Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade gets new colour schemes for 2011

Honda�s legendary CBR1000RR Fireblade gets new colour schemes for 2011 � and not much else

We realise that times are hard, but Honda has pulled out all the stops to bring its adoring public some pretty new colour schemes for their 2011 Fireblade��. really, they have! As beautiful as they look, I doubt that it will be enough to keep Honda at the top of the sales charts.
Reading through the official press release, I feel as though I�m browsing through the script of  �Groundhog Day�. Same old exciting reading as last year unfortunately. As good a bike as the CBR1000RR is, it isn�t the most up to date sports bike out there. With offerings from BMW, Suzuki, Aprilia and the new Kawasaki hopeful, I really thought that the mighty Honda would bring its flagship sports machine up to date and into line. But no, they just went to town on the paintwork. Minor detail changes just won�t hack it unfortunately and it looks like there are going to be many more blue, white and green motorcycles on UK roads next year!
The official press release is published in full below, if you read last years offering then this one will bore you to sleep � it did to me.
A word of warning, if you are browsing this article with a mobile device such as an Iphone or Blackberry, just make sure that you are sat down. We definately don�t want to be responsible for hundreds of people fast asleep on the streets of Britain!
2011 Honda CBR1000RR Official Press Release
The Fireblade has consistently set the benchmark for sports performance from its inception in 1992 to the present day. Race wins and championships are too numerous to list, but its enviable success at the Isle of Man TT speaks volumes about the pure road performance of this legendary Super Sports bike. After all, this is a real road environment where total control is far more important than on-paper performance.
For 2011, the CBR1000RR Fireblade comes in three exciting new colour variants. A new HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) tricolour version features new colours throughout, including a stunning gold trim, white wheels and HRC decals on the middle and upper front cowl, rear fender and front fender. A new full Honda Repsol racing livery proudly shows the Fireblade�s ties to the Moto GP RC212V and accentuates its race bred technology and heritage. There is also a special Graphite Black version with black wheels. It places a firm emphasis on the clean lines of the bodywork which contrast strongly with the silver coloured frame. All colours are available in both the Standard and the Combined ABS versions.

The Fireblade�s design styling is pared-down and purposeful with an overall form that dispenses with anything that doesn�t support the twin goals of minimal weight and optimal mass centralisation. In 2010 its rear shape was revised and it featured a new clear-lens tail-light. The indicators and licence plate holder were integrated into a compact assembly which can be easily detached from the rear fender unit for closed track riding. Its low-slung exhaust received a redesigned muffler that improved cornering clearance, and further focused weight around the central mass.
Designed for excellent handling and dynamic performance, the Fireblade�s front cowl is short and compact, incorporating striking line beam headlights.
CBR1000RR engine performance is distinguished by exceptional torque throughout its range. Acceleration is smooth and powerful, seamlessly delivered from the lightest, most compact package. A Dual Sequential Programmed Fuel Injection system enables the engine to deliver quick-revving power, blistering torque and breathtaking acceleration, as well as smooth output and easy control.
In order to maximise enjoyment of sports riding, innovations have been made to absorb fluctuations in engine torque and improve throttle control. In 2010 the ACG (alternating current electrical generator) flywheels were made bigger and crankshaft rigidity was enhanced to fit the flywheel size, increasing crankshaft inertia mass by 6.87%. This enables generation of optimal crankshaft inertia mass during racing, resulting in smoother, torquier power delivery and improving throttle control. Through the use of lightweight components including an aluminium cylinder head sealing bolt, thin-walled flange section for the exhaust pipe and a smaller fan motor, this was achieved without any increase in weight.
The engine�s silky-smooth delivery is aided by a unique Slipper Clutch which prevents any rear wheel lock-up on mistimed downshifts, as well as quick clutch re-engagement, light lever load and comfortable clutch action when accelerating.

