The new Baptist CBR1000RR 2020 is already rolling! Photos and video

[Akrapovic]

It was an open secret - a long time ago - and it was also decisive for Álvaro Bautista to decide not to renew for Ducati: we talked about the new Honda CBR1000RR 2020, from which a few days ago we saw the homologation patents.

Our North American colleagues at Asphalt & Rubber have got these spy photos and video of a camouflaged unit rolling on the circuit.

The camouflage does not prevent to see that it is a Honda CBR, and that it totally coincides with the sketches seen, with slight differences.

The motorcycle looks very compact and aerodynamic, with a fairing inspired by the RC213V of Márquez and Lorenzo, although the front air intake is very similar to that of the CBR600RR.

The ailerons integrated in the sides are clearly visible, in groups of three and seem fixed, although in the sketches we saw that they were two per side and that they open or close automatically.

The chassis is very similar to that of the previous CBR, although there is some hole in the side that does not have the current version. The swingarm itself is very different, also to that of the sketch.
Sophisticated

The fork is a Showa SFF-BP and, although it is not visible, we imagine that the shock absorber will also be of the Japanese brand. This fork is the Showa ‘black leg’, and it is possible that Honda has two or three different versions of the CBR (standard, SP and SP2), with more or less sophistication.

The engine is clearly different, and one of the things that will undoubtedly have evolved more: the crankcase covers are different, as well as the position of the gear lever. This engine should yield around 220 hp, if you want to be on an equal footing with that of the Panigale V4 R.

A disconcerting thing is the brake calipers, a Brembo GP, too sophisticated (and very expensive) for a series motorcycle, which could perhaps indicate that it is the version of SBK that should be piloted by Baptist next season, and not the version serial.

In the following video you can see and especially hear the new Honda CBR1000RR 2020.
sounds good...