After falling further behind its rivals as every year passed, we were excited, to say the least, when Honda promised more power, less weight and, for the first time, electronic rider aids on the all-new 2017 Fireblade.
It impressed at its world launch and, thanks to superb handling, grunt and build quality, it beat its rivals in that year’s MCN superbike shootout.
But racing disappointments tarnished its reputation and, to make matters worse, its Honda Selectable Torque Control system (ie traction control), which combined anti-wheelie, was flawed on track at the limit.
Improvements
Taking pitch and yaw readings from its six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, plus front and rear wheel speeds and throttle position, the Blade’s electronics were designed as a safety aid for the road. They can sense a slipping…
