Let me introduce you to something that’s not just a motorcycle but an engineering masterpiece that could make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Yes, it’s the 2005 Honda CBR1000RR SC57 Fireblade — a bike so remarkable it’s practically begging to be revered in hushed tones.
And what makes this particular example truly extraordinary? It’s been sitting untouched, in its original crate, for 20 years. Yes, you heard me right: Twenty. Whole. Years.
When Honda rolled out the SC57 generation of the Fireblade in 2004, they weren’t just aiming to dominate; they were aiming to obliterate the competition.
What we got was a snarling, fire-breathing beast that also happened to be as refined as a Swiss watch. Nestled at its heart is a 998cc inline-four engine, packing an eye-watering 172 horsepower. That’s enough to turn your arms into spaghetti and send you hurtling down the road at a blistering 180mph.
But it’s not just about brute force. Honda gave it a race-inspired cassette-type six-speed gearbox, so every shift feels like a scalpel slicing through a slice of Somerset Brie.
And the looks? Oh, the looks. This one’s finished in the iconic Repsol livery — a paint job so glorious it could make even the most devoted Ducati fan weak at the knees. It’s not just a bike, it’s a rolling piece of MotoGP heritage.
A Rare Discovery
Now, here’s the bit that’ll make your jaw hit the floor. This isn’t just any Fireblade – it’s a ‘new/old stock’ Fireblade. Yes, this pristine machine was ex-dealer stock that somehow dodged the hands of eager buyers and ended up cocooned in its original crate for two decades. It’s like finding a brand-new VHS player in its box or a vintage bottle of wine that hasn’t been uncorked. Except this can do 0 to 60 faster than you can say, ‘Where’s my helmet?
It was briefly taken out of its crate for inspection and the engine started to make sure it wasn’t just a pretty paperweight. But afterwards it was promptly tucked back into its original packaging. It even comes with two keys, an unopened book pack, and its original mirrors and screen. Honestly, it’s so pristine you’d expect it to still have that new-bike smell.
A Collector’s Dream
For those of you with an eye for the rare and the exceptional, this is the holy grail. Originality is everything, and this Fireblade delivers in spades. It’s unregistered, untouched, and comes with all the original bits and bobs — even the crate it was shipped in.
The guide price of £10,000 to £15,000, plus the buyer’s premium and VAT, might sound steep. But let’s face it, you’re not just buying a motorcycle, you’re buying a piece of history.
The Fireblade will be on sale at the Iconic Auction at the Devitt MCN London Motorcycle Show on 16 February 2025.
