SBK, Jerez test: introducing the latest Honda weapon

Mission comeback. Results have been in short supply in the Honda camp, with teams needing to step it up in both MotoGP and Superbike. In the production-derived series, the new CBR project – which took to the track in 2020 – clearly hasn’t met with expectations, to the point that Alvaro Bautista – who rode the bike that year – left the team at the end of 2021. And subsequent riders have fared no better.

The Japanese manufacturer is now making big changes for 2024, thanks also to concessions offered by the FIM. It has presented an updated version of its CBR1000RR-R, which will line up against its rivals for the first time during this week’s Jerez tests.

CBR1000RR-R: new in many ways

The black test livery does not hide the most obvious new features, which relate largely to the aerodynamics package. The wings have been redesigned and are positioned further forward, with the primary goal of improving speed through the fast turns.

Internally, much of the work has focused on the frame, in order to achieve more balanced stiffnesses. In addition, the frame is almost one kilo lighter, while shorter engine support screws shave off another 140 grams

The engine has always been one of the strong points of the current CBR, but the bike should now be able to count on better mid-range delivery. A range of new features for Iker Lecona and Xavi Vierge then, tasked with improving on last year’s results that saw the team score just one podium - Vierge in Indonesia – during the course of the season.