Honda has commenced bookings for its 2019 lineup of Completely Built Up (CBU) motorcycles, which include the 2019 variants of the Gold Wing Tour DCT, CB1000R+ and both variants of the CBR1000RR Fireblade – the Standard, and SP. The 2019 CBR1000RR is priced at Rs 16.43 lakh, and the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP costs Rs 19.28 lakh.

The upgraded Fireblade is powered by the same motor as the 2018 variant – a 999cc, in-line-four engine that puts out 191.6hp at 13,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 11,000rpm, mated to a 6-speed transmission.

New for 2019 is a Wheelie Control System, in addition to the existing array of electronics it has; some of them being a gyroscopic ABS system, ride-by-wire, nine-level traction control, selectable engine braking, an electronic steering damper and a power selector. The previous bike integrated the wheelie control into the traction-control system. Honda has now separated the system after feedback from customers who wanted individual control over Wheelie Control. The 2019 Fireblade’s instrumentation now shows a three-position ‘W’ setting alongside the Power, Engine Braking and HSTC (Honda Selectable Traction Control) traction settings.

Honda has also made improvements to the ride-by-wire system. In comparison to the 2018 model, the company has claimed a 45 percent faster reaction time between shutting the throttle and the rpm dropping. This should improve the throttle response and feel for the rider.

While these features are common on both variants, the Fireblade SP also gets a semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension at the front and rear (43mm NIX30 inverted forks up front and a TTX36 monoshock round the back), a quickshifter and downshift assist.

Earlier this year, Honda had revised prices of the CBR1000RR bikes, and reduced their costs by close to Rs 2 lakh. The 2019 variants of the bikes however, are priced slightly higher than the pre-revision costs.

(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)