After a difficult year for Honda in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Honda took the covers off a new CBR1000RR-R machine for 2024 at the iconic EICMA show. On Thursday in Italy, Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) was able to give his first thoughts on the new bike he’ll race with next year, as well as where Honda have made improvements in order to move up the WorldSBK pecking order after taking just one podium in 2023.

Vierge was the manufacturer’s only podium-scorer, and, with teammate Iker Lecuona taking one in 2022, they’ve only managed two in two seasons. To counter this and try to become regular contenders, the factory have revealed the upgrades to their bike which include an updated chassis, aerodynamics and much more. View the full gallery of the new bike HERE. Speaking at EICMA, the #97 was able to discuss the new machine and explain where Honda have been working to make as many gains as possible.

Talking about the new bike, and where the focus has been, Vierge said: “Basically, everything is new. It looks really similar, but they changed many things. They are working super hard in Japan. Unfortunately, we haven’t tried it yet! I’m looking forward to jumping on the new Honda and seeing how it is. We are super focused on trying to use more power everywhere. We have a strong engine but, until now, we can’t use all the power at the end of the straights. The main focus is trying to improve the electronics with the engine to have a better acceleration.”

Neither Vierge nor Lecuona have got their hands on the updated model yet, but it will see its first track action with the pair in a couple of weeks at Jerez, when the team will test for the first time looking at the 2024 season. Vierge played up the importance of the winter tests this season as both he and Honda look to become consistent challengers at the sharp end of the field.

Previewing the test, he said: “I will test at Jerez and I’m looking forward to it because it looks amazing. It’ll be a crucial pre-season. It’ll be important to have a good base, have a good test because we started the season in February. We need to have a good season and it’ll be crucial to have a good winter.”

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