20 January 2012 - As Australia waits with baited breath for the release of the 2012 Fireblade, Honda Australia announces the 20th anniversary model will retail at $18,490 for the standard, and $19,490 for the ABS model (MLRP).

Due for Australian release in early February, the 2012 CBR1000RR will impress riders with advanced technology and even greater performance. It's a Honda and true to its predecessors, superior handling and even greater rideability are paramount to this legendary release.

With the aim of improving handling and achieving unprecedented levels of riding stability, the 2012 Fireblade boasts changes to the front and rear suspension. The rear suspension has the additional benefit of the world's first balance-free rear cushion made by Showa while the front features a telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube and a newly adapted Showa big piston front fork. The result of these suspension modifications is significantly improved stability in both damping force and shock-absorbing performance, leading to improved traction and stability in the new CBR1000RR.

A newly designed, 12-spoke, lightweight aluminium cast wheel has been adopted for both the front and rear. Due to the increased number of spokes, rigidity has been further evened out for load received in all directions from the tyre contact points which offers improved manoeuvring feel.

Every generation of the Honda Fireblade has been characterised by a look of speed and dynamism, for 2012 these qualities have been further developed to highlight the bike's racing image. With a line-beam headlight and air intake shapes adding even greater sharpness, the new CBR1000RR offers a novel and intrepid front face.

A new all-digital LCD meter design offers a truly racing inspired image offering excellent visibility and high functionality and with a 5-level display, the REV indicator linked to a digital tachometer instantly transmits accurate information to the rider.

The lightweight and compact, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine features a displacement of 999cc. The Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) was revisited and enhanced for 2012 to make a sports model that is even easier and more fun to handle.

Like its predecessor, the new CBR1000RR is equipped with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) ensuring strong and stable handling. The optional feature of Combined ABS, developed as a world first by Honda in 2009, is available on this legendary supersports model enabling the 2012 Fireblade to boast even higher levels of controllability.

Honda's initial Fireblade concept was to create the most lightweight bike that allowed riders to experience the joy of riding, by incorporating new safety features and cutting-edge technologies, Honda's legendary 2012 CBR1000RR stays true to this.

With a competitive MLRP of $18,490 (standard) and $19,490 (ABS) the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR is sure to hit the Australian market with speed once it is release in early February, 2012.

Three striking colours will be found in Honda Dealerships nationally; Victory Red, Graphite Black and Tri Colour, the ABS model will only be available in Graphite Black.

For more information see your Honda Dealer or to see the 2012 Fireblade in action, check out Team Honda Racing testing the new release at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

www.hondamotorcycles.com.au
Dealer Locator, Ph: 1 300 1 HONDA

Media Contact:

Emma Kershaw
Coordinator Public Relations
Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Telephone: (+613) 9270 1183
Facsimile: (+613) 9357 0826
Website: www.honda.com.au
Email: EKershaw@hondampe.com.au

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