Meticulous attention was given to every detail of the Fireblade's 893 cc liquid- cooled, four-cylinder engine, ensuring maximum performance with minimum size and weight. Special emphasis was given to the power delivery and numerous high-performance technical features combine to provide a linear response ideally suited to the rider's requirements. The key to engine performance is the volume and efficiency of air flowing through the combustion chamber. The Fireblade's straight-port induction system and high-capacity air cleaner ensure optimum power characteristics, while sophisticated 38 mm slanted flat slide carburettors give optimum throttle control.
Twin camshafts act directly on the 16 valves, allowing a compact low-friction valve train with generous 16,000 mile adjustment intervals. Flat-topped 'slipper" pistons permit lightweight crankshaft and conrods, resulting in low inertia for phenomenally sharp engine response.
Honda's precise digital ignition system ensures accurate timing at all engine speeds, as well as providing instantaneous input to the accurate 'real-time" electronic tachometer. Meanwhile the Fireblade's cartridgetype liquid-cooled oil cooler keeps lubricant temperatures firmly under control.
Light fantastic: the Fireblade chassis
The CBR90ORF;Cs power is contained by a supremely light yet rigid frame, based around twin spars of extruded aluminium and weighing only 10.5 kg. The rear subframe and swing arm are also made from aluminium, the latter using technology developed for Honda's NSX sports car. Intensive track-testing plus detailed computer analysis led to the use of semi-floating rubber engine mounts to combat vibration
Front suspension design breaks new ground by combining a conventional fork configuration with rigid 45 mm stanchions and forged aluminium bottom cases. This gives strength with very low weight (in comparison with inverted forks), reducing inertia to provide the Fireblade with responsive and precise steering. At the rear, a new version of Honda's renowned Pro-Link system employs a sophisticated CIVSIII remote-reservoir unit that can be tuned for preload, compression and rebound damping.
Highly engineered wheels, tyres and brakes are vital components of the Fireblade package. Lightweight 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels are fitted with specially-developed Bridgestone Battlax tyres for superior grip and feedback. Twin 296 mm front discs with four-piston calipers, aided by a single 220 mm rear disc, provide immensely powerful yet controllable braking.
Total performance: the CBR'S aerodynamic advantage
Honda's engineers used their grand prix experience to introduce an important new feature to the aggressive, wind-cheating form of the Fireblade's fairing. A series of 8 mm diameter holes, near the twin headlamps and on the lower cowl, enhance the flow of air over and through the fairing to provide excellent performance in cornering. High-visibility instruments and easily operated switchgear demonstrate traditional Honda style and efficiency, as does the useful lockable compartment beneath the passenger seat. The Fireblade's 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system incorporates an impact-extruded aluminium silencer that is light, free of welded seams and highly resistant to corrosion and heat. It meets stringent noise regulations while emitting a pleasantly distinctive note. Combining the punch of a large-capacity machine with the agility of a middleweight, the CBR has already become a best-seller and is tipped to win numerous 'bike of the year" polls worldwide.
Reducing the weight and exterior dimensions of a motorcycle's engine is the single most crucial element in improving performance and handling.
The new CBR90ORR Fireblade's engine achieved these reductions through state of-the-art computer engineering, resulting in a uniquely compact, lightweight, and efficient design.
Its right-side camchain layout, 16degree included valve angle and lightweight Inconel exhaust valves, rigid, one-piece cylinder crankcase, siamese cylinder block and 9mm sleeve spacing, and short, rigid, (5-bearing crankshaft combine to make this engine the lightest,most compact litre-class engine ever put into production.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Fireblade's engine is also one of the most competitive on the roads today. Its 38mm slanttype CV carburettors, straight, smooth, intake and exhaust tracts, ultra-compact pentroof combustion chambers, and large-volume 4-into2-into-1, 180' exhaust system and lightweight aluminium silencer provide the Fireblade with a nearly linear power curve that is virtually unmatched in its class.
A fully digitalised onepulsar ignition system provides ultra-precise timing and a hot, reliable spark from idle to redline.Lightweight connecting rods, semi-skirted slipper pistons, and a one-piece ACG combine to minimise friction and inertial mass for nearly instantaneous throttle response at any engine speed.
