Honda officially put the covers off the CBR600RR. Unfortunately, the middleweight sports bike is available only for the Japan motorcycle market. It is based on the old bike and the new features include a boost in power, the bike is fitted with a 120hp (89 kW) engine which puts the new model in the range of the class-leading Yamaha YZF-R6. Other new features include aerodynamic winglets.
There were a lot of details about the upcoming Honda CBR600RR and now, the new model is finally here. It has an updated bodywork, electronics, power boost in order to make its rivals a run for their money.
The engine
Honda made a couple of tweaks to the 599cc inline-four engine which now revs up to 14,00 rpm. To make this overhaul, the company had to change the materials used for the camshafts, valve springs, and crankshaft which also helped to keep the bike’s weight down. Both the intake and exhaust efficiency were increased, enlarging the diameter of the throttle bore and reshaping the inlet port for the intake system. Thus, the size and thickness of different parts of the exhaust pipes for the exhaust system were optimized and Honda also changed the valve timing.
The Honda CBR600RR delivers now 120 hp (89kW) and with this power increase from the former generation CBR600RR which made 113 hp. Looking at its rivals, The Honda stays above the Yamaha R6 which delivers 118 hp (87 kW), but below the class-leading Kawasaki ZX-6R’s power output of 130 hp (95.4 kW). New heat management was required. So, the cooling efficiency stands in the combustion chamber and the area around the exhaust valve seat. The water jacket for the cylinder head was reshaped to increase engine efficiency.
The Electronics and Chassis
Honda CBR600RR has an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to enhance the ABS and traction control systems. The middleweight sports bike was fitted also with a ride-by-wire throttle and feature selectable riding modes. Other goodies include wheelie control and engine braking control.
The chassis design was borrowed from the previous model but was tweaked by increasing the rake and trail. So, the 2021 Honda CBR600RR now has a longer wheelbase which improves the bike’s stability at high speeds.
We might have expected that the next generation CBR600RR to be lighter than the previous model, but it’s actually heavier by 5 kg – the curb weight sits at 194 kg (428 lbs) compared to the 189 kg (417 lbs) of the previous model.
The bodywork
The 2021 Honda CBR600RR features a new design which includes now aerodynamic winglets. The bike has new LED lights all around, a TFT dash and is equipped with a slipper clutch. The bike keeps its iconic under tail exhaust system. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an up/down quickshifter as standard, but Honda says that the system is included on the optional list.
Also, the 2021 Honda CBR600RR comes only as a Japan model and is available on the motorcycle market starting from September 25th. It will cost in Japan ¥1,606,000 with taxes included which is a little bit over $15,000.
2021 Honda CBR600RR Spec:
| Model name | CBR600RR | |
| Model type | Honda 2BL-PC40 | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) (mm) | 2,030×685×1,140 | |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,375 | |
| Ground clearance (mm)★ | 125 | |
| Seat height (mm)★ | 820 | |
| Curb weight (kg) | 194 | |
| Seating (persons) | 2 | |
| Fuel economy *6(km/L) | As submitted to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Steady state fuel economy*7 (km/h) | 23.5 (60) <2 people seated> |
| WMTC mode ★ (class)*8 | 17.3 (class 3-2) <with 1 rider> | |
| Minimum turning circle (m) | 3.2 | |
| Engine ID/type | PC40E, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-value inline-4 | |
| Displacement (cm3) | 599 | |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 67.0×42.5 | |
| Compression ratio ★ | 12.2 | |
| Maximum power (kW[PS]/rpm) | 89[121]/14,000 | |
| Maximum torque (N・m[kgf・m]/rpm) | 64[6.5]/11,500 | |
| Fuel supply system | Electronic (PGM-DSFI) | |
| Starter ★ | Self-starter | |
| Ignition ★ | Fully transistorized, battery powered | |
| Lubrication ★ | Force-fed and splash | |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 18 | |
| Clutch ★ | Wet, multiplate with coil springs | |
| Transmission | Constant mesh, 6-speed return | |
| Gear ratio | 1st | 2.615 |
| 2nd | 2.000 | |
| 3rd | 1.666 | |
| 4th | 1.444 | |
| 5th | 1.304 | |
| 6th | 1.208 | |
| Reduction (Primary★/Secondary) | 2.111/2.562 | |
| Caster angle (degree)★/Trail (mm)★ | 24°06´/100 | |
| Tires | Front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) | |
| Brakes | Front | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Rear | Hydraulic disc | |
| Suspensions | Front | Telescopic front fork (Inverted Big Piston Front Fork) |
| Rear | Swing arm (Unit Pro-Link) | |
| Frame | Diamond | |