R I D E R E V I E W
P84
ELECTRONICS
We've kind of segued into the elec-
tronics with the suspension, so let's
just keep the gas on, shall we?
Honda's revamped the traction control system
(its actual name is Honda Select Torque Control—
HSTC), with nine levels plus Off, although Honda
still seems to have a bee in its bonnet about the
relationship between traction and wheelie control.
Back in 2017, one of the biggest flaws with that
bike was the wheelie and traction control were
under the same algorithm. It was a bloody night-
mare, especially at a wheelie-prone place like
Portimao, where it was launched.
Fast forward to 2021 and the systems are
separate, with wheelie control its own three levels.
But if you switch off the traction control, you also
switch off wheelie control—so in that way, the sys-
tems are still linked. Luckily, this is nowhere near
as bad as what it was four years ago, but still an
odd thing to do from the Big H.
However, the traction control system is much
better than it was before, and in level one there's al-
most the perfect amount of slip matched to a safety
net that'll stop you launching yourself to the moon.
The ride-by-wire throttle settings have been
altered for a more precise pick-up and matched
to three new riding modes, down from the five of
the old bike, that give you preset parameters for
power, traction, wheelie and engine brake control,
as well as suspension adjustment—all of which you
can change individually if you like.
2021 HONDA CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP
R I D E R E V I E W
P84
That new
gearshift is one
of the best in
the superbike
class.
There's also the new launch control, where you
can limit engine revs to 6000, 7000, 8000 or 9000
rpm for the ultimate launch. Basically, you engage
the system, pin the throttle and modulate the clutch
to keep the revs in the ideal spot. And it's not as
easy as it seems. All the journalists at the Thunderhill
launch had a go on the system, and only one got
a semi decent start. The result? Two CBR1000RR
press bikes with knackered clutches.
The dash is another big change. It's a five-inch
TFT, with five different options for layout and six
different tachometer styles depending on your pref-
erence. It's all adjusted (everything—suspension,
modes, traction, engine brake control—everything)
via the four-way switch on the left handlebar.
Bank that sucker in
and watch it stick.
The new Fireblade just
devours the corner.
