Motorcycle specifications HondaCBR 600 RR 2013 Vow of belief in Supersport

the CBR 600 turns 25 in 2013, the 600 RR a decade. The celebrations won't result in a total overhaul, but there are plenty of changes worth taking a closer look at. The design, in particular, has been extensively updated and reflects a new spirit. Gone are the complicated shapes, semi-supervisory styling effects and underbody commas; in its place is a very classic, enveloping package, subtly inspired by MotoGP's RCV 213. We're left with mixed feelings about the rather placid evolution of the headlights and central air intake... As style is function, Honda has adopted aerodynamic solutions borrowed from the 800 RCV 212. The result is a 6.5% reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to the old model when in normal riding position, and a 5% reduction when lying down. That's enough to make up a few km/h, the kind you need to get ahead in the middle of a straight.

and that's just as well, because the engine isn't where you'll be looking for extra power. The 599 cm3 4-cylinder engine remains unchanged in terms of maximum performance, with 120 hp at 13,500 rpm and 66 Nm of torque at 11,250 rpm. The emphasis is on engine responsiveness and ease of use. To this end, the CBR 600 features new fuel injection mapping, a permanently-operating intake valve and a revised forced-air intake. However, there's no traction control, ride-by-wire or multiple engine mapping options. C-ABS is available as an option, but it's about time Honda got its act together on this front. The in-house anti-lock braking system is heavy and expensive - 10 kilos and 1,000 euros - whereas ABS is available for 400 euros and 1.5 kilos on a Triumph Daytona 675.

can the CBR 600 RR be blamed for chasing the R6, Daytona and ZX-6R in production, instead of being ahead of the pack? The Honda makes up for it in Supersport, where it can claim 6 world titles. Nonetheless, the pistarde is keen to improve its chassis. This includes new CBR 1000 RR-type 12-spoke rims, a rear shock optimized in terms of valves and piston surface treatment, and above all the grafting of Showa's "BPF" fork. With its large pistons, this 41 mm inverted model boasts a pressure area 3.5 times greater than the previous fork. Under hard braking, the front end is more stable and progressive. Kawasaki and Suzuki have adopted Big Piston Front forks on all their track bikes.

the CBR 600 RR continues to set itself apart with in-house solutions such as the "Unit Pro-link" shock mount, the HESD electronic steering damper, and the CBR 600 RR.lectronic steering damper, the under-seat pot (all other 600 Supersports have abandoned it), and its old dashboard, neither glamorous nor high-tech, but simple and easy to read. This major facelift and the improved chassis make it a masterpiece, without however giving it the means to become THE current benchmark sportsbike.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos