Honda’s CBR1000RR has long been a favorite around the MO offices, especially since the 2008 version tested here. Nearly as light as a 600 but with liter-class-leading midrange power, the big double-R vaulted to the top of its class.
The changes to the 2012 Fireblade look to include a freshly angular front end, new colours (including this HRC livery), and will probably reveal some mechanical upgrades, including Showa big piston front forks. Otherwise, we don’t know what other changes might be brewing under the very familiar fairing.
Starting with the chassis, the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR now utilizes Big Piston Fork technology, complemented by Honda’s “Balance-Free Rear Shock.” Exactly what the new configuration brings to the table is being kept under wraps until the upcoming press introduction of the new model. Stay tuned for a technical explanation of Balance-Free in the coming months.
Next, the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR sport bike carries new information system features a large, LCD-style dashboard with digital tech running horizontally across the top, large speedometer in the center, lap-timer, gear position indicator, engine temp, clock, trip meters, and a series of shift-indicator lights across the upper edge of the dash frame.
