Press Information 2000

Transcription

1 Press Information 2000 CBR900RR Fireblade CBR900RR Fireblade E 1

2 Introduction Honda s remarkable, high-performance CBR900RR Fireblade has consistently been a dominant force on the big bike Super Sport scene virtually every year since it revived the world s interest in 900cc-class machines back in The Fireblade s breathtaking, precision-engineered combination of dynamic engine performance, sharp, responsive handling, and the weight and compact proportions of many 600cc-class machines has won it a broad, dedicated worldwide following, as well as an enviable share of competition gold. The Fireblade s remarkable performance and standing in this class have not been easily won. Its design team s untiring pursuit of lighter weight, smaller size and the elimination of friction and other impediments to top performance has consistently resulted in one of the highest powerto-weight ratios in motorcycling. However, time marches on, and the hottest models of the 600cc class are now much lighter and more powerful than their competition of only a few short years ago, while the competition for the 900cc-class crown has grown ever-more intense in only the two years since the fourth-generation Fireblade made its appearance on the scene. CBR900RR Fireblade E 2

3 Development Concept The Fireblade has never been one for quantum leaps in design. Instead its development team has pursued a tried and true series of evolutionary changes that have improved its performance parameters in gradual steps every two years. Striving for a total balance of performance, weight has been trimmed, friction has been reduced, power increased and handling sharpened, all while carefully maintaining the Fireblade s reputation for a well-rounded blend of riding ease and exhilarating enjoyment that an ever-wider cross-section of riders can confidently savour. From the very beginning, the development of the Fireblade has been guided by the central theme of Total Control, which has assured both its proud position as the highperformance flagship of Honda s Super Sport lineup, and its international standing as one of the best sellers in its big-bike displacement class. Now, for the year 2000, the Fireblade undergoes perhaps the most radical change in its proud history. Motivated by the simply stated, but uncompromising new development theme of Lightest and Rightest, the miracle-makers at Honda R&D worked to develop a blazing Super Sport machine with jet fighter-like manoeuvring potential, astoundingly light weight to rival nearly all the machines in the 600cc class and a responsiveness that makes this new Super Sport champion seem like an integral extension of the rider s very being. And all while ensuring that the new CBR retains and even improves upon its renowned userfriendliness and comfortable operating ease. CBR900RR Fireblade E 3

4 Development Concept The main ingredient in this recipe for class domination is simple and to the point: Lighter weight everywhere. Lighter engine components to realise sharper response and stronger power, and lighter frame and chassis components to complement the engine s increased power with less weight and mass to lug about for blinding acceleration and the highest power-toweight ratio ever achieved in the Super Sport class. The pursuit of lighter weight, of course, is not the only factor in top performance, although it is one of the most important. And the pursuit of lighter weight cannot be allowed to jeopardise the integrity of any of the sum of the machine s parts. Therefore careful study was made of each and every component to find what could be trimmed and where, and new technologies and techniques were applied to uncover the way how. The results speak for themselves in a compact package of performance that combines a new, more powerful engine, a lighter and slimmer newgeneration aluminium frame, and sharply aggressive new bodywork. Each is an achievement in itself, but brought together in the new Fireblade, these highly advanced components achieve stronger, sharper acceleration and quicker, more responsive control that herald a new era in the 900cc Super Sport class. Sure proof that if there s any rule of thumb in the CBR900RR s performance league, it is that "Nothing cuts like a new Blade. CBR900RR Fireblade E 4

5 Colouring Concept Breaking with its own styling traditions, the new CBR900RR Fireblade features all-new bodywork that accentuates its look of lighter weight while closely following the curvaceous lines of its all-new aluminium twin-spar frame. To give powerful visual emphasis to its Lightest and Rightest design theme while reasserting its dominant standing in the Super Sport class, the Fireblade s design team formulated a colouring concept that gives distinctive expression to the sharp and speedy lines of its flowing form. Three eye-catching colour combinations accentuate the new Fireblade s aggressive theme with impressive style. 1. Honda s traditional tricolor takes on a new look with a vivid new hue of red to accentuate its singularly aggressive colouring. 2. In a subdued two-tone black brilliantly highlighted by silver striping, the CBR projects a more mature sense of urban sportiness. 3. A shocking new blue, yellow and white combination projects a bold aggressiveness while maintaining a modern sense of style. All variations feature new blackpainted triple-spoke wheels and the shimmering brilliance of polished metal to accentuate the CBR s hightech appeal. Colours Andes Blue Metallic (with Winning Red and Ross White) Black (with Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic) Lapis Blue Metallic (with Sunrise Yellow and Ross White) CBR900RR Fireblade E 5

