Honda CBR600RR

07:48 mokarari

Honda have hit back hard with the track focused CBR600RR. They want their 600 crown back and after our first initial ride it seems they’ve done it. They’ve rectified the old motorcycle’s weak points, namely lack of midrange and weight. The Honda CBR600RR is now the lightest in the class, and has much more midrange and razor sharp handling.

Engine

The old Honda CBR600RR really lacked midrange between 7000rpm to 10,000rpm but the all-new 2007 model Honda CBR600RR has had an injection of midrange which makes it punchier. You really notice the extra drive out of slow to medium corners. At the top end Honda have only managed to strain a few more bhp, that should bring it up to speed with the competition.

Quality and Reliability

Hondas means quality and the older Honda CBR600RR seemed bullet proof. Even slightly tuned, poorly maintained race motors seem to last, even when they are thrashed week in and week out. We can’t see any reason why the new Honda CBR600RR should be any different.

Ride and Handling

Honda has shortened the wheelbase and tightened up the steering to make the Honda CBR600RR far sharper. Combine that with the reduction in weight and it all makes the new Honda CBR600RR a formidable track tool. It steers so well, you can really flick the motorcycle around and there so much feedback from the front tyre you can carry loads of brake into the turn.

Value

 At just under over an estimated £7,500 the new Honda CBR600RR is not a cheap motorcycle. Suzuki’s GSX-R600, for example, is considerably cheaper. But out of all the 600cc supersports motorcycles the Honda CBR600RR always seems to hold its money and due to the high standard of components and general build quality. The Honda CBR600RR will still look like new in a few years time and should make it far easier to resell,

Equipment

The Honda CBR600RR's MotoGP styling is sleek in the flesh and typical Honda build quality runs all the way through. The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear and you can feel every half turn or click. Unfortunately you don’t get a slipper clutch as standard on the Honda CBR600RR, unlike its Japanese competition.

Specifications

Top speed	165mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.1 secs
Power	118bhp
Torque	48.7ftlb
Weight	186kg
Seat height	820mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	599cc
Engine specification	16v liquid cooled four cylinder, fuel injected, 6 gears
Frame	Twin spar aluminium
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Front brakes	2 x 310mm radial four pot
Rear brake	220mm disc single pot
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17