Honda patents mirror winglets for CBR1000RR Fireblade

- Could be seen on next-gen CBR1000RR Fireblade

- Winglets are aerodynamic components

- Help in improving downforce at highs speeds

Honda has patented a mirror winglet design for its flagship superbike, the CBR1000RR Fireblade. The component is likely to debut on the next generation model of the sportsbike. 

Talking about winglets, these are aerodynamic components which assist in improving downforce in motorcycles at high speeds and they can essentially be seen on MotoGP race bikes. However, these motorcycles have it integrated on the fairing unlike that on the mirror-mounted units seen in this patent design. While the fairing winglets on the MotoGP bikes are larger in size and help in downforce considerably, the units mounted on the mirror look puny and would be of just minor assistance in enhancing downforce.

The integration of winglets on production motorcycles is a practice which started just a few years ago. Notably, the WSBK commission implemented a rule in 2017 that the manufacturers can include winglets in their race machines provided they fit them in their production bikes as well. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is an example of such a homologation special production motorcycle which boasts of winglets on its fairing. 

Honda is expected to update the CBR1000RR Fireblade by next year or 2021 and the company might then feature these mirror winglets on its homologation special motorcycle. 

Source