How is the production CBR1000RR-R SP in the hands of a pro?

One of the questions fans most often ask regards the differences between production bikes and their race-ready counterparts that, despite deriving from the road version, always appear to be a lot more aggressive and high-performance.

So to answer this question, Honda has come up with a test that can leave us in no doubt. At the spectacular English track of Oulton Park, Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK rider in BSB and a multi-winner of the North West 200) completed some laps with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP with which he races in BSB and then more laps aboard the road version of the bike.

Surprising results

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The Carrickfergus rider set a best time of 1’39.054 with the road bike, complete with licence plate, turn signals and mirrors, which was just 2.8 seconds slower than his fastest lap aboard the BSB version of the bike, recorded that same day. A surprising result that confirms how the Japanese supersport bike is a real “track weapon” even without any modifications.

Translated by Heather Watson

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