This Tire Is Better In Every Way
A full day on track aboard the Honda Fireblade SP is a reminder of just how demanding modern literbikes can be. On a circuit defined by long straights and heavy braking zones, a 1000cc superbike asks a lot from its rider, especially if track time isn’t a regular part of your riding routine. The speed comes easily; managing it lap after lap is the real challenge.
In that environment, tires are a critical part of the kinematic package, as our own Ryan Adams found out when he tested Bridgestone's new RS12 rubber the 2.83-mile Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. The Fireblade SP felt consistently supported throughout the day. Grip remained predictable, even as pace increased and braking markers moved deeper into corners. There was no moment where the tire felt like it fell off a performance cliff or started sending mixed signals through the bars.
Being able to adjust a line mid-corner or brake harder than planned without unsettling the bike changes how hard you’re willing to push. As the day went on and speeds climbed, the RS12 continued to deliver the same clear feedback it had early in the session, allowing the Fireblade’s chassis and electronics to do their job.
For riders who occasionally take a literbike to the track, that kind of trust matters. The Fireblade SP already brings a high level of capability, but paired with a tire that remains stable and communicative under pressure, it becomes easier to focus on riding rather than managing risk.
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How is it in the rain ?