Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team
2018 CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2
SP2 is a homologation model produced specifically for superbike racing.Sharing the class-leading chassis and electronics package of the standard Fireblade, the SP2 model incorporates a number of special components that sets it apart.
Visually the carbon pattern insets and gold striping interwoven into the Tricolour paint mark the Fireblade SP2’s difference over the ‘stock’ machine and gold Marchesini wheels (reducing front/rear wheel inertia by 18/9%) are another change. But the real differences - and what gives the Fireblade SP2 ultimate racing potential - lie inside the engine and, in turn, the parts that can be added from the two race kits that will be available.
While the 76mm bore is identical to the standard and SP model, the Fireblade SP2 cylinder head runs 1mm larger, 31.5mm diameter intake valves and 1.5mm larger, 25.5mm diameter exhaust valves, with 10°/12° included valve intake/exhaust included valve angles (from 11°/11°). The valve pitches are identical, maintaining cylinder head width.
It runs the same 13.0:1 compression ratio but uses valve shapes and combustion chambers optimised for efficiency. Elongated spark plugs and a water jacket tightly wrapped around the combustion chambers improve cooling; this technology is derived directly from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine.
The pistons use an exclusive crown design with heat treatment that strengthens the area around the piston boss, which itself employs a 2.5mm shorter (and 8g lighter per cylinder) piston pin. Ready to house high-lift camshafts the outer diameter of the valve lifter has grown 2mm to 28mm, while total height and thickness have been reduced saving weight.