Accurately monitoring this performance is a direct-response real time electronic tachometer specifically designed to track the motorcycle's extraordinary responsiveness. To protect internal parts, the engine is equipped with a compact, liquid-cooled oil cooler mounted to the front case to maintain constant oil temperature under even the most demanding conditions.
| The Lightest, Most Sophisticated Chassis The Fireblade's main frame is a twin-spar unit fabricated from two lengths of 4-box extruded aluminum tubing with die-cast head pipe, pivot plates, and hangers. With a total weight of just 10.5kg, it is the lightest frame in the class. Its compact dimensions and extraordinary rigidity are the result of extensive computer-simulated design combined with countless hours on the test track. Aluminium seat rails further contribute to the Fireblade's light weight. As the heaviest single component on a motorcycle, the engine's mass, weight, and positioning are critical to handling performance. The closer it can be placed to the centre of gravity, the better the motorcycle will handle. Thus, the Fireblade's compact, lightweight engine is a primary contributor to the machine's 600cm-class agility. Combined, the engine and frame create a power-to-weight ratio unequalled in any class. |
The Fairing. The Brakes. The Wheels and Tyres.
Weight, power, and handling are not the only components of competitive performance. Factors such as wind resistance and rider integration are essential elements, as well. In the design of the Fireblade's fairing, rushing air was also considered an important factor in overall performance. As with all components, design work and testing was done on a computer followed by modifications in the wind tunnel and on the track. These modifications include patches of 8mm perforation holes which enhance airflow over and through the fairing for improved cornering and side-to-side transition ease. The result is as attractive as it is functional; the Fireblade's attention-grabbing fairing provides both superb aerodynamic performance and rider integration.
No element of competitive performance is more important than brakes. Thus, in front, the Fireblade is equipped with a pair of light, rigid, opposed 4-piston calipers that help reduce front end weight and inertial mass, and grip slim drilled rotors between their sintered metal pads. In the rear, a lightweight dual-piston caliper system takes up duty.
Tyres and wheels are also essential elements of performance. The gyroscopic effect of a rotating wheel and tyre is a significant element in handling performance, thus the Fireblade is equipped with rigid, lightweight cast aluminium wheels front and rear. Tyres were developed specifically for use on the Fireblade, and feature a Mono-Spiral belt structure and rubber compound comparable to that of racing treads. They are designed to provide the handling characteristics of a 600cm-class machine while providing optimum traction and long life under a wide range of operating conditions, from city riding to the race track.
The Convenience of Competitive Performance.
The Fireblade is equipped with a range of features for convenience and ease of maintenance. Both the engine oil and sparkplugs can be replaced without removing the fairing and the air filter can be reached by simply removing the fuel tank. Headlight, taillight, and indicator bulbs are easily replaced, and for greater riding convenience, the Fireblade is equipped with a large-capacity utility box under the passenger seat that is hinged for one-touch opening and closing, and locks with a key.
All these features add up to the most competitive - and easy to live with - Super Sports motorcycle ever manufactured.
Think our claims are a bit over the top? Well, throw a leg over and judge for yourself. Then pray there's still a Fireblade left for you...
Specifications CBR900RR (ED-TYPE)
Engine liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4
Bore x Stroke 70 x 58 mm
Displacement 893 cm
Compression Ratio 11:1
Carburettors 38 mm slanted flat-side CV type x 4
Max. Horsepower 124 PS at 10,500 rpm (DIN)
Max. Torque 9 kg/m at 8,500 rpm (DIN)
Ignition computer-controlled digital transistorized
with electronic advance
Starter electric
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive 0-ring sealed chain
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,030 x 685 x 1,115 mm
Wheelbase 1,405 mm
Seat Height 800 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Fuel Capacity 18 litres
Wheels U-section 6-spoke aluminium cast
Tyres front 130/70 ZR 16 (Bridgestone Battlax BT-50F radial)
rear 180/55 ZR17 (Bridgestone Battlax BT-50R radial)
Suspension front 45 mm stepless rebound adjustable cartridge-type fork,
120 mm axle travel
rear Pro-Link with 7-step preload, stepless rebound and
compression adjustable CIVSIII damper,
112 mm axle travel
Brakes front 296 mm dual disc with 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
rear 220 mm single-piston caliper disc with sintered metal pads
Dry Weight 185 kg
Source:
http://www.quatrebras.com