The CBR1000RR exhaust combines a compact configuration with maximum ground clearance and mass centralisation. Two valves in the muffler constantly tailor the system for maximum drive and smooth delivery and boost the machine�s power at full throttle. The oxygen-sensing HECS3 (Honda Evolutional Catalysing System) constantly monitors emissions, reducing any harmful gases and tailoring fuelling for the most efficient combustion mixture.
In designing the sophisticated four-piece aluminium frame for the CBR1000RR Fireblade, Honda engineers aimed to perfect the delicate balance of strength, rigidity and lightness required for top superbike performance and handling. It also facilitates the positioning of all other components for mass centralisation. The gull-wing shaped swingarm is long, giving improved traction and rider feedback and a low centre of gravity. It is complemented by Honda�s innovative Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, derived from Honda�s racing pedigree. At the front, a fully adjustable 43mm HMAS cartridge-type front fork provides finely controlled damping characteristics and impressive torsion strength. Together, these systems provide assured road holding on both road and track.
The Fireblade also features Honda�s second-generation HESD Honda Electronic Steering Damper which automatically tailors damping force according to an electronic system which monitors the bike�s speed. This enhances high-speed stability by minimising sudden steering changes, and also enables light, easy steering at low speeds.
At the front, powerful radially-mounted four-piston calipers made of aluminium feature a one-piece monoblock construction for light weight and optimal rigidity.  Six-point floating discs which self-centre provide an optimum braking performance.
Honda Fireblade History
Since 2009 it has been possible to enjoy breathtaking CBR performance with the extra reassurance of a specially developed electronically-controlled Combined ABS, developed by Honda specifically for use on our Super Sports bikes. This revolutionary system allows riders to brake naturally and confidently without the pulsating effect felt at the lever with conventional braking systems. A typically short wheelbase and high centre of gravity mean that a sportsbike can be prone to pitching forward under extreme braking. Electronically-controlled Combined ABS minimises the pitch tendency during ABS operation, keeping the motorcycle in a neutral position whilst braking, and allowing the rider to brake confidently. As a result, this system allows greater use of full braking power, preventing wheel hopping and locking, and reducing disturbance of the suspension.  Exhaustive testing on road and track has shown that Honda�s unique electronically-controlled Combined ABS enhances control while retaining feel. For riders of all skill levels, it offers a confidence and skill-building option that significantly improves enjoyment of the Super Sport riding experience.
Main Features

• Vibrant Orange Repsol
• New Tricolour (Pearl Blue, Ross White Wheels) version.
• Graphite Black version is enhanced by contrasting silver frame.
• Compact, powerful engine with sleeveless cylinders and pared-down components for minimum weight.
• Optimised flywheel size and crankshaft rigidity enable generation of maximum crankshaft inertia mass during racing for enhanced power delivery throttle control.
• Honda�s Assist Slipper Clutch provides smooth power delivery and light, comfortable clutch actuation in virtually all riding conditions.
• Low-slung exhaust system contributes to mass centralisation and provides maximum ground clearance.
• Strong, rigid, lightweight four-piece aluminium frame facilitates agile and secure handling while contributing to mass centralisation.
• Second-generation HESD Steering Damper enhances high-speed stability while allowing light and easy steering at slower speeds.
• Sleek, aerodynamic bodywork ensures minimal wind resistance at high speeds.
• High-spec, fully adjustable 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork contributes to an ideal balance between comfort and taut road-holding.
• Radially-mounted four-piston calipers and six-point floating rotors for superb braking power and minimal unsprung weight.
• C-ABS version features advanced Honda electronically-controlled Combined ABS.
• ECU for Combined ABS for circuit usage also available as an option from Honda Accessories.

2011 Honda CBR1000RR Colours

• Tricolour (Pearl Blue, Ross White Wheels)
• Vibrant Orange Repsol New!
• Graphite Black (with Silver frame)

Optional Equipment
The styling, performance and versatility of the CBR1000RR are enhanced by a range of optional accessories, provided by Honda Access Europe. These include:

• Averto alarm kit
• Lightweight carbon-fibre parts:
• hugger (non-ABS version only)
• front mudguard
• crankcase cover set
• tank pad
• Colour-matched hugger (non-ABS version only)
• Colour-matched rear seat cowl
• Replacement rider�s seat
• Wheel sticker set
• Fairing protector set
• High windscreens (clear or tinted)
• Outdoor and indoor motorcycle body covers
• Rear seat bag
• Tankbag
• Tank pads