Honda reckons it's new CBR1000RR Fireblade is the easiest way to fly. Big Al certainly flew on it, but how easy does the new CBR make it? And hoe does it compare with the hard men of the litre class? We went to Phoenix, Arizona to find out.

1000cc SUPERSPORTS TEST. The 2004 crop of 1000cc sports bikes come with power-to-weight rations so scary the reaper is looming. But fear not, take Superbike's hand as we scythe through the valley of death to find out who's seen the light and who is doomed for all eternity.