6 Styling Concept In keeping with its new Lightest and Rightest development theme, the allnew, fifth-generation CBR900RR Fireblade eschews more radical changes in its outward appearance and stays close to the proven fundamentals of high-performance air management design with an aggressive yet simply understated form that retains ties to the CBR s earlier generations while combining new elements to set it apart from the competition. With a compact nose and curvaceous lines that show influences from the CBR600F, the new Fireblade s fairing presents a small forward silhouette that maximises its famed high-speed performance. Fairing Comparison # $ Fairing Comparison Front view Side view # New CBR900RR $ Current Model CBR900RR Fireblade E 6

7 Styling Concept Rather than completely hiding the frame in a fully integrated form, the CBR s front fairing, fuel tank and seat cowl take on separate identities that conform with and highlight the new curves of its massive aluminium twin-spar frame. This sleek, semimodular design also draws visual attention to the Fireblade s lighter weight by revealing areas of space that provide a balancing and lightening effect to make the entire machine seem lighter than it really is. As always, the Fireblade s remarkably comfortable riding position and ample wind protection play major roles in its design, and its new, more compact proportions still offer a wide range of creature comforts to ensure all-day comfort in a wide range of riding conditions. Riding Position Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model Riding Position Comparison CBR900RR Fireblade E 7

8 Engine For several years now, the engine powering the CBR900RR has received gradual evolutionary changes that have increased its power in a series of small but effective stages. However, since most everything possible to improve upon the performance of its basic configuration had already been done, the time had finally come to take a major leap in design and come up with some all-new innovations. In its development team s pursuit of the lightest weight and rightest performance, the Fireblade s powerful engine underwent a total redesign with the goal of achieving even stronger power and sharper performance. Several fundamental improvements can be found in its newly designed crankcases, which have been shortened in order to bring the crankshaft and swing arm pivot a full 20mm closer in proximity. concentrate more weight toward the front wheel for optimised handling. Second, the swing arm can then be lengthened for more progressive rear suspension operation while maintaining exactly the same wheelbase. And third, positioning the swing arm pivot closer to the countershaft helps reduce strain on the drivechain as the swing arm moves through its suspension throw, thus realising smoother power transfer to the rear wheel in virtually all riding and racing situations, especially when accelerating hard out of a corner. Also contributing to this handling advantage is a new swing arm pivot cast into the rear of the crankcase as the integral part of a direct mounting system which is similar to yet completely different from Honda s current crop of pivotless frame designs. Dimensions Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model (unit: mm) Dimensions Comparison This deceptively small modification achieves three important goals. First a shorter engine can be moved farther forward in the chassis to CBR900RR Fireblade E 8

9 Engine New, Oversquare Cylinders Another important factor in gaining improvement in the CBR s acceleration and overall performance was a change in its engine s cylinder configuration. For more power and higherrevving performance, the engine received a larger bore and shorter stroke, while every effort was made to minimise its overall width and weight. One benefit resulting from the larger bore size is larger valve sizes, and with them greater amounts of air flowing through the combustion chambers for more power. However, that s not the only change made to the valves. High compression is another critical factor in the power and performance equation and, generally, the most effective means of increasing compression is to narrow the squish area between the piston and the roof of the combustion chamber. Making the chamber as compact as possible necessitated shallower valve angles to reduce the height of the combustion chamber roof. Therefore, the included angle of the larger intake valves was reduced from 16 degrees to 12 degrees, while the angle for the exhaust valves was reduced from 16 degrees to 13 degrees, not only achieving a higher compression ratio, but also higher power output and stronger torque. Cylinder Head Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model Cylinder Head Comparison CBR900RR Fireblade E 9

