BSB: Honda duo debut new Fireblade at Monteblanco

Honda’s MCE British Superbike duo made their long-awaited debut aboard the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade at Monteblanco last week.

Jason O’Halloran and Dan Linfoot spent four days riding the all-new Fireblade in blistering temperatures at the track in the south of Spain.

The initial part of the test was spent working on perfecting the new fly by wire throttle connection, as well as the extra channels now available on BSB’s specification Motec ECU system, before moving on to refining the chassis which remains relatively similar to the older machine. 

“We’ve spent quite a lot of time in this test coming in and out of the bits, short runs as we try to get the fly by wire throttle connection tuned,” O’Halloran told MCN. “It’s a big move from a cable throttle so it’s important for us to get that right. 

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“We keep making big steps forward with the bike and the lap time is coming relatively easy. I’m still learning how to ride the bike and the guys are still learning how to work with it so once these things come together I think we’re going to have a strong package.”

Echoing his team-mate’s comments, Linfoot added: “The biggest thing for me was to leave here with a fly by wire connection we’re happy with, as if we can’t get that nailed on nice and early it could cause quite a few problems for us in the season.

“We had a small issue in the first two days that lost us some time but when that was sorted I could start putting the laps in and start to realise our potential.”

For the full story on Honda’s first test, plus Guy Martin and John McGuinness’ first ride on the new bike – see Wednesday’s MCN. 

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