MCN's Neevesy reviews the 2020 Honda Fireblade! Is this CBR1000RR-R the real SP? | First Ride

#Honda #HondaFireblade #CBR1000RR
Chief Road Tester, Michael Neeves has been out on the launch of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The most powerful, track-focussed 'Blade ever built, how does it stack up against its superbike rivals?
Read the full review here: bit.ly/2ui8J9Z
Get the best of biking EVERY day...
Follow us!
Facebook
/ motorcyclenews
Twitter News and Sport
@MCNNews / mcnnews
@MCNSport / mcnsport
Instagram
/ motorcyclenews
Visit the MCN website for all the latest news, sport, buy a used motorbike and even get insurance through us with MCN Compare:
www.motorcycle...
Welcome to the official KZbin channel of the world’s biggest print and online motorcycle publication. All the greatest motorcycle video content from the world’s most respected motorcycling media brand. Since 1955 MCN is available weekly in both print and digital editions and 24/7 on motorcyclenews.com. ow.ly/10pe69

[@jessetaylor6976]

Everyone for the last 8 years: Honda needs to up their game to compete with the big boys. Everyone now: New bike is too expensive, fast and focussed, buy the old one. Send prayers for the Honda executives that just committed Seppuku.

[@Krishnendu792]

critics always have to poke something about.

[@Birky_41]

This is so true! 😂

[@BicZippo]

Well said!

[@drewtaylor6997]

Mate its fuckin annoying its people what are still on 125s what say that anyways

[@Sn0wyriot]

For 28.5 grand you can have a V4S, R1M, Aprilia RSV for that price. When you say 125’s wait till the bikes get up in the 60’s which they will and you more likely won’t afford new just the hand me downs. 28 is steep for a mediocre bike just my 2 cents

[@theonlyredspecial]

Very well said Michael. I like your analysis of the 2017-2019 bike. For the road it’s immense. People just quote bhp and it’s nonsense. You are a very good reviewer you talk a lot of sense. Always give a balanced real world view. It’s one of the reasons I always buy the mcn.

[@sfcindia981]

Thanks for letting "michael" to review it. Loving this channel now only because of this man..❤️

[@walterwholle3364]

Michael is the Best Review Editor on Bikes Period! been reading bike mags since 1991. He has Passion!

[@SuperbikeDiscovery]

"Michael" theres some GSXR's ppl who want business... ;))))

[@anoopko]

Damn right!

[@2_Bike_is_Life]

@Mohammad Khan Is it not possible to respect someone without establishing a soul bond with them?

[@Roy_Godiksen]

I love the colors. Even the rims are colored to keep up the color theme. Well done Honda!

[@beer77monster]

Consuming everything Michael does. Keeping me sane in lockdown. Thanks MCN...👍

[@rankin1289]

I can't wait to see her compete! I have a 2017 base model I can't imagine having any other bike. The power is awesome and handling is fabulous!

[@Alexander5R]

We need a shootout between this, the 2020 V4, the 2020 R1 and the 2019 S1000RR, maybe bring the RSV4 1100.

[@MuscularMan008]

Yamaha doesnt stand a chance

[@hnic72]

@@MuscularMan008 👍🏿

[@SuperbikeDiscovery]

Thats bomb lol

[@SuperbikeDiscovery]

Kawasaki winning races. But in WSBK, different bikes and with Jonatan Rea, the Messi of World Superbike.

[@djg9589]

Thankyou, Captain Obvious 😂

[@jamiecox2506]

This is what Mr. Neeves does best - top end sports bikes. I'm pleased to see Honda finally producing a world-class sports bike.

[@mangalisoxaba498]

Michael Neeves My Best Sportbike reviewer for his honest, kind, technical and never superlative style of reviewing. I vouch for him, just for his sheer character. Proper gentlemen, but a Beast on the track. :)

[@Zee2Sea]

"Mer morals like you and I" think you would leave 99.9% of KZbin people in the dust.