10 Engine Actuating these valves are a pair of new hollow camshafts that are fully 20% lighter than the pieces they replace. Their lighter weight and greatly reduced mass also make a significant contribution to the engine s sharper response. And although the sum total of these modification also resulted in a taller head design, the cylinders 4mm reduction in stroke more than compensated for the increase, resulting in minimal changes to the engine s overall height. Camshaft Cross-Section Comparison Camshaft Cross-Section Comparison Engine Silhouette Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model Engine Silhouette Comparison CBR900RR Fireblade E 10

11 Engine New Forged Aluminium Pistons Another factor that has a strong impact on engine performance is the weight of the pistons themselves. For the new Fireblade, high-precision forged aluminium pistons replace the cast aluminium units used till now. Computer-Assisted Engineering (CAE) was also used in their design process and manufacture to remove or retain material from the underside of the pistons depending on where structural strength was required. So, even though the new pistons are larger in diameter than the ones they replace, their weight is almost exactly the same. As in the current CBR, these pistons pump through lightweight metal composite cylinder sleeves formed of sintered aluminium powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite for reduced friction and excellent heat dissipation to ensure cooler operation and longer-lasting top performance. New Forged Aluminium Piston CBR900RR Fireblade E 11

12 Engine New PGM-FI Electronic Fuel Injection System Following the most recent hightechnology trends in Honda s highperformance lineup, the Fireblade has been equipped with the latest high-performance, computer-controlled PGM-FI Programmed Fuel Injection system. This system s advanced electronic design integrates both the fuel injection system s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the CBR s digital electronic ignition into a single compact black box for precise fuel metering and combustion control. Specially tuned to give the Fireblade the hottest, most responsive performance over a wide range of operating conditions, it is also responsible for remarkably low fuel consumption figures and in a special system for the German market some of the lowest exhaust emissions figures ever attained in a large-displacement motorcycle. CBR900RR Fireblade E 12

13 Engine New H-VIX (Honda Variable Intake/Exhaust) Control System To maximise the Fireblade s power over its entire engine speed range, a new electrically operated valve system was developed to control the volumes of its intake and exhaust flow. Dubbed the Honda Variable Intake/ Exhaust Control System, or H-VIX, this system features a large flap valve in the aircleaner that opens and closes at preset engine speeds to increase or decrease the volume of air reaching the fuel injection system, depending on the engine s range of operation, while maintaining optimal intake velocity over the entire rpm range. The large-volume aircleaner s intake duct has also been designed to access a steady supply of cool, dense air from deep inside the front fairing and away from the heat of the engine and radiator. The second half of this innovative system features a special valve box built into the exhaust system s collector that optimises the engine s power characteristics at both low and high rpms. This newly developed Honda Titanium Exhaust Valve (H-TEV) provides the scavenging and related power benefits of a 360 exhaust collector design at low-to-midrange engine speeds, then switches at a preset engine speed to an effective 180 collector design to maintain optimum power characteristics at high rpms. The combined effect of these two systems ensures optimum intake and exhaust flow for the highest performance at both low and high rpms, with no compromises. Aircleaner Cross-Section Rear view Side view Aircleaner Cross-Section Exhaust System Cross-Section Front view # Side view Top view Exhaust System Cross-Section # CBR900RR Fireblade E 13

