One of the stars of the latest edition of EICMA was undoubtedly Honda, which presented a number of new models. Centre stage among these was the 2024 version of the CBR1000RR-R, the superbike that will be on track on next year’s WorldSBK championship with re-confirmed riders Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona.

 Many upgrades for the CBR, but will they suffice?

Though very similar to the previous version in terms of aesthetics, the new Honda presents a series of new features, boasting greater acceleration at medium rpm thanks to a modified cylinder head and shorter gear ratios. In addition, the aluminium frame (already used by the two HRC riders during the last rounds of 2023) should guarantee better feeling mid-corner thanks to its increased flexibility, while revised aerodynamics, including new winglets, can ensure the downforce of the “old” model and make it more precise through the turns, limiting yaw.

All these modifications seen on the road-going version should also make the Fireblade more competitive on the racetrack. HRC seeks a comeback in the world championship after a 2023 season that yielded just one podium. Will Vierge and Lecuona be able to play a starring role in 2024, keeping up with the likes of Rea, Razgatlioglu and Bautista?

 Vierge: “The only goal is to win”

The Spaniard, who heads into his third consecutive year with the HRC factory team, is impatient to test the new model on track: “Aesthetically, it looks almost identical to the previous version, but the new CBR is different in many respects. Unfortunately I haven’t had chance to ride it yet but I can’t wait to try it and check out all the updates in a couple of weeks’ time at Jerez”.

“The main focus has been to allow us to harness its full power in more situations, so that we can better exploit the bike in acceleration and not only at the end of long straights”, continues Xavi, as he sets out the goal for 2024. “A lot of improvements have been made, from the more flexible frame to revised gearing. Honda has worked hard and it’s clear that there can be only one goal for next season: to win.”