43mm inverted forks form the basis of the suspension setup up front with Showa’s Big Piston technology offering improved damping, increased front tyre grip and better stability under braking.
The launch even was attended by Honda’s top riders including Johnathan Rea who rides for the Castrol Honda Team in the WSBK Championship and John McGuinness, racing at Le Mans for the Honda TT Legends Team.
Honda's new 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade hero has made its international debut this week, celebrating 20 years since the CBR900RR appeared in 1991.
The engine itself remains largely untouched, although it gains revised fuel injection settings for improved response at smaller throttle openings.
The rear shock gets a double-tube design developed for improved damping and traction, and there's 43mm inverted telescoping forks up front with the aforementioned Big Piston system.
Key changes are remapped injection for 'smoother' power, a new design of Showa rear shock (the 'Balance Free Rear Cushion'), which Honda also describes as 'smoother', a new second-generation electronic steering damper (it's probably smoother) and a new slipper clutch.
There's also the addition of 'Big Piston' Showa forks, new instruments, stiffer 12-spoke wheels and new styling that's not only more up-to-date but which Honda claims reduces front-end lift.