Hayden Unveils 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
WorldSBK rider delighted by much-awaited new Honda
WorldSBK race winner and former MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden played a leading role in proceedings on Tuesday as the 2017 version of the road-going Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade was unveiled at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany.
Hayden was on-hand with Honda Endurance Racing team rider Freddy Foray to reveal the new motorcycle to the assembled media; in fact, not one but two individual models were uncovered, as both the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade SP and SP2 models were launched.
Hayden then went on to discuss the 25-year history of the Fireblade, having first sampled the new bike at Valencia’s Circuito Ricardo Tormo in September.
‘The development of the 2017 Fireblade has remained true to the ground-breaking spirit of the original 1992 machine, with a relentless focus on power to weight ratio,’ a Honda press release describes.
‘A 15kg weight reduction and 8kW top end power boost combine to give a 14% improvement in power to weight, making the 2017 Fireblade the sharpest in its 25-year history. A new electronics package includes semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control suspension, Honda Selectable Torque Control, Selectable Engine Brake and Power settings, Quickshifter and Downshift Assist.’
Next season, Hayden will be joined in the Honda WorldSBK Team line-up by a fellow former Grand Prix World Champion, as Stefan Bradl steps into the series.
