Honda shows Fireblade SP to tackle European premium superbikes

Honda's Fireblade has slowly but surely fallen out of the news. It's native excellence and friendliness has been overshadowed by the updates to the likes of the BMW S1000RR and the Aprilia RSV while the Honda hasn't been updated in ages.

The engine head also has new intake and exhaust porting while Honda chose to retain the current 12.3:1 compression ratio

Well, it still hasn't, but Honda have done a few clever things to create the new SP. It begins with blue-printed pistons (as in the pistons are individually checked so that the tolerances are as close to perfect as possible) along with the top-end and the connecting rods. As in the top of the engine is as close to combustion perfection as humanly possible. The head also has new intake and exhaust porting while Honda chose to retain the current 12.3:1 compression ratio. This is a critical thing because the Honda has often been appreciated for its strong mid-range and daily rideability but called out for having a top-end that simply doesn't match the likes of the Kawasaki ZX-10R or the BMW/Aprilia bikes.

The SP gets fully adjustable Ohlins front forks and a new triple clamp while the rear also gets a fully adjustable TTX-spec Ohlins unit

Then Honda went after the suspension. The SP gets fully adjustable Ohlins front forks and a new triple clamp while the rear also gets a fully adjustable TTX-spec Ohlins unit. The brakes are now monobloc Brembos on 320mm rotors and some markets will actually get the SP without ABS, it appears. Keeping in line with the changes, Honda will also specify Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa SP tyres. Finally, Honda used a custom, lighter subframe for the tail unit on the SP. The weight difference overall is marginal but the centralisation of mass should improve.

The SP is also a more aggressive motor to ride - the clip-ons and footpegs adopt a more aggressive position while a taller screen should be welcome at the end of a long straight. The SP also gets a removable seat cowl for the pillion seat as standard, underlining its performance intent.

The SP will be faster around a track than the normal Fireblade, that is understood. Will it be enough though? Let us know what you think in the comments.