[@rkjer]

The 2020 RR-R-RRRRRRRR-R-R-RRRRRRR-R

[@philipmoore449]

rkjer that’s what I was thinking. It’s literally got more “R”’s than I’ve ever seen! Lol

[@thebigbox954]

R

[@yr6sport418]

Let see, can they beat the single R from Yamaha easily? Triple R so promising.. Hehehe...

[@rlyle5804]

you missed one

[@andrewcrooks373]

It’s the pirate bike rrrrr rrrrr rrrr☠️⚓️

[@markussparkus1081]

Out of any other..I’d probably pick this. The amount of custom parts, the reliability, and how good it looks. You’d be able to make this go quicker than the competition with a little tweaks, have it sound beefy like a v4 or twin cyl, . It just goes on and on

[@lindz1817]

Great to see Michael back on the bike so soon after an unfortunate incident with Marty Craggil at the island classic.

[@Jeff_Klein]

Can’t wait for the CBR 1000 RR-RR-RRRR

[@dman117zx6]

I like how Honda made their winglets. It looks sleek and thought out unlike its rivals

[@vincentmbuyane]

I love MCN reviews,you know how to unpack all we need to know about the motorcycle..it must be in your voice!!!

[@theonlyredspecial]

I have the sp 2020 rrr. Dealer contacted me Friday there is a recall. The recall is for sump bolts loose in the bottom of the engine. Have to replace the gasket and all the bolts too.

[@lasttraintovegas7189]

Honest and straight to the point review That’s what we need...👍

[@roarkshsha]

Nice honest review. It is more of a niche product, that explains what the bike is and what it is not. I still want one.

[@steveoliver177]

Anything Neves says about a bike is definitely worth listening to

[@parker550]

As ever a great example of a sensible, knowledge led impression from an experienced talented rider/journalist 👍

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Honda should just keep adding Rs until they win a world championship.

[@fs7f687ds6fd7sads]

🤔 They've won 7 of the last 9 years...

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

@@fs7f687ds6fd7sads Wsbk

[@edmaluf]

Please review the 2020 KTM super duke 1290. Thanks!

[@findingneutral426]

Awesome. Nice balanced review Michael

[@andreipulosul1492]

Amazing review,I take everything he says into consideration for when I buy my first bike...if he's wrong then thats too bad hahaha

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

We're glad you enjoyed the review! Keep an eye out for more Neevsey reviews...

[@TheFishE77Official]

If you're buying your first bike just remember this; It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow! As someone who has ridden touring bikes for over a decade, and dirt bikes for almost a decade before that, I can say that the old fudd wisdom of starting on a smaller bike is actually good advice. A year or two on a 250-300cc bike will let you learn the skills and habits that will ultimately make you a much better rider, then when you jump in the saddle of those 1,000+cc bikes you'll have far more confidence and experience that can both enhance the fun and keep you out of trouble. I know I'll probably get plenty of people blabbing about "My first bike was a 'Busa and I do fine!" or "If you ride anything less than 1000cc's your a loser!", but from my own experience of watching friends or colligues get bikes too big for them to enjoy as a "starter", the ones that build their skills and take some courses are far _far_ better riders today.

[@gm16v149]

I bet Michael would have liked to have tried it around Phillip Island a couple of weeks ago when he was here. It’s a pretty quick track.

[@sk2283]

Good quick review, you are right Honda needed to up their game for WSB etc. It looks mint! Looking forward to seeing it compared directly to the competition, the blade has not been sharp for many years - about time they gave us a real weapon !

[@Pegasusbiketraining]

Michael Neeves is God in the world of bike reviews, when he talks, we listen !

[@gillessimeon7856]

Thank you, Michael, for your great videos and insightful comments. I noticed that you tested the RSV4 as well, which one would you pick for track use only regardless of the price tag. Japanese motorcycle are known for their reliability, what about Aprilia? Thanks

[@mahdimahdiamjad7400]

This bike vs yamaha r1 which one is more fun on the race track?

[@jamesstewart7224]

MCN forever. nice veiws in a nutshell mike thanks 👍

[@Dave.S.TT600]

just a great journalist, this Guy! thanks for the simple yet brilliant review.

