Rennie Scaysbrook | November 23, 2021
Honda has just unveiled a stunning tribute to its most famous motorcycle, with the 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP also coming in a limited edition 30th Anniversary color scheme.
Draped in the beautiful brushstroke tri-color of the original 1992 missile that redefined the superbike sector, the 30th Anniversary version isn’t any different, mechanically speaking, to the 2022 CBR but, who cares when it looks this good?
At this stage, we must stress that this is a European spec model, and no word yet has come from American Honda on if it’ll make it here (but we can always dream).
You gotta love the 90’s! Here’s hoping we see a few of these CBR’s in North America.
The original 900 cc Fireblade was created by Hondas legendary designer Tadao Baba, widely known as the Father of the Fireblade. The aesthetic design fell to Mr. Hiroaki Tsukui, who in turn created one of the most iconic sportbike liveries of all time, and while the current model of red and blue is a throwback to Honda’s original racing colors, we think the 1992 version looks faaaaar better and would like to, err, encourage American Honda to bring this model stateside.
Like the base Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the 30th Anniversary will get updates to the traction control and ride-by-wire throttle, as well as a reduction in the final drive by going up a sizeable three teeth on the rear sprocket to help the ’Blade leap out of corners faster. There’s also changes to the intake ports, airbox and funnels, and a new exhaust.
The brakes gets a new surface finish on the Nissin brake caliper pistons to improve braking performance and consistency in race conditions. The quick shifter has also come in for an inspection, as Honda tries to get the shift cut out smoother for wide open gear changes.
There’s been a bit of a retro theme going on of late, with Kawasaki giving Jonathan Rea a ZXR750 replica paint job for Argentina this year and now this Blade from Honda. What’s next? Hypercolor t-shirts?
No price has been released by Honda, even in Euros. I guess we’ll just have to stare at the screen for the time being.
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