2022 was always going to be a special year for Honda and the Fireblade brand. That?s because it?s 30 years since the first ones started appearing in showrooms. Since 1992 the Fireblade has seen umpteen iterations; some world-beating, others not quite, but they?ve all enjoyed their fair share of popularity. So to celebrate 30 years-worth of Honda?s flagship superbike, they?ve released a special 30th Anniversary edition of the Fireblade SP. And they invited us along to Donington Park to take it for a spin.

What?s so special about the 30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade, I hear you ask" Well, in all honesty, compared to the ?normal? Fireblade SP, not a lot. On top of the (albeit considerable) spec of the SP, the 30th Anniversary comes with a special Tricolour paintjob (designed by Mr Hiroaki Tsukui, the same bloke that designed the original 1992 colourway), a numbered top yolk, and some special 30th anniversary logos dotted around the bike (and on the key fob).
If you?re wondering, what the SP has over the standard ?Blade, it?s Brembo brakes, electronic suspension and gold wheels (although the 30th Anniversary model doesn?t have the gold wheels, to match the original model).

43 Teeth

2022 updates for the entire Honda Fireblade range were focused on making the bikes power easier to use. They?ve done a load of work on the engine to improve the mid-range, including redesigning the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels, and exhaust pipe. The bike still makes a...