Here’s what AU$70,000-worth of Fireblade looks like

It seems like bike manufacturers have latched on to a surprisingly deep well of wealthy customers prepared to pay big money for limited-edition machines and Honda is the latest to jump on the bandwagon with its new John McGuinness 30th Anniversary Replica CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Not only is the new bike a contender for the title of ‘longest name on a production bike’ but it’s also the most expensive bike in the company’s UK range, the only market where it’s available. Over there it comes in at £37,730, which is the equivalent of AU$71,500. In other words, its 60% more expensive than the already-costly CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP it’s based on.

Only 15 examples are being made, specifically for Honda UK, to mark an incredible 30 years since John McGuinness’s Isle of Man TT debut on a two-stroke Honda RS250 in 1996. He’s since won 23 TTs, 16 of them on Honda bikes, and while the last victory came back in 2015, McGuinness remains competitive around the TT course and just a day before the Anniversary Fireblade was revealed took a dominant victory at the Classic TT’s Historic Senior race. Over the years he also became the first rider to average more than 130mph around the TT course in 2007 – on a Fireblade, of course. And while plans have yet to be finalised, McGuinness has already indicated that he’s planning to be back at the TT in 2027.

The McGuinness replica Blade isn’t a race-tuned machine – it’s engine is the standard 214hp four from the Fireblade SP – but it gets paintwork that mirror’s the bike he raced this year, itself a tribute to his 1996 RS250’s Paul Bird Motorsport livery.

As well as the special paint, the bikes get a numbered headstock plaque, a pillion set cowl and tall screen, plus an HRC oil filler cap, GB Racing engine covers, Evotech radiator guard, brake lever guard and paddock stand bobbins. They also come with a custom bike mat, a paddock stand and a signed McGuinness replica KYT KX-1 helmet.

But most importantly, each of the buyers will get to travel to the Isle of Man for a handover event with McGuinness himself, and the chance to lap the 37-mile circuit with him – an experience that on its own could justify the premium price over a standard Fireblade.

Unfortunately, Honda UK is inviting potential customers to place orders for the bike, so unless you’ve already heard from them, you’re probably not on the list…