Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is a dedicated premium sports bike and is powered by a Euro 4 compliant liquid cooled 999 cc inline four engine, producing 189 bhp at 13,000 rpm and maximum torque at 11,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (832 mm / 32.8 inches)
- Weight: Average (196 kg / 432 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (160 miles / 257 km)
- Power to Weight: Very high (0.964 bhp/kg / 0.719 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (185 mph / 298 km/h)
Pros
- Looks great in black
- Handling
- Comfort
- Power
- Dash
Cons
- Wind protection
- Mirrors
- Range
- Seat
What Is It Like?
My Experience
I've owned three Fireblades now, including a 954 (2003) and 1000RR (2004), but now I own a 2018 basic model blade and Honda have out done themselves completely.
What's Good?
The 2018 blade is the latest incarnation and is very well equipped providing you set her up for your riding needs properly. The base model blade is the best balanced sports bike currently on offer; anyone could jump on it and ride it.
In my eyes little details make such a world of difference to a road bike, like a nice bit of leg room, a comfortable riding position and once you've sorted the traction control out heelloo throttle.
I went to Henstridge airfield six times last year where it was just amazing trying to pin the throttle back and hanging on for dear life (0mph-152mph-0mph in 512 meters). Trying to keep the front down without the traction control cutting in is tricky.
Ride
Let’s not forget this is an every day sports bike, not an ideal touring bike or anything in between. So the ride is a bit ‘firm’, she rides very well in the rain and she is a rocket ship all go go go.
You catch that wonderful engine in the right part of the rev-range and you’re off into the distance. I've just upgraded my tyres to Continental Sport Attack 3 - ooo boy she goes round corners even better now.
Technology
To fair I've have the base model so it hasn't got all tech of the SP1, but still does the job you need it for. Perfect for the road.
Cost
I got an absolute bargain at the time! You can get one of these things for about £14,000 to £16,000 brand spanking new out of the crate – in this case it really does mean value for money. In addition to this, when you consider that you get that Honda warranty with two years roadside assistance, it really is a no brainer.
Servicing costs are very much on-par with the competition, so there's little to complain about there. It’s worth the money for that dealer stamp and the peace of mind to know that if Honda have serviced it, the warranty is golden.
Reliability
Well not much to say, it's a Honda, bullet proof and I really would recommend buying one.
Mods
- Tail tidy
- Leo Vince slip on
- Power Bronze screen
- R&G headlight protectors
- Blip system
- Complete Brembo upgrade of the brakes
- K&N air filters
Pros
- Power
- Handling
- Riding position
- Amazing style
- Nice dash that you can custom to way you like it
- Always puts a smile on your face
Cons
- 50 to 80 miles on the motorway is an ass killer
- Having a 16 litre tank wasn't the best of ideas (lucky to get 140 to a tank)
To Sum Up
I've used my 2018 blade all year round and since June 2018 have clocked up just over 6,000 miles on her. So far every mile still puts a smile on my face.
There's never a shy moment on her; she's like a caged animal awaiting release. You get amazing handling and performance on the mark, all from a sports bike that's so easy to get on with. An all-round nice bit of kit.
- Perry G, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Fireblade SP - Ohlins semi active suspension, Brembo brakes, lighter.
Fireblade SP2 - 500 limited edition run, Marchesini wheels, MotoGP cylinder heads, optional race kit.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out this video review from TheMissendenFlyer.