Honda HRC Unveils 2025 WorldSBK Livery

New Öhlins suspension, continued rider lineup, and technical refinements set the stage for the upcoming season.

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Honda HRC has officially launched its 2025 Superbike World Championship campaign, unveiling the latest iteration of the CBR1000RR-R. 

The new machine continues to feature the iconic red, blue, and white corporate colours of HRC, maintaining a design similar to its 2024 predecessor. The 2025 livery also introduces new sponsor Ixon and technical partner Öhlins, both of whom will provide support throughout the season.

One of the most significant technical changes for 2025 is Honda’s switch from Showa to Öhlins suspension. However, early testing efforts at Jerez and Portimao were hampered by poor weather conditions, making it difficult to fully assess the performance of the new suspension setup.

Despite the suspension change, the core elements of the bike remain largely unchanged. The 2024 homologation updates, which included engine improvements and a new aerodynamic package, carry over into this season.

The factory HRC team retains its rider duo, with Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona continuing for a fourth consecutive season. Both riders are focused on improving their performance and capitalizing on last year’s progress.

The HRC rider Vierge emphasized the importance of methodical development rather than rushing for immediate gains: “The first target is to start the 2025 season at least at the same level as we finished last season. We found a solid base and were fighting close to the front towards the end of the year, so the goal is to complete a solid pre-season and be able to start the championship already close to the fastest guys and then go from there to take the final step.”

Regarding the transition to Öhlins suspension, Vierge acknowledged the need to adapt while also improving key performance areas: “The last part of 2024 was positive. As for this year, we’re moving over to Öhlins suspension, so we need to get to grips with that and find a new base. And then we need to exploit our strengths and focus on the areas of drive and acceleration, which we consider our weaker areas. If we can improve there, we will be able to better exploit the engine’s potential, which we know is high.”

Looking ahead to the season opener at Phillip Island, Lecuona aims to start strong and build momentum.“I learned last year that perhaps it’s not the best idea to start with any particular expectations. For now, the plan is to get on the bike, complete the tests immediately prior to the Australian race weekend, and then take it session by session over the weekend itself. I love the Phillip Island track but haven’t had a lot of luck there in the past. The plan is to arrive there with a good base and in good shape, mentally and physically, and to be ready for anything.”

Jose Escamez remains as team manager, having taken on the role in 2024. Coming from a MotoGP background, Escamez admitted that the transition to WorldSBK presented its own set of challenges.

“It’s always enriching to take on a new challenge like this project. I really appreciate and relish the opportunity to grow. Personally speaking, it’s been very demanding of course. Whenever you embark on something for the first time, you have to pay extra attention and put in extra effort to ensure everything is in place,” he said in a statement. 

He also highlighted the difficulties of working within WorldSBK’s strict regulations, “It’s not easy to adapt everything in a championship where you have strict rules, so you have to be very attentive as to what kind of things you can and can’t do. And the biggest challenge, not just for me but for all the teams, is to win.”

Throughout the winter, Honda’s Japanese engineers worked on refining all aspects of the CBR1000RR-R, including setup, electronics, and suspension. The factory team had the opportunity to test these updates at Jerez and the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal.

The Honda HRC team will head to Phillip Island for a final pre-season test on 17-18 February, before kicking off the 2025 Superbike World Championship at the same circuit on 21-23 February.