Honda CBR1000RR could get MotoGP-derived V4 engine for 2019
The Honda CBR1000RR may receive a bit more than the usual MotoGP-inspired paintwork option in its next update. Reports suggest that the Japanese manufacturer may introduce a MotoGP-derived V4 engine configuration to its litre-class superbike. If this happens, it will be the biggest update to the Honda CBR1000R, which currently comes powered by a 999cc liquid-cooled inline four engine. The reason for this major update is that Honda will celebrate its 70th Anniversary in 2019, which is when the new CBR1000RR is due. The motorcycle could subsequently reach India by the end of 2019, if not by 2020 in time for the next Auto Expo.
The engine in question will be based on the Repsol Honda RC213V race bike, ridden by factory riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa. That should get the fanboys going. The last big update to the CBR1000RR came in 2017, but the changes were more evolutionary than all-new. It is no timid motorcycle making close to 200PS with the ability of smoothly going from 30kmph to 300kmph. Read our first ride review of the 2017 CBR1000RR here.
The next-gen Honda CBR1000RR even turn out to be a proper homologation special like its predecessors the RC30 and RC45. Ducati had previously introduced its new flagship the Panigale with a V4 engine last year. The Honda CBR1000RR competes with the Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, BMW S1000RR, and the Aprilia RSV4.