Intermot 2016: 2017 Honda CBR1000RR SP and SP2 unveiled; comes packed with gizmos

After Kawasaki and BMW, it was Honda that kept the momentum going at Intermot 2016. Honda announced its 2017 model of the CBR1000RR in not one but two SP and SP2 variants, calling them superbikes that offer total control.  And there’s plenty of it on the new CBR1000 RR. The superbike has gone on a diet and is now lighter, but with added performance upgrades. More importantly, with so much power on tap, it is still street-legal even though it will easily feel at home on a track.   Starting with the weight, (or the lack of it) Honda has managed to chisel 15kgs off this litre-class beast. There’s 12PS more power with 190PS and 11Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. The engine is all new, with a 13:1 compression ratio with new pistons and new cams. There’s a new titanium cam cover, ignition cover and sump as well, making it super light. A titanium muffler helps saves some kilos as well.  While it may not win any awards in terms of looks, Honda claims that they sure are aerodynamic. Both the Honda CBR1000RR SP and CBR1000RR SP2 are limited edition machines.  Honda has even chucked in Throttle-By-Wire system that allows for torque control using Honda’s Selectable Torque Control feature. This gives riders a choice of three power delivery modes letting the rider select the necessary torque level depending on track conditions.