Whatshot
The new CBR600RR
The new CBR600RR
Date: 2014-04-25
The Most Successful Supersport Racer In History "The new CBR600RR, building on the platform of the previous model, has taken its performance to a new level. It delivers an awesome ride on the circuit, but is even easier than before to ride on city streets. It sounds contradictory, but the natural fusion of these two aspects of the bike's character is what makes this model even more attractive than its predecessor. What's more, we developed the bike with an eye to making it available at an affordable price. As the overall project leader, nothing could give me greater pleasure than for this new CBR600RR to stimulate the Supersports mind of the rider new to the class"; Series Large Development Project Leader Hirofumi Fukunaga.
The CBR600RR's front suspension was targeted as the main area from which to find improved levels of handling. Honda's development engineers noted in testing that there has been a slight tendency (a result of improvements in both bike and tyre performance, plus much more efficient brakes) for the front suspension on recent Supersports bikes to dive quickly when the brakes are applied, a phenomenon which has a de-stabilising effect on control.
Improved damping function was key for the new CBR600RR, so a fully adjustable Showa Big Piston inverted front fork, with an exceptionally rigid 41mm diameter inner tube, has been used. Compared with the previous fork, the larger diameter piston results in a 3.5 times larger pressure-bearing area. This ensures that precise damping force is generated without delay from the initial phase, resulting in greater smoothness, a more comfortable ride, and greater stability when braking hard. Transient damping force characteristics are also improved. Riding on ordinary roads is more comfortable than before and when the bike is taken to the limit on the racetrack, there's an improved sense of connection with the tarmac when braking. Adjusting the rebound and compression settings has been made easier by consolidating the functions for both on the upper part of the front fork.
Find out more by visiting us at Honda Wing Umhlanga, 15 Meridian Drive Umhlanga Rocks, or call us on 031 580 7900 for more information. Caption: The CBR600RR's extremely compact 599cc, liquid cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder power plant makes a great contribution to the bike's superb handling.
