CBR600RR (MY21) – Honda Grand Prix Red

The newly developed CBR600RR is a successor of the values of “Total Control” pursued consistently throughout all the previous CBR series. Updated with the best of the best, with features derived from the RC213V’s aerodynamic management function and electronic controls. While the CBR600RR is lightweight and compact in size which enables agile handling, it’s also defined by the high-power and controllable output. In motorcycle road racing, the middleweight class is known as the “gateway” category for almost all racing riders who now compete at the top. It’s because of its professional-use specifications, vehicle size, weight, and well-balanced power output, and its recognized as the class that helps riders cultivate their qualities and skills. The CBR600RR will dominate this class. The ideal gateway for any rider wanting to take the next step in their racing careers, or for those after a serious race ready machine to enjoy on weekends, be it for a track day or as your weekend mode of transport.

Highlights of this Model

Supersport handling: 41mm inverted Big Piston Fork with spring preload, HESD (Honda Electronic Steering Damper), Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) Inverted Fork
Track technology: Throttle By Wire, Honda Selectable Torque Control, Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) 5 riding modes
High performance: 599cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 with PGM-FI
HRC pedigree: Inspired from Honda’s ultimate RC213V race machine

Engineering

High performance

Taking inspiration from Honda’s ultimate RC213V race machine, the CBR600RR offers a perfect balance of high-revving power, precise handling, light weight, and a compact overall size. The CBR600RR’s extremely compact 599cc, liquid cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder power plant makes a great contribution to the motorcycle’s superb handling. The high-power output of the new CBR600RR is thanks to an enhanced rotation rate and new the camshaft, valve spring, and crankshaft; the port of the cylinder head has been reshaped; the throttle bore diameter has been expanded; the valve timing has been readjusted; and new TBW has been adopted.

Aerodynamic design

Just like the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade; the new CBR600RR is infused with the aerodynamic performance technology used in the RC213V, a MotoGP machine that some would say has reached the pinnacle of its racing form. The frame that feeds back the racing technology has a twin tube structure made of hollow die-cast aluminum. This structure ensures premium wind-resistant performance, agile handling and now with the new addition of winglets, the CBR600RR is the ultimate track master. The CBR600RR is also equipped with winglets to effectively create down force. The optimal positioning, shape, and installation angle of the winglets are designed to work with the agile handling characteristics of the bike. When entering a corner, the down force generated by the winglet maintains the load on the front tyres as the rider leans the bike into a corner while releasing the front brake. This ensures the CBR600RR’s stability and achieves high cornering performance.

Supersport ABS

The CBR600RR’s ABS is comprised of the NISSIN-made, small-size and lightweight ABS modulator, controlled by the IMU. Designed to enhance brake handling stability not only while riding straight but also when cornering. The ECU inside the ABS modulator detects and calculates vehicle attitude by getting a signal from the IMU to control braking pressure according to riding conditions. This greatly enhances the CBR600RR’s Super Sports-like performance. A selectable engine brake function has also been installed; which allows the rider to select brake strength when decelerating by fully closing the throttle. There are 3 levels of strength to choose from, with 1 being the strongest and 3 being the weakest. Riders can set it to any level according to their preference.

New exhaust

The CBR600RR’s exhaust pipes have been readjusted to improve exhaust efficiency, which also contributes to an enhanced power output. The catalyzer required for exhaust gas purification has been enlarged over that of the previous model while carefully adjusting the layout of peripheral parts and geometry such as rear suspension.

Aluminum cam assist slipper clutch

The aluminium cam assist slipper clutch installed on the CBR600RR has been designed to mitigate rear wheel hop which is caused by sudden braking when shifting down gears, significantly reducing force by 32%. With the pressure plate cam and clutch center cam located diagonally across from each other, when torque is driven from the pressure plate cam in the proper direction, the diagonal structure generates pull-in force and the crimping of the clutch strengthens. This assist system allows low-reaction clutch spring and thus reduces the physical operating force of the clutch lever. When back torque is driven by engine braking, the diagonal structure creates force to move the pressure plate away from the clutch center, reducing back torque by weakening the crimping of the clutch.

