Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP Review (2017)
What Is It?
The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is a dedicated premium sports bike which builds on the base Fireblade with better suspension, brakes and weight saving measures. It's 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 (820 mm / 32.3 inches)
- Weight: Average (195 kg / 430 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (160 miles / 257 km)
- Power to Weight: Very high (0.969 bhp/kg / 0.723 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (185 mph / 298 km/h)
Pros
- Excellent quickshifter
- Smooth power
- Light weight
- Suspension
- Handling
- Comfort
- Dash
- Looks
Cons
- Wind protection
- Mirrors
- Range
- Seat
What Is It Like?
Choosing The SP
I went for the 2017 Fireblade SP ... and I love my it! I test rode a few other brands and found the SP to be light and comfortable while still performing as well as the others plus I thought I would get a lot more use from another Fireblade than any of the other options. I was so right in my decision, I am very much at home on it and able to go the distance.
The SP is a single rider bike and weight reduction has been achieved by not having the frame structure for a pillion passenger.
Tech
The SP has a few extras which the standard Blade doesn't have, I have to mention first the quickshifter with down shift assist. This is such a positive gear change which skips up and down with very little force at all. No bike without it will compete.
Suspension
It also benefits from Ohlins electronic suspension with three pre-set functions and two user modes. This is also the case with the power, torque and also the amount of engine braking that can all be adjusted with the flick of a switch.
The bike can be set up easily for a very novice rider or ridden hard on the track with a very quick set up.
Brakes
On top of this the SP comes with Brembo front brakes for extra stopping power and believe me...they work a treat! The bike is not the most powerful on the market however with its power to weight ratio it is a major contender, with the tank, belly pan and exhaust all Titanium as standard.
Exhaust
Many I know have changed their exhaust but I have opted to retain the standard exhaust what with it all being Titanium. It is very quiet on idle but ease that electronic throttle back and it changes from a purring kitten to a wild animal that is far from silent.
Dash
It's extremely modern, switches between day and night mode itself and has all the information you require including lap timers. This bike turns heads everywhere I go, all the lighting is LED and it's fitted with a tracker as standard from any Honda dealership.
Mods
On mine I have fitted a tail tidy, R&G non-drilling crash bungs which come with an R&G infill panel for fitting and I did install heated grips....going back to the need for comfort again on that one.
To Sum Up
I'm sure I could go on all day about this bike, it looks amazing, rides unbelievably well and handles every corner it's thrown into. This was worth waiting for and I one hundred percent rate the Fireblade SP.
- Steve J, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Fireblade - Base model without the fancy suspension, improved brakes or quickshifter.
Fireblade SP2 - 500 limited edition run, Marchesini wheels, MotoGP cylinder heads and optional race kit.
The Second Opinion
About me
I'm 56, 5'9" tall with 30 plus years riding experience over lots of bikes!
Why did you choose it?
Looks, performance and the fact it is a Honda.
What's good about it?
The SP feels like a 600 with its light weight, compact size and impeccable handling but with the visceral punch of a 1000. Ohlins semi-active suspension is incredible.
What could be improved?
I cannot fault it in any way.
Any mods or upgrades?
- Engine and axle protectors
- EvoTech radiator guard (essential) and tail tidy
- Carbon fibre hugger and chain guard
- SC Project exhaust next on the list.
How is the engine?
Smooth power everywhere, acceleration with quickshifter is awesome.
How does it handle?
Faultless, extremely flickable, planted at all times and finds grip like you wouldn't believe.
What are the brakes like?
Brembo calipers, one/two fingers are all that's needed.
Is it comfortable?
With slow speed around town I can start to feel pain in wrists, but once you're moving though no issues as airflow takes weight off.
How reliable have you found it?
No issues with it at all, it's a Honda.
How would you sum up the model?
Perfection on two wheels.
- Simon L, 2020
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.