The Honda CBR600RR is a 599 cc (36.6 cu in) sport motorcycle that was introduced by Honda in 2003 as a race replica version of Hondas CBRFx series motorcycles. It won every Supersport World Championship title from 2002 to 2008. It shares its racing DNA with the CBR1000RR Fireblade. It competes with other high performance 600cc supersports machines such as the Ducati 848, Yamaha R6, Triumph Daytona 675, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the Suzuki GSXR600. Also, Its racing genes have also dripped down into the Honda CBR250R.
History
Racing roots
The CBR600RR was developed from and inspired by the Honda RC211V MotoGP bike. The similar physical appearance of the CBR600RR and RC211V was intentional. Underneath the bike was MotoGP technologies that were made available for the first time on a production motorcycle, such as the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension and Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI). Both were taken directly from Hondas MotoGP bike. The RR, or race replica, suffix was added to emphasize racing characteristics such as an advanced braced swingarm, center-up exhaust system, and more aggressive riding position. The 2003 model carried over to 2004 technically unchanged, with the only addition of an oxygen sensor and new color schemes.
2005 revision
In 2005, the CBR600RR received a major revision with new bodywork, fully adjustable inverted front forks, race-inspired disc brakes with radial-mounted four-piston calipers, and an entirely new aluminum frame, swingarm and rear shock. The midrange power was also increased. These changes along with additional refinements to the engine and exhaust system all came together to bring CBR600RRs wet weight down by 22 lb (10.0 kg), and dry weight by 9 lb (4.1 kg) Except for new color schemes, the 2006 model was unchanged from the 2005 model.
2007 redesign
On September 6, 2006, Honda revealed an all new CBR600RR for the 2007 model year.
| “ | The CBR600s most radical redesign since the introduction of the RR in 2003 is highlighted by a whole new engine, frame, and bodywork that results in a smaller, lighter, more-powerful CBR600RR with a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and unparalleled performance. | ” |
Weight was the primary focus of the redesign. The result was a 20 lb (9.1 kg) reduction in dry weight over the 2006 model, from 361 lb (163.7 kg)[3] to 341 lb (154.7 kg).
In redesigning the CBR600RR for lighter weight and increased performance, Hondas engineers started with the engine. The completely new engine was smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the designers having used careful positioning of all internal components to achieve significant reductions in the motors length, width, and height, as well as reducing weight by 2 kg (4.4 lb) compared to the 2006 models powerplant. Horsepower increased to about 105 hp (78 kW) measured in independent tests.
The frame was lighter, slimmer, and more compact than that of the 2006 CBR600RR. The frame was produced using what Honda calls Fine Die-Cast (FDC) technology, which allowed them to build a lighter frame without compromising strength or rigidity. The handling of the new bike was sharpened by its 22 mm (0.87 in) shorter wheelbase, as well as by the designers focus on strict mass centralization. Despite the shorter wheelbase, the 2007 models swingarm was 5 mm (0.20 in) longer than that of the 2006, made possible by the more compact dimensions of the new bikes engine.
The suspension of the 2007 model was carried over almost unchanged from the 2006 bike, with the same 41 mm (1.61 in) inverted fork in front, and Hondas Unit Pro-Link rear suspension configuration damping the rear wheel. The new three-spoke cast aluminum wheels were also lighter than those on the 2006 bike, which further contributed to the enhanced performance of the suspension. The brakes featured dual radial-mount four-piston calipers and twin 310 mm (12.20 in) discs at the front, and a single-piston caliper and a 220 mm (8.66 in) disc at the rear. Hidden below the steering head was an updated version of the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) system, which was also available on the CBR1000RR.
The smaller, sharper-edged new front upper fairing was dominated by the large central ram-air duct which fed the airbox through an opening in the steering head section of the frame and was separated from the sides of the fairing by a large gap which Honda said was for air management purposes. The tail-section was similarly smaller and sharper-edged, riding atop a heavily restyled under-seat muffler.
The motorcycle carried over with only color scheme changes for the 2008 model year.
Combined ABS prototype
On June 9, 2008, Honda revealed a CBR600RR prototype that featured an all new braking system branded as Combined ABS which integrated combined braking, anti-lock braking, and brake-by-wire systems. Combined ABS used a computer control unit to ensure the correct balance of front and rear brake use and also controlled when the ABS should engage. The system was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible by delaying the engagement of the ABS until the last possible moment. Combined ABS was not made available on the production 2008 CBR600RR.
2009 redesign
On September 5, 2008, Honda introduced a revised CBR600RR for the 2009 model year. Combined ABS became available as an option. Other changes included updates to the engine such as changes to its pistons, cylinder head and exhaust that Honda claims will increase torque delivery between 8,000-12,000 rpm with a 3.5% increase in torque at 10,000 rpm. The CBR600RR’s engine also received a new high resistance valve lifter and a popup valve system inherited from the CBR1000RR. Included also are improved fairings that enhanced stability and reduce noise emission levels, and new color schemes which were designed to attract a wider range of riders. Although all of these changes involved the addition of some materials, the overall weight of the 2009 CBR600RR remained the same as the 2008 model. This was achieved through weight savings in the engine, exhaust, and chassis.