Enhanced front suspension

The 41mm inverted telescopic front suspension of the new CBR600RR offers excellent rigidity balance and the Big Piston Front Fork made by Showa has been adopted for the new model as well. The protruding length of the front fork has been extended by 15mm to ensure flexible bike posture setup.

Swing arm

The CBR600RR’s swing arm is lighter by 150g compared to the previous model by optimizing its internal structure; the rigidity balance has been re-examined and the thickness of each part has been modified. Reduction of the unsprung mass has enhanced riding performance as well.

Quick shifter

The optional quick shifter allows for smooth upshifting/downshifting of gears when riding on the track, allowing riders to more accurately trace the record line of the track and focus on the next corner. For day to day riding, you’ll love the ease of the quick shifter during heavy traffic or city rides.

Technology

Throttle-by-wire system

The CBR600RR throttle-by-wire system smooths and improves throttle response, especially at the critical initial throttle opening. Plus, adopting TBW makes it possible to integrate the CBR600RRs riding mode system which offers switchable 5 power modes and 3 engine braking modes to choose from according to riding styles.

Full-colour TFT meter

The CBR600RR is equipped with a larger instrument screen and higher resolution than previous CBR models. You can choose from a menu of screen setting options that display the information you want in a format you prefer, with items like Street, Circuit, and Mechanic Mode so that each mode can be used as riding situations may vary. You can also see engine temperature, riding modes, speedometer and tachometer, shifter setting, ABS level, gear position, remaining fuel, and much more.

Honda Selectable Torque Control

With Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), we’ve got your back, but you’re in control. Here’s how it works: The system automatically adjusts engine power to optimize torque at the rear wheel, reducing rear-wheel slip. You get 9 intervention levels to choose from according to your riding preference and it is possible to switch it off as well so it’s easier than ever to dial your bike in at the track.

Honda Electronic Steering Damper

Most steering dampers only sense handlebar-deflection speed. The CBR600RR has HESD (Honda Electronic Steering Damper) with optimal damping force constantly maintained by the ECU, it’s a sophisticated. detects vehicle speed and adjusts damping proportionally. That helps maintain low-speed manoeuvrability while providing excellent, predictable high-speed handling.

Ride modes

The new CBR600RR has been equipped with 5 riding modes; you can choose any of the five at will and enjoy different riding performance depending on traffic situations. You can also set up your own riding mode by combining items in each following control level: Power Selector (P), Honda Selectable Torque Control (T), Wheelie Mitigation Control (W), Selectable Engine Brake (EB). The choices for the riding modes consist of the original pre-set 3 modes and 2 modes which you as a user can set by combining your preferred items. You can switch to a different riding mode while riding too, just by using the SEL switch on the left handlebar.

Power selector

The CBR600RR is equipped with a power selector function that comes in 5 different levels of the power output characteristics for throttle grip handling. The system controls the throttle valve opening angle based on your throttle grip handling and switches the output characteristics for each level. The power selector has varying levels, from Level 1, which brings out the highest power output in all 6 gears, to Level 5, which secures smooth throttle grip by controlling the power output in each gear to ease off the output and reaction during acceleration.

Wheelie control

This system mitigates wheelies during acceleration. The ECU closes the throttle valve when wheel speed sensors on both the front and rear wheels detect deceleration of the front wheels and acceleration of the rear wheels. Decrease the torque until the front wheels touch the ground and the wheel speeds up and the front wheels are at the same speed as the rear wheels, reducing wheelies. Ideal for your track day starts.

Rear wheel slip control

This controls rear wheel slip during cornering and acceleration. The ECU calculates the rate and percentage of rear wheel slip based on the front and rear rotation speed ratio from the wheel speed sensor; when the ECU judges that it is necessary to control the engine torque. The system activates the rear wheel slip by controlling the opening angle of the throttle valve. When you open the throttle grip wide to accelerate, the system performs torque control so as to intentionally allow slipping depending on the grip angle. These efforts ensure a safe riding experience and keep you on track to win.