14 Engine Automatic Bypass Starter As introduced on last year s CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, the Fireblade s fuel injection system features an automatic bypass starter system that ensures smooth performance and quick starts in virtually all weather conditions. Lightweight New Titanium Exhaust System Originally selected for use in aircraft and frequently used in professional racing applications where light weight and structural rigidity are all-important assets, the new Fireblade now uses titanium tubing for its forward exhaust pipes and in the construction of its newly developed H-TEV power valve system. In fact, strong and lightweight titanium is even used in the baffle construction of the aluminium canister silencer. Linking the two sections is a large-diameter length of stainless steel tubing that feeds all the way into the silencer. Not only is the system the lightest and strongest ever, it is also responsible for a significant share of the Fireblade s new boost in power output. Air Injection System In the interests of minimising exhaust emissions, the Fireblade also features a built-in air injection system that helps complete the burning of exiting exhaust gases. Essentially the same system featured on the CBR600F and CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, this direct air injection system ensures easy compliance with Europe s current EURO-1 emissions regulations. New Transmission Gear Ratios Since the new Fireblade now makes even stronger power at higher rpms, its jet fighter-like acceleration has been further reinforced with an overall 5% reduction in its transmission gear ratios that optimises the engine s performance at cruising speeds while delivering a breathtaking blast of acceleration from virtually anywhere in the Fireblade s wide powerband. Gear Ratio Comparison Vehicle Speed Engine Speed (rpm) # New CBR900RR $ Current Model % 6th ^ 5th & 4th * 3th ( 2nd BL 1th Gear Ratio Comparison # $ % ^ & * ( BL CBR900RR Fireblade E 14

15 Engine Special Addition for the German Market Low-Emissions HECS3 (Honda Evolutional Catalyzing System) Providing positive proof of Honda s leading position in ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and minimise the motorcycle s impact on our fragile environment, the all-new CBR900RR Fireblade will be equipped with Honda s most up-to-date low-emissions exhaust system, the Honda Evolutional Catalyzing System, or HECS3 on its German version. Taking advantage of the high-accuracy computerised control of the Fireblade s new PGM-FI fuel injection system, the system features a high-sensitivity oxygen sensor installed in the exhaust system and a compact cylindrical catalyser element built into the silencer s stainless steel inlet tube to reduce exhaust pollution levels to below those currently required by both Europe s EURO-1 emissions regulations and Germany s stricter Summer Smog 2 (SS-2) regulations. This highly efficient low-emissions system features the following components. High-Accuracy O 2 Exhaust Sensor Like the system currently featured on other advanced Honda models like the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird and the VFR, the Fireblade s fuel injection control unit (ECU) accurately monitors several variables of engine operation in order to ensure precise fuel control. One critical factor is the constantly fluctuating level of oxygen present in the engine s exhaust gases, which is checked by a highly sensitive O 2 feedback sensor installed in the exhaust system just before the CBR s large-capacity aluminium silencer. This highly accurate system maintains the air/fuel ratio within a close range of tolerance centred around the optimal ratio of 14.7:1. At this ratio, the catalyser element performs at its highest efficiency to achieve a minimised balance of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) on one hand and nitrous oxides (NO X ) on the other. Improvements in the accuracy of the fuel injection ECU also help extend this optimal balance of low emissions over a wider range of operating conditions than previously possible. Cmact 3-Way Catalyser The final component in the system is a compact catalyser element installed in the exhaust system immediately before the Fireblade s large, canister-type silencer. This cylindrical 3-way element completes the system s high-efficiency exhaust cleansing operation by chemically neutralising and eliminating the emissions of CO, HC and NO X gases from the exhaust flowing through it. CBR900RR Fireblade E 15

16 Chassis The Fireblade s pursuit of lighter weight also extends to its frame and chassis, and the result is an unprecedented new design that not only realises lighter weight, but also a more highly tuned balance of rigidity for precise yet infinitely easy control. The new aluminium twin-spar frame s triple-box-section main spars reach back from a massive steering head casting to join at a large rear casting that also provides a supporting arm for the rear suspension s damper. The spars themselves not only curve back to provide a narrower profile in the seat area, they also taper upward to meet the lines of the CBR s narrower and outwardly smaller new fuel tank with a unique, flush-surface organic shape. Solidly gripping the engine in a multi-point diamond configuration, this main section of the frame realises an incredible 30% increase in rigidity over the current model while the engine s more compact design permits the steering head and front wheel to be located closer to machine s centre of mass for exceptional control and riding ease. However, as important as it is, rigidity is not everything in frame design. A certain amount of flexibility is also important to enhanced riding feel, as too rigid a frame can feel a bit rough and unsettling in certain riding situations. With this firmly in mind, the new CBR was designed to permit a precisely controlled amount of torsional cornering forces to bend the frame slightly at a specially selected point near its centre of mass for greatly enhanced handling and cornering ease. Frame Spar Cross-Section Comparison New CBR900RR (unit: mm) Current Model Frame Spar Cross-Section Comparison CBR900RR Fireblade E 16

