2018 Honda CBR1000RR SP 1K mile update review

I've had my new SP for about a month and completed 1000 miles on it. Having gone through the 600 mile running in and service I'm now able to let it off the leash a bit!
This is what I've found out about the bike over the mileage. The electronic Ohlins suspension is absolutely amazing and the electronics package really has moved things on.
Apologies for the dead bug on the camera!!

[@ImJohnConstantine]

Most enjoyable this video of your newer SP. I realize the weather must be pretty dodgy right now in the UK, but I look forward to your videos. I'm about to purchase a new/left-over '19 SP, here in the USA.

[@MichaelDavis-dy3ix]

I have owned one for two years and this bike has not got the kudos or recognition it deserves. Best literbike on the road out there.

[@ArtyYeo]

Thank you for vid. Nicely done review and I share your enthusiasm. Congrats on the bike and many more happy miles to come. I do want to let you know that the helmet-impeded audio is quite muffled; perhaps, a voice-over may be better?

[@CrusaderGeneral]

I think this is the most amazing bike ever made. I have the 2017 ABS, and will be getting the 2019 SP

[@EgisMore]

Great video mate, could you please make more vids about the new SP, I currently have 2016 SP but watching the new blade makes me want to pull the trigger :D

[@MiddleagedRider]

Thanks. I'm hoping to do some more stuff on it. If you like your 2016 Blade you will love this one!

[@dalewiggin7083]

Enjoyed the video

[@Dosco1981]

Hi, watched your videos a few years back you helped make up my mind to get the cbr650f as my so called first big bike, now at stage I'd like something a little more lively, how did you get on with the fireblade, is it a poor choice for a road bike I keep hearing mixed reviews get a 600 and so on, any thoughts on the transition for 650 to 1000cc

[@DBassPiersKC]

Getting one Thursday 😁 Have you put a 190/55 on the back? Have you changed it to GL Shift?

[@robgutteridge1649]

Really enjoyed your video and your honest enthusiasm for the SP. Does the comfort or sitting position vary much from your previous standard Fireblade?

[@akshaysapra01]

Rob Gutteridge yes it does my friend, a lot! I currently own a 2015 blade and I’ve ridden the 20117-19 model quite a few times so I know what I’m talking about. There’s a huge difference!

[@MiddleagedRider]

It doesn't vary a lot. It's a bit more agressive on the wrists but still very roomy leg wise. Did about 12k on my old Blade and about 9k so far on this one. I think for a litre sportsbike it's one of the comfiest. The new 2020 Blade is a different matter. Sat on that for a few mins and it's cramped. Very wrist heavy and cramped on the legs with high pegs

[@marcomillette4012]

is it possible to add a rear passenger seat and pegs on the bike ???

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

When buying the blade did you also try out the GSXR and S1000RR ?

[@barbieandbellaadventuresby9134]

Just wondered how tall you were? I’m 6ft 2 and wondered if it would fit me?

[@sidharthshivappa1359]

I too own 2018 blade, such a beautiful beast she is !! It’s my daily ride bike and I also tour on it. Nimble and fast !!!

[@MiddleagedRider]

Wow it's your daily ride - Hats off to you. I would literally be crippled if I rode it every day!! Don't get me wrong, it's not uncomfortable for a supersports and maybe it's my age but after a day's riding I need to give my back, neck and shoulders a rest with something more upright!!!

[@sidharthshivappa1359]

Thank you 🙏!!! Yes I ride almost 50 kilometres a day and I feel my body has adjusted to that riding position. Maybe I don’t get tired because of very traffic congestion and day by day my blade is getting better and better !!! I love it to the core

[@sidharthshivappa1359]

By the way I’m 45 and age doesn’t matter , where there is passion and will there is a way I believe 😊

[@xxghostriderxx1484]

@@MiddleagedRider sorry my question is, on-off is present? And the antiwheelie is good? Vibration plastic? Thanks

[@xxghostriderxx1484]

@@MiddleagedRider what a navigator and support you have thanks

[@moaningoldgit4624]

Hi I have a sp coming , just wondered what setting you have the quick shifter on and how does the wheelie control work with the torque control ,is it smooth or abrupt , can’t wait for the new arrival plenty of trackdays to come

[@MichaelDavis-dy3ix]

moaningoldgit46 your gonna love it, don’t worry. I am in Oz which is warmer so we would use different settings. Magnificent road bike.

