The CBR1000RR has been used extensively in the international racing scene since its inception in 2004. Chris Vermeulen and the Dutch Ten Kate Racing team placed the bike fourth in the standings in its debut year in the World Superbike class. The following year, the bike and team secured runner-up honours. In 2007, the Hannspree Ten Kate team was able to secure the first World Superbike Championship with the CBR1000RR with Briton James Toseland. Also, Ryuichi Kiyonari was able to win back to back titles in the British Superbike Championship in 2006-07 using the CBR1000RR with the HM Plant Honda team.

The CBR1000RR has also been used heavily in the road racing scene, most notably at the famous Macau Grand Prix. Since its debut in 2004, it has recorded 4 victories with Michael Rutter having taken back to back victories in 2004–2005 and Scottish motorcycle racer Stuart Easton achieving the same, in 2008–2009. Arguably, the most famous of all road races has been the annual Isle of Man TT races which the CBR has been used to continue Honda's success at the circuit. Since 2006, the HM Plant team and Padgett's UK Honda team utilising the CBR1000RR have achieved eight victories at the event ranging from the Superbike, Superstock and the blue riband Senior TT races. 2009 was an especially dominant year for the Fireblade, having achieved the top 5 positions in the Superbike TT final standings, as well as another CBR1000RR whitewash in the Superstock TT where they occupied the top 5 again. Steve Plater also won the blue riband Senior TT race to secure Honda the manufacturers crown, fittingly as it was Honda's 50th racing year at the event.