The Supersport 1000cc class of 2006

The Fireblade’s formidable braking power is further improved with larger front disc rotors along with a pair of four-piston Tokico callipers whilst the rear caliper is also smaller and lighter than before.

Honda continually looks for ways of making their rides as smooth as possible, and the suspension has therefore been revised with new front and rear valving. The Pro-Link shock also features a revised linkage to aid traction. And to cater for those who want more ‘bottom’ comfort in their race performance bikes, the seat foam has been thickened slightly.

The new 2006 Fireblade also continues as the only motorcycle on the road equipped with its highly advanced Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), the revolutionary electro-hydraulic unit mounted directly atop its steering head that helps maintain its smoothly predictable high-speed handling.

2006 colours include Winning Red (with Graphite Black) and Iron Nail Silver (with Force Silver Metallic and Graphite Black). Honda fans can expect the new Fireblade to be available in Dealers around early April of next year.

Of course the Yamaha YZF-R1 has been significantly revised for 2006, with a special SP version involving a number of changes all designed to create a motorcycle that will be very expensive and extremely competitive in Superstock and Superbike racing.

The following changes have been made to create the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 SP

1) Boost in power output by maximizing intake/exhaust efficiency

While maintaining the same liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, 40-degree forward-inclined, in-line 4-cylinder 5-valve fuel injection engine format and specs including the bore-stroke, the compact combustion chamber, high-lift cams, the 12.4 : 1 compression ratio and FS connecting rods, a thorough pursuit of further intake/exhaust efficiency has produced a significant boost in power output compared to the existing model due to increased intake air volume. Compared to the existing model, the max. power output has been raised by 3PS to 175PS at the same rpm level of 12,500 rpm

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