THE NEXT GENERATION
As we speak Leon is on his way to Qatar for the press launch of the new 08 Fireblade. Joined by his new team mate Cal Crutchlow and the worlds press Leon will for the first time get to ride the new Honda.
For 2008 the fireblade gets another major re-vamp. Once more design and engineering philosophies from the race-track combine with engineering excellence to provide sportsbike riders with the ultimate two wheeled-thrill. This is an all-new machine, with a new heart producing around 178bhp, a slipper clutch, new frame and suspension parts and brakes. Styling is heavily based on the RC212V MotoGP machine, with a minimalist tail-unit and a move to an under-slung exhaust - an example of mass centralisation still working for the Fireblade 16 years on. Performance is like no other Fireblade before.
Still a Honda, Still a Fireblade
This latest incarnation of the Fireblade dynasty is a Honda through and through, featuring attention to detail, quality, reliability and the utter dependability that only comes with a Honda. But it is also still a Fireblade.
It's estimated that more than 35,000 Fireblades have been sold in the UK alone since launch in 1992, while on the used market, Honda's reputation for finish and reliability often see the Fireblade win used tests and be sought after in the show rooms.
Baba-san says: "I was pleased when journalists were all so excited about our Fireblade which the team and I had created, but this feeling was surpassed when we saw sales of the Fireblade take off in that first year. That meant road riders were voting the bike their favourite by buying it in larger numbers than we had dared hope. Since then the Fireblade has developed and become better end better and we have opened up the Fierblade's performance to many new and different riders. I love the Fireblade-I look upon it as one of my children, and hope that it lives on forever - long after I'm gone."
Fireblade is re-born
Speaking after his final test session with the new Fireblade Honda's senior test rider Dave Hancock said " This is the first time in 20 years of riding I've felt this excited about a new model. " Part of the development brief with the Blade was to set a new benchmark in power-to-weight ratios, improving the bike's sophistication, performance and character - I believe we've achieved all of these. Now we aim to take the Super Sports market by storm, attracting new fans and appealing to existing Fireblade owners. This is a real link back to '92 because the Blade then was so radically different it blew the market apart. This bike goes back to that ethos and I'm sure it'll appeal to the whole new generation or sports bike fans."
Leon is so excited about getting a chance to test the new blade and we will keep you all updated with his progress as it happens.