[@MiddleagedRider]

I think thery're all on the middle settings for both pressure and timing of cut. The wheelie control is linked directly to the torque control. T 1,2,3 is least wheelie control, T 4,5,6 is medium wheelie control and T 7,8,9 is high wheelie control. It's not a smooth seamless system. I ride mainly with T 2 or 3 and the front comes up plenty and then it's pretty abrupt cutting the engine to control it.

[@victorkkq]

Hi Middleaged Rider . I have a CBR650F 2018. Planning to upgrade this CBR1000RR in the future. The 650F is my street riding and weekend bike, and has given me alot of comfort ride, so my question is, will i get alot of discomfort from the 1000RR? Should I pay abit more for the SP1 or get the standard fireblade ? Thanks

[@MiddleagedRider]

You will find the Blade far less comfortable than the 650 but it's a full on sports bike with higher pegs and lower clip ons so to be expected. Having said that for a sports bike it's very roomy and comfy. If you can live with the extreme position of a bike of this type then the Blade is fine. After my initial test ride I would've said get the standard Blade and add the quickshifter as a option. Now having bought one and done 1k miles I would say get the SP. The semi active Ohlins suspension is incredible and is a *MASSIVE* difference over the standard Blade. Having said that, it's not cheap. From a money perspective if you're buying outright the standard Blade probably is fine and if you've never experienced the SP you'll love it and won't miss the Ohlins. The standard supsension is quality and fully adjustable, just not quite as good. If you're buying on PCP and can get a deal. I got £2k deposit contribution and 0% APR then the SP is only a tiny bit extra per month and worth the upgrade.

[@victorkkq]

@@MiddleagedRider Wow thanks for sharing! This is a very valuable info. I think I will save more for the SP1 instead of the standard. Can I know is the CBR1000RR engine heat bearable? Is it as cool comfortable as the 650F? I have test ridden the BMW S1000RR and the Triumph ST RS and I can't stand the heat as I am living in hot whether in Malaysia. The CBR1000RR has no such engine heat issue right?

[@MiddleagedRider]

Well I wouldn't say there is no heat. Any highly tuned 1000cc bike is going to chuck out heat. A week or so ago at 25 degrees C here in the UK I was sat in some slow traffic and the temp hit 104 and I could feel the heat from the engine. Can't say I've noticed any additional heat when riding above 40-50mph though.

[@leevendyback6129]

I was in Honda today looking at the finance deals on this bad boy it's is such a great deal, I am so tempted

[@MiddleagedRider]

The deals are fantastic at the moment and make the bike a very attractive buy. I guess sales must be low in comparison with other litre bikes hence the deal. This linked with the fact I could get the bike immediately certainly swayed me to buy one above a S1000RR or a Panigale

[@leevendyback6129]

@@MiddleagedRider yep looking at the SP2 deal seems to good to be true

[@MiddleagedRider]

@@leevendyback6129 Just be aware that I've heard that Honda won't unlock the track settings and race ecu on the menus unless you are a race team. This was one of the original big selling points of the SP2. Also be careful of what you are actually buying. The SP2 didn't sell in big numbers and I know some dealers are still shifting 2017 MY stock that they have.

[@leevendyback6129]

@@MiddleagedRider appreciated I've honda told me race ecu is another 10k 🤔 . Undecided at the moment as my current bike I own outright, and it would mean a finance pcp . Looking forward to the test ride all the same. Thanks again

[@leevendyback6129]

@@MiddleagedRider OMG OMG test ride complete (only base model but did have QS an Blipper) OMG why did I test ride it LoL

[@leevendyback6129]

I've just put a deposit down on one 😁

[@MiddleagedRider]

Nice :)

[@leevendyback6129]

@@MiddleagedRider had it two weeks now love it