudguard long enough to protect the rad!

Posted: 29/09/2011 at 12:58


TRX
I thought the under seat exhausts were to make wheel changes easier and faster and to protect them if you give it a slide down the black stuff.Which ever way you look at it , it does raise the COG ever so slightly. Personally I like the under belly style. I think this Honda is a real riders bike light weight wheels ,suspension upgrade, no tech aids to replace rider skill, short wheel base, punchy midrange for a IL4 , and 200kg wet. Sounds all good to me

Posted: 24/10/2011 at 10:28


bob bull
all of them are oil burners .. i really don't no how Honda get away with it. 1L per 1000miles is within limits ... and with Honda's clean name... yeh right!!

Posted: 26/11/2011 at 13:56

Talkback: 2012 Honda Fireblade released