Help us:
|
|
|
| | | Road test: 2006 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade-Blade keeps on rolling |  Written: 24/08/2006 : 09:39. Read 22279 times (12/day). | Leaner and meaner are words you’d use to describe a boxer in his prime. Sharper and more focused than ever are words for the 2006 ‘Blade. And the Fireblade has been sharpened indeed, but is the blade sharp enough to tackle a battle with ninjas and Gixxers?
0 votes | |
| |
As it happens I got the chance to ride the new Fireblade back-to-back with the new Suzuki GSX-R750 and not too long ago I also had the K6 GSX-R1000 on test. Suzuki is the arch enemy in 2006 and can the improved CBR1000RR do any damage to the hegemony of the Gixxers?
The 998cc in-line four engine has received a big update in a new cylinder head porting and combustion chamber shape. All to improve mid to high rpm power output. The intake valve is new and the engine is now helped by double intake valve springs for better performance in the upper rev range. All this has allowed Honda to rise the redline to 12.250rpm. The clutch and gearbox have also been improved along with redesigned ram-air and lighter exhaust. The 2006 Blade also got new larger 320mm front brake discs, all new bodywork and revised suspension. So not far from being a brand new bike when you look at all the changes.
The new dry weight is a claimed 176 kilos, still a hefty 10kg heavier than GSX-R1000 and 13kg heavier than GSX-R750. This is what I noticed first and the Fireblade is also physically larger than the Gixxers. The seat and handlebars are surprisingly comfortable for such a motorcycle. It is difficult to say whether the new foam in the seat makes any improvements over the old Fireblade, but after 200miles in the seat I still felt fresh. The big Honda also allowed me another 20-30 miles of fast motorway miles before the fuel light came on than any of the Suzuki GSX-Rs. Stability is top class and particularly when leaning the bike at high speeds. Instant confidence is something the Fireblade does better than anyone else and Honda deserves praise particularly in that area. The throttle is light as is preferred for racing, but at slow speed in town you don’t get that precise feeling as you would with a heavier throttle wheel. Fuel injection is superb as fuel consumption also proves. CBR1000RR still features one of the best midranges in the litre class and is only 2Nm short of the big Gixxer thousand. With 170bhp on tap the Fireblade surge forward and accelerates hard from rpms low in the midrange. With even more punch from the midrange and top-end the 2006 RR wheelies even easier than before. The new 42 tooth rear sprocket is undoubtedly a help here too. The electronic progressive steering damper keeps everything in shape with no drama at all. The Fireblade swingarm looks more serious than most swingarms and is a major advantage for track usage. Suspension has been improved with different settings and a new linkage at the rear. The Fireblade already handled better than most motorcycles, and with the suspension improvements this continues into 2006.
Confidence on the brakes is superb and it always feels as if you can squeeze the brake lever more. The tyres are so good, offering vast amounts of neutral feedback, and you almost forget how important they are. Bridgestone Battlax BT015, 120/70-17 front and 190/50-17 rear. Chassis, suspension and tyres all contribute to a feeling of flying on a vast range of different road surfaces. I wouldn’t change a thing on the suspension set-up for road riding.
The six-speed cassette type gearbox now features new transmission gears for better feel and reliability during racing. On the road the clutch/gearing action feels smooth and no effort is needed for swift progress or deceleration.
If you are wondering about the RC211V MotoGP heritage you will take interest in knowing that the aluminium frame and swingarm, along with the pro-link rear suspension, has taken influences from the V5. The fairing design also carries clues to the most powerful Honda MotoGP racer ever. The new front looks smooth, dynamic and aggressive at the same time. A shame that huge right hand engine cover isn’t covered up as it hardly deserves being on show. An alteration to the reflector to the beam headlights makes sure you can ride fast at night too.
Conclusion
The competition in the litre class is as fierce as ever and with MotoGP technology dripping down slowly, but steady, the latest breed of superfast in-line fours have pushed the extraordinary performance figures further than ever. Even if the 2006 incarnation of the Fireblade is stronger and lighter than ever it still lacks that little extra compared to a certain GSX-R. But did I mind when riding it? Not at all, I love the way CBR1000RR handles and the neutral confidence inspiring feel. Honda has done enough to keep the ‘Blade up there for at least another year. With fairly good fuel consumption, plenty of power and excellent handling Honda is still up there.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh
The photo gallery is here
For the full specs, read this article
|
Please register if you want to write a comment:
Clic here |
|
|
| | |
(not translated yet) Contact CBF 1000 2010
