2008 Honda Fireblade gets a full makeover
2008 honda Fireblade gets a full makeover
Details have finally been officially released of the honda Fireblade’s end-to-end 2008 overhaul... and here they are: wet weight drops 6kg to 199kg, power climbs 7hp to just under 180hp. The ‘Blade finally gets a next-gen slipper clutch, as well as a remodelled HESD steering damper.
It’s also had a complete style overhaul – not to mention a stubby underslung exhaust. In fact, just about everything except the already-superb suspension has been completely redesigned. honda’s clearly seeing this model as a big jump forward for the “friendly” superbike, a makeover they’re hoping will be as stunning as the one the GSX-R got in 2005.
With the worldwide launch at the Paris Bike Show, official images are finally here, and thankfully the 2008 honda Fireblade doesn’t look nearly as bland as it did in the profile shots accidentally released by honda America in a press embargo date blunder 2½ weeks ago. The new model is a ground-up overhaul of the phenomenally successful superbike, and little but the excellent suspension has been left alone in the update. We've seen it in the flesh, and it's quite an evil looking thing, absolutely tiny for the amount of power it packs. There's loads of images in the gallery.
honda has followed the predictable “less weight, more power” mantra again, and the company claims that the new bike will have the best power-to-weight ratio in the superbike class. It’ll be interesting to see if that’s borne out by dyno and acceleration tests.
Weight has been stripped from the frame, the swingarm, the engine internals, the fairings, the brake calipers and even the front disc floaters, down to 6 from a previous 10. A smaller battery's been fitted, which given honda's chronic regulator/rectifier problems doesn't fill me with confidence - but it helps the 'Blade drop another whole kilo. The tailpiece in particular looks positively anorexic; you can tell practicality has been sacrificed when a company mentions that the underseat storage is big enough for "a tool kit, gloves, paperwork and a small u-lock." At the end of the day, the new Blade’s absolute race focus is worn proudly on its sleeve – which is perhaps a pity as the honda has always been the most road-friendly of the superbikes.
Either way, the weight loss, particularly in the removal of the underseat exhaust and larger tail section of the 04-07 models, has had a significant impact on handling – honda claims the changes have resulted in a reduction in roll and yaw inertia of over 10%. Apparently the new bike changes direction and turns in so quickly we’ll have to experience it first-hand to believe it. Excellent – keys please!
After holding off on fitting a standard slipper clutch for several years, claiming they’re just not necessary on roadbikes, honda has finally buckled to demand and fitted one to the 08 Blade. But the company has gone the extra mile to produce what they claim is a leap forward in slipper clutch design. Eliminating the uncertain feeling between reverse slip and forwards grip, the “Assist Slipper Clutch” sports an extra cam that forces the clutch plates together when the rider gets back on the gas. Effectively, the system delivers better feel at the rear wheel while allowing lighter clutch springs to be used. In fact, the clutch actuation is so light that they’ve been able to go back to a cable clutch, not needing the extra leverage of a hydraulic system.
Source: http://www.gizmag.com/go/81...
issued: Thursday, October 4, 2007
updated: Thursday, October 4, 2007
More recent news:
- C100 Astrea Partslist added
- Just in: Honda Benly Emblem Sets
- New: Fuel prices comparison
- Just added: MB50Z MB-5 1979
- Attention MB50 owners
- 22 resources for CB250RS owners
- Just in: CB750 OEM exhaust Kit
- Honda to show off experimental "walking assist device"
- Classics ONK Assen Report
- Motorcycle Hall presents celebrity wing
More honda news:
C100 Astrea Partslist added
Just in: Honda Benly Emblem Sets
Just added: MB50Z MB-5 1979
Attention MB50 owners
22 resources for CB250RS owners
Just in: CB750 OEM exhaust Kit
Honda to show off experimental "walking assist device"
Honda says to build half billion-dollar plant in Japan
UK Launch - Four brand new Honda models
Honda's first four years in America
Honda Sets All-Time Record for Worldwide Production for Any Month
Honda Develops New Automatic Transmission System for Motorcycles
2008 Honda Fireblade gets a full makeover
2008 Honda Shadow Spirit review
Honda produces 10 million motorcycles in Brazil
Honda CBR600RR - Bike Magazines Machine of The Year 2007
Honda denies talk of interest in Harley
More New Honda Cruisers
Honda launches new S-Wing 125 scooter
Honda Vietnam launches new bikes
Honda CBR600 is 20
New Honda Varadero 125 is in the shops
Honda's smaller and lighter Staffie
Honda reveals F1 racing concept
Honda's SH300i in UK shops
Honda4Fest 2007: the Seventies are on our doorstep
Honda says odometers on 6M cars click off mileage at too-quick pace
HondaJet to Be Produced at New Plant for Delivery to Customers in 2010
Honda breathes new life into CBR
Hero Honda's new 100cc CD-Deluxe