March 1, 2007 Nicky Hayden's 2006 MotoGP Championship has prompted Honda to announce a limited edition Repsol replica Fireblade CBR1000RR which will be released into European and American markets later this month. It’s the second Repsol Replica Fireblade, the first coming in 2005 to commemorate a decade of Repsol sponsorship. Repsol began sponsoring the Honda MotoGP Team in 1995 when Michael Doohan won his second of five consecutive World GP 500 titles. Since then the team has won seven of the last eleven World Championship crowns including last year's Constructor, Team and Rider's Championship. The CBR1000RR features a host of race-developed technological innovations including the PGM-DSFI dual sequential fuel injection system, the Mass-Centralised Chassis Configuration, the Gravity Die-Cast Aluminium Frame, the Unit-Pro-Arm Swingarm, Radial-Mount Front Brake Callipers and the Electronic Steering Damper. Though it’s nowhere near an exact replica of the racing machines ridden by Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa, the new Repsol Honda Fireblade certainly looks authentic.
Among the CBR1000RR innovations first pioneered on the RC211V race bikes are: PGM-DSFI Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System — which features two separate sets of injectors programmed to operate at low and high engine speeds to ensure optimal fuel feed, combustion efficiency and performance at all engine speeds. Mass-Centralised Chassis Configuration — which concentrates the weight and mass of such large components as the engine and fuel tank closer to the vehicle’s centremost rotating axes to reduce inertia, resulting in lighter and sharper response to steering inputs. Gravity Die-Cast Aluminium Frame — which achieves a high balance of rigidity and strength for the swift, responsive handling control required for circuit conquest, and valued highest by sports riders everywhere. Unit-Pro-Arm Swingarm — which integrates the entire rear suspension system into the body of the swingarm, which mounts to the rear end of the engine cases to effective isolate the frame and its steering head from the lateral and torsional stresses produced at the rear wheel during cornering at high speeds. Radial-Mount Front Brake Callipers — which pull the Fireblade quickly and smoothly down from top speed for well-controlled corner entry with remarkably precise response. Honda Electronic Steering Damper — which reduces sudden fluctuations in steering head operation during high-speed riding and strong acceleration, but automatically minimises its restrictive effect on steering at low speeds.