Rumors of a new Honda CBR1000RR have been floating around for awhile, with some pundits even going as so far as saying that Honda has been putting off the launch of the revamped motorcycle due to downtrodden superbike sales in the motorcycle market.
However, Ronald ten Kate whose team has taken a nose dive in this WSBK season, with only one win and one podium at their home track at Assen with both Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus out with injuries, in a recent interview confirmed that they will be using an upgraded Fireblade in 2012, which could mean that they may be getting a bunch of new electronics, but it could also mean that Honda will be finally ready to show us something slightly newer.
“We will have a new machine from Honda, an upgraded version of the Fireblade in 2012, though I can’t reveal too much because Honda hasn’t revealed the bike,” said the Castrol Honda team principal.
“The FIM has also made the decision that we can introduce ride-by-wire to the machines for next year, which we already have but isn’t on the bikes yet.
We are planning to use it in the private tests, so we will be ready for 2012.
This season is virtually behind us, but when Jonathan returns, we will still be targeting podiums.
”Honda Europe signed a three-year agreement with Ten Kate back in October 2010 to continue their partnership, but it remains to be seen if Jonathan Rea will want to continue with Castrol Honda after an injury packed season, and if the team will want to keep Ruben Xaus whose best results this season have been two eighth places (Assen and Misano).