17 Chassis Another goal in the design of any high-performance frame is optimising the machine s weight and mass centralisation. This is partially achieved in the new CBR by both the positioning of the engine within the twin spars of the frame, but also in such details as the positioning of its fuel tank. The CBR s fuel tank carries a full 18 litres, the same as its current version, and a heavy load to be slinging around when perched high on the frame. The CBR s new frame is narrower in the seat area, however room was still made to extend the main volume of the fuel tank lower at its rear, and closer to the machine s centre of mass. This permitted the outer dimensions of the tank to be reduced in size, with fully 10mm trimmed from its height and a remarkable 40mm taken off its length. The fuel tank also receives a more rounded profile that conforms closely with the new curves in the frame s spars, and enhances riding comfort for a wider cross-section of riders thanks to the resulting longer seat offering a shorter and easier reach to the handlebars. CBR900RR Fireblade E 17

18 Chassis New Semi-Pivotless Design A fundamental feature of the Fireblade s new frame is its Semi-Pivotless design, which combines elements of Honda s pioneering pivotless frame design to reduce both the weight and torsional stresses associated with conventional pivot plates. However, while the Fireblade s massive new swing arm does have its pivot point at the rear of the engine, its lower frame design deviates radically from the configurations that have come before. Like the pivotless design, the main body of the frame does not reach all the way down to the swing arm pivot, and is effectively isolated from the stresses exerted by the swing arm during hard acceleration and cornering. However, a large casting reaches across underneath the pivot to solidly grip the ends of the swing arm pivot shaft, and lock it solidly into alignment with the engine. This separation of the main frame and the swing arm permits a more easily tuned match to the engine s power and weight characteristics, as well as easier adaptability to varying rider sizes and riding styles, from street riding enjoyment to more narrowly focused circuit racing applications. Frame Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model Frame Comparison # Main Frame $ Lower Cushion Bracket # $ CBR900RR Fireblade E 18

19 Chassis New Inverted Front Fork For the first time ever on a Honda street bike, the Fireblade features a set of massive inverted front fork tubes held in the powerful grasp of its forged aluminium triple-clamps. Renowned for its introduction of Honda s innovative and lightweight Hybrid front fork design, the Fireblade s designers felt that inverted fork technology had come along well enough in the last year or so to warrant testing for use on the new CBR. Following extensive testing covering several variations of the inverted fork design, the design team selected a new 43mm cartridge-type set that offers lighter weight than ever achieved in this type of fork, as well as smoother, more dependable performance. Handling is precise and on par with the rest of the Fireblade s uncompromising performance, and damping is smooth and neutral. CBR900RR Fireblade E 19

20 Chassis Massive New Rear Swing arm If any one thing really grabs attention on the new CBR900RR Fireblade, it most certainly will be its all-new aluminium swing arm. With its fundamental design based on lessons learned in the development of HRC s all-conquering NSR500, this radical new swing arm features a massive, multi-tapered cast rightside member and pivot mount coupled to a large, triple-box-section extruded left-side member that is supported by a welded-on Yagura brace for an incomparable level of rigidity and strength. As briefly mentioned above, the engine s reduced crankshaft-to-pivot dimensions freed up room to extend the length of the swing arm by 20mm while maintaining the same wheelbase for more progressive rear suspension operation and reduced strain on the Blade s drive chain. New Hybrid Aluminium Swing Arm CBR900RR Fireblade E 20

