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  The new 'Blade launches with Honda adopting a confident position on its handling and technology

Honda will launch their 20th anniversary Fireblade at $18,490.

It's $1000 more if you want the ABS model when it hits the showrooms. Either way, the new 'Blade launches with Honda adopting a confident position on its handling and technology -- oh, and greater performance. With the aim of improving handling and boosting stability, the 2012 Fireblade features changes to the front and rear suspension.

The rear suspension has the additional benefit of the world's first balance-free rear cushion made by Showa while the front features a telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube and a newly adapted Showa big piston front fork. The result of these suspension modifications is significantly improved stability in both damping force and shock-absorbing performance, leading to improved traction and stability in the new Fireblade.

A newly designed, 12-spoke, lightweight aluminium cast wheel has been adopted for both the front and rear. Due to the increased number of spokes, rigidity has been further evened out for load received in all directions from the tyre contact points which offers improved feel.

Every generation of the Honda Fireblade has been characterised by a look of speed and dynamism, for 2012 these qualities have been further developed to highlight the bike's racing image. With a line-beam headlight and air intake shapes adding even greater sharpness, the new Blade offers a novel and "intrepid" front face.

An all-digital LCD meter design offers a racing inspired image offering excellent visibility and high functionality and with a five-level display, the REV indicator linked to a digital tachometer instantly transmits accurate information to the rider.

The lightweight and compact, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine features a displacement of 999cc. The Programmed Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) was revisited and enhanced for 2012 to make a sports model that is even easier and more fun to handle.

Like its predecessor, the new CBR1000RR is equipped with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) ensuring strong and stable handling. The optional feature of Combined ABS, developed as a world first by Honda in 2009, is available.