Honda CBR600RR | MoreBikes

The Japanese manufacturing facility has rolled out a brand new model of its iconic 600 sportbike… and it’s loaded with electronics. 

The very best Xmas presents are those you don’t anticipate. And we actually didn’t anticipate this one… We’ve been writing concerning the demise of the 600 sportsbikes for years now, however Honda’s clearly determined to make us look a bit daft by bringing the CBR600RR again from the useless (within the UK and Europe not less than – it’s lengthy been accessible in different markets).

The issue earlier than was the Euro 5 emissions guidelines, so the brand new motor has been redesigned to satisfy these, whereas incorporating 2020s tech like ride-by-wire throttle, and a driving aids package deal. The highest-end has been refreshed with new cams; valves; valve springs; ports; 44mm throttle our bodies; valve timing; revamped cooling jacket within the head; and rather more. It retains the identical primary format as earlier than although, and makes an honest 119bhp at a heady 14,250rpm.

For the primary time, the CBR600 will get correct digital driving aids, together with IMU-assisted traction and braking in addition to energy modes and wheelie management. It’s good to see all this, after all, however a few of it’s in all probability a bit moot (the outdated CBR600 was hardly an uncontrollable wheelie monster able to highside your face off at any second). A contemporary cornering ABS system is rather more welcome; we’ve had many extra daft spills from braking on gravel or moist leaves than from dropping the again on the gasoline.

The chassis is pretty unremarkable: a twin-spar aluminium body with standard swingarm, 41mm Showa USD huge piston forks and Showa shock. Most likely the good design contact in 2024 although, is the now-saucy underseat exhaust that’s been there since 2003 – watch ’em all deliver that one again… The winglets, redesigned fairing and HRC paintwork are the icing on the cake, and we’re very a lot gagging for a go on this ’un.