Honda CBR1000RR, CB1000R launched in India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) launched two new superbikes in India, the Honda CBR1000RR and the naked CB1000R, on February 27, 2009.

The Honda CBR1000RR, popularly called the Fireblade,  likely to be priced at Rs. 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Honda CB1000R will cost about Rs. 9.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Honda CBR1000RR and CB1000R will be sold through exclusive stores, initially, in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

Later, HMSI will sell the Honda CBR1000RR and Honda CB1000R  in other cities as well.

Honda CBR1000RR photo

The Honda CBR1000RR has a 999 cc inline four cylinder engine, with a peak power of 178 hps, and can go up to 13,000 rpm. The Honda CBR1000RR has an anti-lock braking (ABS) system, close-ration six-speed transmission, and Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI).

Honda CB1000R photo

The Honda CB1000R uses the same engine as the CBR1000RR but is re-tuned for midrange performance.

The Honda CB1000R comes with six-speed transmission, fuel capacity of 17 litres, fully adjustible front forks, an all digital dashboard, 4-swept-spoke ninja-star rear wheel, and radial front brakes.

Undeterred by the slowdown in the market, Honda plans to invest Rs 300 crore in the country, in the next three years, to launch new bikes and variants of existing models, and expand its production capacities. Hero Honda Motors (HHML) has so far invested Rs 900 crore in the country.

HMSI also plans to launch a 100 cc bike in India, by 2010, but will limit the production volume to 2 lakh units, initially.

The new bike will be a sporty and upmarket 100 cc model, as compared to other bikes in the 100 cc segment, the market leader of which is Hero Honda from sister company Hero Honda Motors (HHML).