Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
- 1,000 cc
- 160 kW
- 1 variant
- 4 models from 471 to 1000 cc
- Power from 35 to around 160 kW
- Fireblade SP with 1000 cc, developed with HRC
- Four-cylinder engine on CBR600RR and CBR650R
- E-Clutch on CBR650R and CBR500R
- CBR500R and CBR650R for restricted category A
What defines a supersport bike
Supersport bikes or sports motorcycles are designed for performance and precision. The footpegs sit high, the handlebars low, and the upper body lies over the tank. This gives a lot of control in fast corners, but is more tiring on long stages than a naked bike or a tourer.
At Honda, racing experience flows directly into these models. The Fireblade was developed with feedback from HRC and racing riders, and the CBR600RR adopts electronics and aerodynamics from the RC213V-S, the street-legal sister of the RC213V that Honda races in MotoGP. The CBR500R also carries the Fireblade style with aerodynamic winglets.
A sports motorcycle also requires you to keep your own skills up to date. Good protective gear, tyres at operating temperature and a clean choice of line are just as important on country roads as on the racetrack.
Which sports motorcycle suits your licence and experience?
Your driving licence determines which supersport motorcycle you may ride. For the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and CBR600RR you need category A. The CBR650R is available with 70 kW for category A or limited to 35 kW for category A restricted to 35 kW, known throughout the EU as A2. The CBR500R has 35 kW and is designed directly for restricted category A.
Outputs of 89 kW or around 160 kW can hardly be used to the full on public roads; these models show their potential on the racetrack. If you are new to riding, get to know the sporty seating position and direct chassis on the CBR500R or CBR650R and move up later.
The Honda supersport bikes at a glance
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has 1000 cc and around 160 kW. Honda has revised the intake system, cylinder head and gearing so that it pulls harder in the mid-range and accelerates strongly out of corners. The CBR600RR is a four-cylinder with 599 cc and 89 kW, developed for the racetrack and adapted for the road.
The CBR650R brings four-cylinder character to the mid-range: 649 cc, 70 kW, a design inspired by the Fireblade and the Honda E-Clutch, which takes over the clutch work on request. The CBR500R (471 cc, 35 kW) combines a twin-cylinder engine with a Showa upside-down fork and two radially mounted brake callipers; it too is available with E-Clutch.
Racing technology in detail
The CBR500R uses engine management tuned for acceleration, a connectable TFT display and HSTC traction control. For the CBR650R, Honda emphasises the sound of the inline four-cylinder and strong power delivery across the entire rev range; it also has a new TFT display.
The key figures also show the differences. According to dealer data, the CBR600RR reaches 255 km/h, the CBR650R 197 km/h and the CBR500R 176 km/h. The tank holds 18 litres on the CBR600RR, 17.1 litres on the CBR500R, 16.5 litres on the Fireblade SP and 15.4 litres on the CBR650R.
Test ride, seating position and training
The seating position of a supersport bike is a matter of taste and must suit your build. So plan a test ride with the official dealer Honda Motorrad Zürich before buying, ideally on a route with corners and some city traffic. The dealer can also tell you about leasing and service.
Throttle control and bike control can be practised more safely on closed-off grounds than in traffic. For this, the MX-Academy offers motorcycle and motocross courses for which you do not need to show a driving licence.
Frequently asked questions: Supersport motorcycle
Which driving licence do I need for a supersport motorcycle?
For the Fireblade SP and CBR600RR, category A. The CBR500R with 35 kW and the CBR650R in the version up to 35 kW can be ridden with restricted category A; the CBR650R with 70 kW requires category A.
Is the CBR650R a supersport bike?
It is a mid-range sports motorcycle: four-cylinder with 649 cc and 70 kW, with a design inspired by the Fireblade. It is less focused on the racetrack than the CBR600RR and Fireblade SP and is offered with Honda E-Clutch.
How much power does the Fireblade SP have?
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has 1000 cc and around 160 kW. The dealer data gives its top speed as 299 km/h – a figure that only matters on the racetrack.
Which sports motorcycle is suitable for beginners?
The CBR500R with 35 kW. It can be ridden with restricted category A, offers HSTC and is available with E-Clutch. If you want more power, you can move up to the CBR650R later.
Can I also go touring on a supersport bike?
Short tours yes, but on long stages the sporty seating position puts more strain on wrists and neck. For travelling, sports tourers such as the CB1000GT or a naked bike with an upright posture are better suited.