VOLUME 57 ISSUE 40 OCTOBER 6, 2020 P81
Another big change is the shock is now mount-
ed directly from the linkage off the swingarm to the
motor rather than the frame, which helps reduce
the loads put through the chassis.
Geometry-wise, the new Fireblade is a pretty big
departure from the old one. The center of grav-
ity has been raised with the crankshaft 1.3 inches
further back from the front axle and 0.6 inches
higher up in the engine block. Honda claims the
new crank position helps even out the weight
distribution (but they declined to mention just what
the front/rear percentage is).
The wheelbase has been upped 1.7 inches to
57.3 inches, partly due to the longer swingarm
but also because of its mounting position in the
chassis. The seat height is down 0.4 inches to
32.6 inches; handlebar height down 0.7 inches
to 33.1 inches, and the pegs are 0.8 inches
higher and 1.7 inches further back than on the
2020 version. These figures are telling, showing
the rider is now hunched much further forward
and lower down and with the gas tank cover now
1.8 inches lower than last year, it makes for a
very racy ride position.
