2009 Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR with optional ABS: Photo gallery

I am sure most of you have already heard about the latest Fireblade motorcycle from Honda, the one with ABS. Official photos of the 2009 Honda Fireblade with ABS have now been released by Honda, take a look.

Photo: 2009 Fireblade CBR1000RR

That optional ABS – or combined ABS – C-ABS – is the most talked about feature of the 2009 Fireblade. Though you would not know that from Honda’s rambling press release about the Fireblade until you are bored out of your skull by the first four paras.

Tests of the 2009 Fireblade CBR1000RR with ABS seem to suggest that yes, it works well. Expert test riders on non-ABS 2009 Fireblades took several attempts to out-brake the ABS-equipped Fireblade riders, according to Motorcycle News.

Photo: 2009 CBR 1000 RR Fireblade with ABS

The primary target market for the 2009 Fireblade CBR1000RR ABS is of course the ones who like the track more than the street – the ABS is tuned for racing.

The Fireblade CBR1000RR will be available in MotoGP-replica Repsol Honda colours and a red-blue-and-white HRC color scheme.

What we hear is that the ABS is pretty subtle, and non-intrusive allowing for extreme braking before cutting in. In other words, it does not take away from the riding experience and does not diminish control. However, what it does is to keep the bike on the track, thus making for less wheelies and stoppies.

All else in the 2009 version are the same as the 2008 model. Honda’s principles of minimalization continues with the Fireblade CBR1000RR new motorcycle. 2008’s new light weight 4 clyinder 16 valve engine, 175 bhp power at 12000 rpm, 84 lb ft torque and six speed are all there, and now added with an optional ABS are there to thrill you. Price of 2009 the Fireblade CBR1000RR version has not been announced yet, so for now, you will have to look at the photos and stay happy.