[@Faithinthedock]

Interesting one. It seems their focus with this one is WSB.. I'm guessing once the WSB kit is fitted, it'll be serious competition for the ZX10r which also seems at its best in the WSB series and slightly compromised in road going trim. Will be interesting to see. 😎

[@964tractorboy]

Always a great perspective on a bike rather than simply "more power is more better(er)". Thanks for that.

[@sundaruu666]

Standard Akrapovic sound is terrific, let's try to change to SC project exhaust

[@Mohapi_Tau]

Aftermarket Akrapovic' racing slip on would still sound more than badass!!

[@drewtaylor6997]

I good way to ruin the performance

[@marv2820]

Great review. Love to see a comparison of the 2019sp against this new model and the s1000rr m sport. As a road super bike was really impressed with your long term test on the bmw. The points you raised about the sat nav and cruise control when touring down to track it. Got a feeling the 1000 super bike class is heading the way 600 super sport did .

[@ryderDoO]

Yep... we will see the days when a litre bike would rev to 16000 RPM.

[@harshgsxr]

It's verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry beautiful, just love it

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

Neeves is one of the few people whose opinion on motorcycles actually matters.

[@Lynch84]

Honest reviews are what everyone wants. 👍🏻

[@rsoul7282]

So when you fall off do you land on your RR-Rse?

[@daverae7544]

That's one honest review!. Makes that non current 17' with high discount sticker price more appealing:)

[@PhysicxAlmighty]

I wonder if that long rumored V4 CBR bike is going to happen, not that I am complaining or anything, the CBR is great as ever.

[@cobratoxic]

the price is high but, is one of that bikes that you dont have to upgrade nothing, is already have the power, it have the eletronics, suspension, good brakes, for example the new aprilia, the exhaust is so good, that you put a full race akrapovic, and you onli gain like 2 hp.....

[@M51621]

As usual a great review from MCN, the best and wrost of any model. keep the good job guys.

[@edwardthomas6956]

This is one of very few cheerful bright coloured bikes left out there to brighten the gloom of a grey day - there are far too many dull coloured offerings these days

[@tailtidy8185]

Brilliant and honest review, as always. 👍👍

[@kiwihame]

I'm a staunch Ducati guy, but I have to say, this is a stunning machine. Honda have outdone themselves. I'm sure it's useless on the road, but who cares.

[@Mr.Typical27]

299kmph on 4th gear thats nutsssss!!!!!!!!!

[@AlvinCornelius]

Can't wait for the 2022 CBR-R 1000RR-RRR Fireblade SP-RR

[@karlosh2422]

I guess I would like a ride, on a track. Currently poodling about on the road on my Speed Twin keeps me happy :) I do wonder, how much quicker are bikes like this up to 70MPH as compared to my Speed Twin. I am guessing not as much as I imagine !

[@Leonhartcobra88]

As a 2019 sp1 owner, I would say, thanks but no, I'll stick to my road's blade.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

I clicked as soon as I saw Neeves's name on it.

[@SupersportsBiker]

Good review 👍 much appreciated Michael🏆

[@dedelabinouze5110]

Finally Honda executives understands that horsepower sells. It doesn't necessarily makes it brilliant, but it sells.

[@Pintuuuxo]

Thank you Michael for your first impressions on this bike. This CBR really looks good enough for me. Until now the 2004 model is the best (smooth, powerful, best brakes ever). Please tell us about the top speed and the power in the dyno one day. Thank you.

[@clayman1980]

As far as top speed, I heard in other reviews and impressions that this thing can do 299 km/h in 4th gear. Says something...

[@ryderDoO]

@@clayman1980 yeah long geared and you can make it faster by gearing it down and it makes 200 RWHp bone stock. So yeah when it is derestricted, it will make plenty of power.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

You are the man Mister Neeves

[@markgardner1665]

A very good balanced review, thanks

[@SuperbikeDiscovery]

Who's going to ride this Honda in WSBK? Anybody knows? If Honda manages to win races it will be very awesome. Best wishes for Honda Racing Corporation. God bless.

[@b0xhead96]

Alvaro Bautista and Leon Camier are on the HRC team this year.