21 Chassis The swing arm s suspension system also received carefully calculated revisions in order to provide a wider range of compatibility with various rider sizes and riding styles. Enhanced Braking Control The Fireblade s rolling gear also came in for a reappraisal and upgrade. Its slick, modern-looking cast aluminium triple-spoke wheels feature an aggressive yet attractive design, and a new 17" front rim replaces the 16" wheel used on Fireblade since its first debut for aggressive handling that meets the trends of the times while offering a wider range of replacement tyres from which to choose. As for tyres, the Fireblade mounts the latest in Z-rated radial tyres, which are designed to stand up well to the Fireblade s blistering performance and blinding speed. The rear is a monstrous 190/50 tread that is sure to grab attention like it grabs the road. Braking duties are ably handled up front by a pair of responsive four-piston callipers gripping monstrous 330mm rotors between high-performance sintered metal pads. The rear wheel is stopped by the same 220mm single-piston calliper disc brake used on the current model. Pro-Link Ratio Comparison Ratio Axle Stroke # New CBR900RR $ Current Model Pro-Link Ratio Comparison # $ CBR900RR Fireblade E 21

22 Equipment Ultra-Slim, Fully Electronic Instrument Panel Also in the interests of lighter weight, the new Fireblade features a lighter and slimmer new, fully electronic one-piece meter panel that cleanly and simply connects to the wiring harness by way of a single connector, with no bundles of wires and cables to contend with. This all-new, fully enclosed unit fits elegantly behind the fairing cowl and attractively displays a large, instantly responsive white-face tachometer and a high-accuracy digital LCD speedometer/odometer/trip meter display for easy recognition even in the heat of spirited riding. The panel also features a low fuel warning light and an ignition key confirmation indicator LED for the Blade s new H.I.S.S. anti-theft system. Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) Like several other recent models, the new CBR900RR Fireblade features Honda s latest H.I.S.S. anti-theft system, which uses an electronic interlock to prevent the engine from being started by any other than the motorcycle s two original keys. Since the H.I.S.S. disables the motorcycle at the heart of its ignition system, it cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module. A bright yellow diamond-shaped H.I.S.S. sticker on the top of the fuel tank clearly indicates the presence of this system to ward-off potential thieves. CBR900RR Fireblade E 22

23 Equipment New Triple-Bulb Multi-Reflector Headlight The Fireblade s wide new single headlight features not one, not two, but three bulbs to provide a brilliantly illuminated range of nighttime vision. With lightweight free-form multi-reflector designs providing a precisely designed illumination area, low beam work is handled by the bright centre-positioned H7 Halogen bulb. High beam duties are shared by the centre bulb and the two outer H7 bulbs for a wide and long-range nighttime view of the road ahead. The Fireblade s distinctive over/under dual-bulb taillight was retained as an easily distinguished indicator of the CBR s unique identity, while indicators feature a brilliant multi-reflector design for easier recognition over long distances. Headlight Illumination Area Comparison Headlight Illumination Area Comparison (Overhead View) Low Beam # Current Model New CBR900RR # CBR900RR Fireblade E 23

24 Equipment Balanced Electrical Needs Even the electrical system has felt the effects of the Fireblade s emphasis on lighter weight. Since all electrical components place a load on the system, and the Fireblade s new fuel injection system and fuel pump add to that load, rather than increasing the size of the ACG, with its accompanying weight and size cutting into performance, the draw of other components in particular the headlight was reduced to compensate. In low beam mode, the single H7 headlight places less of a load on the electrical system than the dual bulb system it replaces, while its reflector was redesigned to optimise its output. The high beam, on the other hand, which is used less often, features 3 H7 bulbs producing a brilliant range of illumination with little change in total load from the dual bulb system used on the current CBR. Even the battery was reduced in size, and its innovative new design achieves a 10% increase in output to realise the same rating with a considerable reduction in size and weight. U-Lock Carrying Space Under Seat The Fireblade s locking rear pillion seat is still designed to provide a secure and convenient carrying space for assorted riding necessities, including virtually all sizes of U -type security lock or cable lock. (Lock not included.) ACG Output Characteristics Electrical Output Engine Speed (rpm) # New CBR900RR $ Current Model ACG Output Characteristics Battery Comparison New CBR900RR Current Model (unit: mm) Battery Comparison # $ CBR900RR Fireblade E 24