The 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Split in Two Bikes?
Will the replacement for Honda's long-in-tooth CBR1000RR actually be two motorcycles? Rumor says that the new Honda CBR1000RR on the way for next year could be joined by an RVF1000R to give Honda two superbike options.The next-generation CBR1000RR, expected to appear in 2017, will use the fact it's developed purely for the road to get an edge over rivals that have been designed with an eye toward racing. Notice we hesitate to call it a CBR1000RR – there's no guarantee that Honda won't again play with its capacity, particularly if there's no need to race it.
Patents relating to new motorcycle show that its frame is narrower than the current one. It's designed so the front section also forms the base and sides of the airbox, effectively adding cross bracing to the chassis, as well as allowing the rails to tuck closer in above the engine. Expect the next generation CBR1000 to finally catch up with the likes of BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, and Yamaha with advanced traction control, ride modes, and ABS. Electronics adjustable, semi-active suspension is also likely.
The secret weapon might well turn out to be the existence of the RVF1000R currently being designed in parallel with the CBR1000. The RVF1000R plan is betrayed by patents, which show a version of the RC213-S's V-4 engine in a cast-aluminum, semi-monocoque chassis similar to that of the Ducati Panigale. It's designed to be much cheaper and easier to make than the RC213V-S but would still be priced far above the CBR1000.
Starting in 2016, World Superbike homologation requires a minimum of 500 motorcycle to be built, split over two years. That's half the number needed in 2014 and 2015 and a quarter of the pre-2014 requirements. While there's still a 40,000 Euro price cap for the production motorcycles that WSBK machine can be based on, it's high enough to make a new V-4 Honda feasible, even if it's a loss-leader.Tag: Honda CBR1000RR CBR1000 RVF1000 RVF1000R 1000cc Sportbike Superbike ABS 2017 All-New World-Superbike WSBK