[@MrBlueberrypie44]

I'm glad Honda made this bike to show they can still compete with the others when pressed to. It's mostly for WSBK tho.. I wouldn't be at all good on the street

[@unamladen1176]

Is it good beginner bike?

[@abhi1457]

Thing this will never boil your eggs 🔥❤️

[@adult1122]

Your opinion is all that matters micheal👍

[@jon...6825]

Great video again. Lucky man. God bless everyone...

[@ianmitchell9102]

Great review as always, still plodding along on my CBR600F, but desperately want a 1000

[@fcodijk]

Kung Tita a F, probably Wanna try a 600 R before buying a 1000 R 👊🏽

[@stichupman]

Go for it mate I went from a 600 hornet to R1. Currently riding a TLR.

[@alec-s]

I was waiting for you review

[@james5553]

Well I am definitely going to book a test ride !

[@vrooom666]

This bike is beauty, cant take my eyes off the bike.

[@wanderer54796]

Please test it's top speed with gps device guys.please.

[@dukedaz8920]

Great vid blade looks boss 👌👍

[@tavonc27]

Hard to say unless put on the track in battle to see how it would be compared to the 17-19 blade. Reserve judgment.

[@SiL6iX]

Good review but what did u expect ? Did u expect a new bike with less power? The competition is producing powerful bikes and Honda after all this years decided to go the same way. Of course it is focused for race, like all the Supersport that are 200hp+ with semi-active suspension+ are. Is it focused for the rode? No. That's why u have 2 versions. That's why I didn't understand this review for the first time. If u are testing a product which the purpose its made is for the track, than don't mix up the things and do a review considerating the reason why the bike was made for. I don't disagree with ur speech but I didn't saw u speaking like that on another Supersport bike that, if u are going to check out, probably same rpm and basicly the same torque as this new Honda. Hope u read this comment and, in the future, do a review considering the purpose of the product.

[@chaoticneutral393]

This bike is GORGEOUS!

[@anandcherian.585]

Have we reached peak 1000cc supersport?

[@haviiithelegogunner907]

BMW has registered a M1000RR in Germany - they will come with 230 ~ 240 bhp and without shiftcam in 2021. i think we will see 250 bhp panigales ...

[@paultanton4307]

@@haviiithelegogunner907 Mmm interesting !.

[@anandcherian.585]

Sounds good.

[@rambleonandon]

I really hope you are wrong about the std rr not having a quickdhifter

[@moorepower13]

Best "wings" in the business.

[@ummujazir8223]

2020 fireblade SP vs 2020 R1M Vs 2020 panigale v4s Vs 2019 s1000rr Vs rsv4 factory

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

So, all we need now is the blade F to go with this blade R-RR-R thing. The older engine, but top components, taller screen on maybe a half fairing, higher bars, to make a more serious "standard" (not street fighter / naked) than Honda has now. Good review compared to the well meaning raves seen elsewhere.

[@1956colinb]

Great impartial review Michael, always a pleasure to watch 👍 I think that at £20k and extreme ergonomics we can safely say that the Blade is no longer a good road bike, it’s kind of lost the ethos of the original Blade which sold by the shed loads, I’ve had 3 versions of them, the last being a 954cc, which was a fantastic bullet proof bike 😬 No more Blades for me now I’m afraid, this bike would be utter purgatory on a bumpy, wet Scottish road on a long weekend away with my mates ☹️!

[@ampm9771]

Honda can no longer hide behind their reliability garbage they've brainwashed their fanboys on. Now other bikes are as reliable and light years ahead of Honda performance wise. Honda was badly exposed and this garbage is Honda's answer to V4, S1000 and RSV4

[@chr0niclt732]

Wtf bullshit are u on bro. This bike is perfect; its faster than the 2003 for sure, better all round. How would it not be a good street bike?

[@Achilles22]

Hi Mike what’s happened to Andy Carlton at MCN?

[@adult1122]

Euro-5 this thing is still cagged! I predict 195hp top. 200 hp at the most. Its the biggest pistons at a 1k cc inline-4. There is no middle with honda. If they say power its power.

[@drewtaylor6997]

honda has always had the best mid thoe

[@spoonman73]

I think I heard 186 hp in the US from a reliable source. We always get screwed.

