Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Coming to US for 2025

Updated model gets certified by CARB

After being absent from the 2024 offerings, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is poised to return to American Honda’s lineup for 2025 with the updates introduced at EICMA.

The Fireblade SP was last offered in the U.S. as a 2023 model, and when Honda announced an updated version last November, we were disappointed to hear nary a peep from American Honda about the superbike. That may soon change, as the California Air Resources Board has certified the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP as a 2025 model.

Read More:

The executive order certifying the RR-R lists a different engine code from the 2023 model, which suggests it’s getting the updates already available in other markets. The new engine received a two-motor throttle-by-wire system, a higher compression ratio, new valve springs, and several lighter components.

The new throttle-by-wire system uses one motor to control throttle valves on cylinders 1 and 2, and another for 3 and 4. This allows the throttle to open slightly earlier on the first two cylinders for improved control at low revs. With the throttle closed, the throttle valves for cylinders 3 and 4 remain open to increase engine braking.

Honda claims the engine produces 214 hp at 14,000 rpm, just like the previous version, but the peak torque output sees a slight bump to 83.3 lb-ft. at 12,000 rpm. Though the peak figures barely budged, Honda says the updates improve power and torque delivery across the rev range. Combined with shorter gear ratios, the updated model should be a little quicker getting out of corners.

Visually, the thing that distinguishes the new Fireblade from the previous one is the new fairing design. It still has aerodynamic winglets to generate downforce, but redesigned to reduce rotational forces along the yaw axis when rounding corners. The lower fairing received a more subtle change, extending further back to reduce air flow around the rear tire.

Other updates include new Brembo Stylema R four-piston calipers, an Öhlins Smart Electronic Control 43mm NPX fork, updated electronics, and a lighter frame with more balanced rigidity.

We don’t know when Honda will officially announce the 2025 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and obviously, we won’t know how much it will cost until then. It will be a significant premium over the regular CBR1000RR which is priced for 2024 at $16,699 (the 2025 model has also been certified by CARB, with no sign of any changes, so expect it to return at around the same price). For those hoping to hear news about the CBR600RR, which was also updated for other markets, you’ll be disappointed to hear the previous generation model has once again been certified by CARB for 2025.

By Dennis Chung