The 2009 CBR600RR carried over with only color scheme changes for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years.
Competition
2007
For the 2007 model year, the CBR600RR competed with the Ducati 749, a completely redesigned Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, the Suzuki GSX-R600, the Triumph Daytona 675, and the Yamaha YZF-R6. Shootout comparisons by motorcycle magazines consistently awarded the CBR600RR first place in the super sport class.Major print and online publishers praise the bike for its powerful engine and class-leading light weight.
2008
For the 2008 model year, the CBR600RR continued to compete with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, a revised Suzuki GSX-R600, the Triumph Daytona 675, and a revised Yamaha YZF-R6. Even with no technical changes from the 2007 model, the CBR600RR continued to win middleweight shootouts including Sport Riders middle weight shootout, Motorcycle-USAs middleweight comparison, and Motorcycle.coms middleweight comparison.
Racing
As of 2010, in the Supersport World Championship, the CBR600 has claimed seven out of eight titles since its introduction in 2003, whilst also helping Honda to eight manufacturers crowns since 2003.
Specifications
| 2003–2004 | 2005–2006 | 2007–2008 | 2009–2011 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model ID | CBR600RR | CBR600RA (combinedABS) | |||
| Engine | |||||
| Engine Type | 599 cc (36.6 cu in) liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder | ||||
| Bore/Stroke | 67.0 mm (2.6 in) x 42.5 mm (1.7 in) | ||||
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.2:1 | |||
| Valve Train | DOHC; four valves per cylinder | ||||
| Fuel Delivery | Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) | Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) with 40 mm (1.6 in) throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors | |||
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping | ||||
| Power Output | 117.7 bhp (87.8 kW) @ 13,000 rpm (claimed) | 105.6 hp (78.7 kW) @ 13,250 rpm | 104.7 hp (78.1 kW) @13,800 rpm 105.2 bhp (78.4 kW) @ 13,750 rpm 106.01 hp (79.05 kW) @ 13,850 rpm | 102.2 hp (76.2 kW) @12,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 48.7 lb·ft (66.0 N·m) @ 11,000 rpm(47) | 44.8 lb·ft (60.7 N·m) @ 10,750 rpm | 43.8 lb·ft (59.4 N·m) @11,150 rpm 44.1 lb·ft (59.8 N·m) @ 11,250 rpm 44.01 lb·ft (59.67 N·m) @ 11,225 rpm | 45.2 lb·ft (61.3 N·m) @ 11,210 rpm | |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Transmission | Close-ratio six-speed | ||||
| Final Drive | #525 O-ring-sealed chain | ||||
| Suspension | |||||
| Front Suspension | 45.0 mm (1.8 in) HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 in (119 mm) travel | 41.0 mm (1.6 in) inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 4.7 in (119 mm) travel | |||
| Rear Suspension | Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 in (119 mm) travel | Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 5.1 in (130 mm) travel | |||
| Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 radial | ||||
| Rear Tire | 180/55ZR-17 radial | ||||
| Brakes | |||||
| Front Brakes | Dual four-piston calipers with 310.0 mm (12.2 in) discs | Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310.0 mm (12.2 in) discs | Dual radial-mounted Mono-block four-piston calipers with 310.0 mm (12.2 in) discs | Dual radial-mounted Mono-block four-piston calipers with 310.0 mm (12.2 in) discs Honda electronic Combined ABS | |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220.0 mm (8.7 in) disc | Single 220.0 mm (8.7 in) disc, Honda electronic Combined ABS | |||
| Dimensions | |||||
| Rake | 24.0 degrees | 23.9 degrees | |||
| Trail | 95.0 mm (3.7 in) | 97.7 mm (3.8 in) | |||
| Wheelbase | 54.7 in (1,389 mm) | 53.9 in (1,369 mm) | |||
| Seat Height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | ||||
| Dry weight | 370 lb (170 kg) | 361 lb (164 kg) | 345 lb (156 kg) | ||
| Dry weight(w/o fuel) | 402 lb (182 kg) | 381–385 lb (173–175 kg) | 386 lb (175 kg) | ||
| Wet weight | 445 lb (202 kg) | 430–431 lb (195–195 kg) | 412–415 lb (187–188 kg) | 410 lb (190 kg) 412 lb (187 kg) | 432 lb (196 kg) 435 lb (197 kg) |
Awards
- 2003 Best Sportbike, Motorcyclist
- 2003 Machine of the Year, Motor Cycle News
- Machine of The Year 2007, Bike
- 2007 Supersport Shootout Winner, Motorcycle-USA.com
- 2007 Best Middleweight Sportbike, Motorcycle-USA.com
- 2008 Middleweight Smackdown Winner, Sport Rider
- 2008 Supersport Shootout Winner, Motorcycle-USA.com
- 2008 Supersport Shootout Winner, Motorcycle.com
- 2009 Best Sportsbike under 600cc: Honda CBR600RR C-ABS, Motor Cycle News