[@TheScortUK]

0:59 - not sure Neevesy can be classed a "normal mortal" with all his skills!! :-D

[@Ff6022]

Where was the little wobble on the curb? Wat caused it? Lol. You can thank 44teeth. Another good video from Neeves

[@krayzieegg7294]

That pic looks like it came out of a video game

[@lachlancrutchfield1916]

But do we? They are all great bikes, and does it matter if a top level rider is faster on one than the other..? For mere mortals pick the one you like the best.

[@TheCarlbrian]

Looks stunning

[@Pepo-1969]

Actually if it got all you need in a track, it has much, much more than you need on a road.

[@djg9589]

Honda want 1 thing with this bike, well, 2 things; Suzuka 8 Hour World Superbike Championship Race wins is what this was built for.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Rich buggers would buy this for street racing and drag racing, Im sure this would be an exceptional base for Pro Street.

[@jsin22366322]

R1m then. Got it👍

[@ajinkyagaikwad26]

CBR1000RR-R Fireblade 200-202 mph - 322-325 km/h CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 208-210 mph 335-338 km/h Just imagine If Honda put Supercharged Engine in it 😂

[@wolfpackpete6408]

Can't believe the gsxr wasn't mentioned as one of the rivals

[@Patriiiiick]

He did at about 6m40 into the vid.

[@wolfpackpete6408]

@@Patriiiiick earlier in the video he only mentioned the Ducati, Aprilia, BMW, and Yamaha. Ever since it's release in 2017, the testers have raved about the Suzuki's new variable valve motor.

[@JHallam77]

Hmm. I’ve still got my trusty 2008.. fancy newer though.. not that new mind.

[@keithjackson4985]

Not as much first ride praise as I was expecting? I'm guessing big here? I think that after some comparison testing has been done, this will be everyone's, bike of the year!

[@Patriiiiick]

It's not gonna beat the competition on a road test with all the power at 11k onwards and the compact ergonomics though.

[@keithjackson4985]

@@Patriiiiick Patrick, you are crazy! This bike is the new bench mark! It's going to set records.

[@Patriiiiick]

@@keithjackson4985 I'm talking about a road review. If another bike has more useable low end and mid range grunt it's gonna come out on top for a road test over a bike that has a power band more suited to race tracks with long straights, a la the Blade.

[@nairbyad7188]

my 2008 CBR1000RR is plenty quick!

[@nitemunky76]

So potentially great race bike but pointless road bike...

[@mbal4052]

Arent all 200bhp sportsbikes a bit pointless on the road?

[@michaeljkasnter]

Not in Miami!!!

[@mbal4052]

@@michaeljkasnter why what's in Miami?

[@Anthony_K]

Mbal 40 no real twisties so having a sportbike with that kind of power is one way to have fun here besides a supermoto and minus some of the worst drivers and roads around 🤷‍♂️

[@Anthony_K]

Sad that it only makes power at 11k, at that price too they could of made it a V4 as well. Seems like a great overall package minus that peaky powerband.

[@darrenbutler9261]

Nice looking bike but having ridden the s 1000rr I doubt it will come close to beating the BMW as a road bike. Imagine its depreciation after the first year ouch!

[@TheRedcroatian]

Great looking bike but it's a shame it's sized for little people and anybody over 6 feet can't really enjoy it. Bike ergonomics need to be offered in few custom size options for taller people otherwise their sales will suffer. I am not paying $25K for a pocket 🚀 bike, no matter how fast it goes and how good it looks.

[@TheFishE77Official]

So forgive me here for what may be a bit of ignorance; But does anyone else feel like all the superbikes look the same these days? I have spent a bit more than a decade in the cross-country touring world, but I used to be able to see a different style of bike and say "Oh hey, it's a CBR!" or "Yep, that's a Ninja!", but the last couple years I find myself seeing a sport bike and going "Was that an R1 or something? What was that..."

[@pkpropertysolutionsltd701]

I think it's a shame because Honda always offered something different. Better for the average road rider but now they're following the others rather than leading there own way.

[@australiandad5898]

20 years from now...Honda RR-R-R-R-R