Describing a bike by My knowledge using words like polished, secure and predictable, I'd wager you wouldn't think I was referring to Honda's 2009 Fireblade. But the big superbike is actually one of the most sorted and usable machines out there. Something making a claimed 175bhp, not to mention having an immense speed potential, simply has no right to be as well-mannered and friendly as it is.The Honda is obviously the product of some very thoughtful and skilful design and engineering. In fact some might think it's just a bit too civilised and refined to fully excite in the same way the other litre-sportsbikes can. But my own take on it is; what it might lack in sheer excitement, it more than makes up for in effectiveness. Making any sort of progress, even speedy, has rarely been as easy as is on this bike.It's hard to know where to start with the praise for the Honda, but I'll begin with one thing the CBR is very impressive at doing - stopping. Stopping very quickly and very safely.
Anyone who knows me will be well aware of just how much of a huge fan I am of Honda's new C-ABS braking system. I've ridden a CBR600RR on both the road and track equipped with the clever electronic arrangement, and now the Fireblade too. And my verdict on it is the same every time; I consider it one of the greatest safety aids in motorcycling that I've ever experienced during my thirty years on bikes.I can't really praise it highly enough and no matter who you are, or where you're riding the C-ABS Hondas, you'll benefit every time you need to slow down. It's just about fully fool-proof, and thanks to its high intelligent electronics controlling pumps to distribute braking pressure to front and rear calipers, you can always guarantee to come to a halt as quickly and safely as possible. Be as ham-fisted as you want (and let's face it, all of us will at one time or another be likely to brake that way because of either inexperience or panic) and the 'braking-by-wire' set-up will manage the situation perfectly.
As manageable engines go, this is a beauty.In saying that, it can still send you to ridiculous law-breaking speeds in a jiff, and when you use it harder there's no doubt whatsoever that this is a superfast piece of machinery. It will loft its front wheel quite readily if you're generous with the throttle, so you always need to be at your best if you decide to ride it a bit harder. The great thing about the Fireblade though, is no matter who you are, or at what pace you're riding, it's always helping you out. Always on your side and constantly flattering your riding hugely, The Honda is a bike with few surprises and one that just gets on with its job of being brilliant and hugely effective.The original Blade may have rocked the biking world to its core back in 1992, but the current model is easily the best version yet. It might not have quite the same aggressive attitude as the original, and it isn't as stylish as that bike once was. But by being much better balanced overall, the new bike is a lot better for it. Think of the latest Fireblade as a very speedy gentleman's express and you'll have some idea what it feels like to ride.SPECIFICATIONSHONDA FIREBLADE C-ABSENGINEType: 999cc, liquid-cooled, sixteen-valve, dohc, in-line fourMaximum power: 175bhp @ 12,000rpmMaximum torque: 84lb/ft @ 8,500rpmTransmission: 6-speedFinal Drive: chainCHASSIS/COMPONENTSFrame: Alloy twin sparSuspension: Front: 43mm inverted telescopic forks, fully adjustableRear: rising-rate monoshock, fully adjustableBrakes: Front: twin 320mm discs with four piston radial C-ABS calipers Rear: single 220mm disc with twin piston C-ABS caliperTyres: Front: 120/70-17Rear: 190/55-17DIMENSIONS/CAPACITYSeat height: 820mmWheelbase: 1410mmClaimed wet weight: 210kgFuel capacity: 17.7 litresPrice: ?10,721Contact: Honda UK 0845 200 8000.
2012 Honda Cbr1000rr Fireblade
