Honda CBR600RR
Maxabout Review
Next Big Thing From Honda India
Friday, July 18, 2008
The CBR600RR was developed from and inspired by the Honda RC211V MotoGP bike. The similar physical appearance of the CBR600RR and RC211V is intentional. Underneath the looks lie 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 Honda's MotoGP bike.
While it's not uncommon for street bikes to utilize racing technology, this was the first time totally new technologies found their way to the production line the same year they made their way to the professional racing grid. The bike receives the "RR" designation for "race replica" because of its emphasis on racing characteristics such as an advanced braced swingarm, center-up exhaust system, and more aggressive riding position.
The old Honda CBR600RR really lacked midrange between 7000rpm to 10,000rpm but the new 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.
Honda 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. 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. 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.
Main Features Of Honda CBR600 RR:
- Exclusive, MotoGP derived Unit Pro-Link Rear Suspension
- Dual Stage Fuel Injection System
- MotoGP-derived Honda Electronic Steering Damper
- High-revving engine redlines at 15,000 rpm
- MotoGP-style center-up exhaust system
- Radial-mount front brake calipers
- 41mm Honda Multi-Action System inverted front fork
- Centrally located fuel tank
- Line beam headlights feature three-piece multi-reflector design.