Honda turns Dubai Autodrome into CBR performance arena

Sports & Championship

Honda turns Dubai Autodrome into CBR performance arena

Honda Motor Co. Middle East & Africa transformed Dubai Autodrome into a high-performance showcase as it hosted the CBR Experience Day, placing its latest SuperSport motorcycles at the centre of a full-scale track event.

Held on Valentine’s Day at the National Circuit, the event brought together customers, media and VIP guests for a day dedicated to Honda’s iconic CBR range, combining on-track sessions with appearances by Isle of Man TT legends John McGuinness and Dean Harrison.

Spotlight on the new CBR lineup

The programme opened with a technical presentation highlighting the CBR600RR, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, and CBR650R, including the latter’s “World’s First E-Clutch” system. The models showcased Honda’s racing-derived innovations, from aerodynamic winglets and refined chassis engineering to advanced electronic rider aids adaptable for both novice riders and experienced racers.

Organisers described the updated SuperSport range as a continuation of Honda’s decades-long racing evolution, shaped by global competition success and engineering development.

Racing icons bring Isle of Man TT pedigree

Excitement peaked when McGuinness and Harrison entered the auditorium for a Q&A session, sharing insights from the Isle of Man TT, widely regarded as one of the world’s most demanding road races. The opportunity for attendees to later share the circuit with the two champions added authentic racing pedigree to the experience.

Track sessions formed the centrepiece of the event, allowing riders to test the motorcycles’ performance capabilities in a controlled circuit environment, reinforcing Honda’s track-focused philosophy.

Beyond the track: Family-friendly showcase

Away from the circuit, guests gathered in the Honda Fun Zone, featuring a live DJ, interactive competitions, a motorcycle simulator, and hospitality areas. Dinner was served as riders rotated through track sessions, creating a festival-style atmosphere that extended beyond pure performance riding.

The event also displayed Honda’s broader portfolio, including the Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V, and the Honda ZR-V, alongside iconic racing machinery such as Ayrton Senna’s Formula One car and the legendary RC211V MotoGP race bike, underscoring Honda’s cross-category motorsport heritage.

Celebrating performance and community

The day concluded with an exclusive meet-and-greet session, where attendees received signed memorabilia from McGuinness and Harrison.

Raj Johal, General Manager of Honda Motor Co. Middle East & Africa, said the event was designed to celebrate performance, heritage, and rider passion.

“CBR represents the heart of Honda’s performance philosophy. Hosting this experience at Dubai Autodrome allows us to put our motorcycles where they belong — on track — while giving riders direct access to our latest models and to two icons of the Isle of Man TT,” he said.

The CBR Experience Day forms part of Honda’s broader regional engagement strategy, aimed at strengthening ties with the riding community and showcasing its performance credentials through immersive, real-world experiences.