Honda Fireblade to get Variable Valve Timing technology, patents leaked

5 years, 10 months ago - 10 January 2019, IndianAutosBlog

After two-wheeler brands Ducati, Yamaha and BMW, Honda is preparing to introduce Variable Valve Timing technology to its motorcycles. In fact, the patents for an engine featuring the Variable Valve Timing tech were filed in the US on January 3, 2019.

The images were revealed by Free Patents Online.

The Variable Valve Timing tech is likely to make its way to the next generation Fireblade that will arrive with the Euro-V emission norms. Similar to the systems seen on the existing products in the market, the new Honda engine will use variable valve operation equipment. Engine featuring cam-switching mechanism comes with multiple profiles that determine the valve operating characteristics.

Variable Valve Timing ensures a good mid- and high-revs performance from the engine without compromising on either. The system is crucial during times when manufacturers have to develop performance-oriented engines while complying with the emission norms. The system is currently seen on performance motorcycles from Ducati, Yamaha and most recently BMW. Yamaha offers a similar tech in its entry-level performance motorcycle, the YZF-R15 V3.0.

The current generation Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade made its debut in 2017. Most recently, the 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR1000RR Fireblade SP arrived in India at INR 16.43 lakh and INR 19.28 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi).

The 2019 CBR1000RR duo use a 999cc, in-line-four engine that churns out 189 bhp of maximum power at 13,000 rpm and a peak torque of 114 Nm at 11,000 rpm. The engine features a 6-speed transmission. We saw Ducati shift the Panigale range from V-Twin to V4 engine. Patent images of the new Honda motor reveal that the straight four-cylinder format will be retained. The upcoming model with a Euro-V compliant motor should deliver similar performance numbers.

Followers of the industry would know that Honda has been using the Variable Valve Timing technology on its cars for years as VTEC.

When can we expect to see the Euro-V Honda CBR1000RR? The Euro-V emission norms would come into effect from April 2020, and thus we expect to see the new Honda CBR1000RR at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.