Page 26 - LHR Magazine Nay 24

new cams, thinner valve springs, a new crankshaft
and revised valve timing.
Throttle bodies are 4mm bigger (up to 44mm) and
while the iconic undersesat exhaust design looks
the same, the system has been reworked with new
pipework, silencer and does away with the old
butterfly valve, saving 400g. A new slip and assist
clutch lightens the lever action by 32% and
smooths out engine braking during rapid
downshifts. Honda claim 52mpg and a theoretical
203-mile range. The whole engine weighs 57.9kg,
which is lighter than the inline four powering
Honda’s CBR650R.
The new RR is also garnished with the kind of
electronic rider aids the original ‘03 model could
have only dreamed of. It has ride by wire throttle
system and a Bosch six-axis IMU facilitating a host
of electronic rider aids. It has three preset riding
modes and two customisable that let you adjust
power maps, traction and wheelie control and
engine braking. Its new cornering ABS module is
2.5kg lighter than the old C-ABS unit and features
rear wheel lift control. A three-way adjustable
up/down quick shifter also comes as standard.
An HRC Race Kit is also available, featuring ECU,
wiring loom, head gasket, big radiator, race
exhaust, front and rear suspension and brake
discs.
The joy off slicing through the gears and revving a
599cc inline four to the moon and back brings
back memories of when supersport race reps
ruled the roost. The RR’s shrill exhaust note and
deep airbox roar send shivers down your spine.
With a claimed 119bhp pushing 193kg of red,
white and blue along it’s not slow and a talented
rider could easily hang with a superbike at smaller
tracks.
The Honda is faster and more exciting than the
new breed of sporty, mid-capacity parallel twins,
too, but its power is never over the top, hard to
manage or downright scary as a 200bhp
superbike, either. The CBR600RR sits nicely in the
centre of the sportsbike landscape.
Reliability & build quality
Fit and finish is superb and everything you expect
from an old-school Honda. Our online Owners’
Reviews highlight the occasional issue, which isn’t
bad for a machine sold in such huge quantities
over the years. Overall, the CBR600RR has
proved to be ultra-reliable and using the same
basic engine and chassis as before, plus tried and
tested electronics from other models, the 2024
model should be more of the same.
Equipment
All the bells and whistles are covered, from fully
adjustable suspension, radial brakes, a raft of
electronics and a 4.2in multi-function colour dash.
Lots of accessories are available, including two
packs: Racing Pack, with cosmetic goodies and
seat hump. Comfort Pack: 15-22-litre tail pack,
five-stage heated grips, USB-C charger.
Specs
Engine size 599cc
Engine type Liquid cooled 16v inline four
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Seat height 820mm
Bike weight 193kg
Front suspension 41mm Showa USD forks,
fully adjustable
Rear suspension Single Showa shock, fully
adjustable
Front brake 2 x 310mm discs with four-piston
Tokico radial caliper. Cornering ABS
Rear brake 220mm disc with singe piston Nissin
caliper. Cornering ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17