Honda CBR600RR: Review & Buying Guide

The Honda CBR600RR has been a significant success since its debut in 2003, not just in showroom sales and track triumphs. Indeed, it won six consecutive World Supersport titles from 2003 to 2008, followed by two more in the 2010s. However, all good things must end, and the CBR600RR was phased out in 2017 due to pollution limits and the collapse of the supersport market. It must be stated that the CBR (and its competitors) were excessively sophisticated, track-focused, and expensive as a result. Let's get to know its features, brakes, 2005 Cbr 600rr Fairings in detail!

Cost

Bad news for used bike buyers: the supersport market is vital right now, and the CBR600RR is in great demand. Hence prices are high. It cost £9500 new, but a 2013 model will still cost you £6500 for a good one in a private sale or £7300 for a superb one from a dealer. If you want the most recent year (2017), expect to pay £8000 for a used one, with pre-registered 'fresh new' 1-mile cycles selling for £8999! Ouch!

Torque and power

The engine of the RR is a mixed bag. On the road, there's no denying it's a touch rev-happy and takes quite an aggressive gearbox effort to keep it going owing to a lack of mid-range. If this does not affect you, it is a true beauty; nevertheless, if it does, it may be irritating. On the track, its radical character makes it a lot of fun to ride, and there's nothing better than burying the needle in the rev range and hearing that inline four sing.

Engine, transmission, and exhaust

Honda redesigned their RR's engine in 2007 to squeeze a bit more middle out of it to suit road riders. This was the final significant upgrade to the machine before the model was terminated. Despite Honda's claims of enhanced performance, it simply boils down to a few adjustments to the ECU and a slightly altered airbox, so it is nothing to write home about. Did it need to be updated? Not precisely, advertised power levels of 118bhp (88kW) and 48.7 lb-ft (66Nm) of torque for a 599cc inline four are pretty astounding. Even more so when you consider the RR's dependability. The RR is practically bulletproof in terms of engine mechanics. It is pretty challenging to stress it on the road; even track use does not bother it too much as long as the oil is changed regularly.

Economy

Because the CBR is a sports bike, you may expect to get 33mpg if you ride it with moderate excitement on the road, while some owners claim to get close to 40mpg. On the track, this figure drops precipitously as the roaring engine consumes the good stuff at an alarming pace. But it's such excellent fun that you won't mind.

Handling, suspension, chassis, and weight are all critical considerations.

The chassis is the one area where the 2013 RR received significant upgrades, but only in particular locations. The frame and swingarm remained unaltered, but owing to advancements in tire technology, Honda opted to add uprated Showa Big Piston forks, which are better suited to deal with the pressures of track use while still giving a more pleasant road ride. The shock settings were also tweaked, and new 12-spoke wheels were installed, which look fantastic but aren't substantially lighter than the previous model. Also, you will find 2005 Cbr 600rr Fairings for the best help.

Brakes

Honda was the first to bring Combined ABS to the sports bike market in 2008 (on the Fireblade), and despite what they claim, it is mainly confined to road use and not track use. Pressure sensors transmit back brake pressure to an ECU, which measures front and rear wheel speeds and adjusts the brake balance to keep the bike flat and level. Even though they are connected, only severe back brake pressure activates the front, while mild pressure maintains it autonomously.

Verdict

The Honda CBR600RR is an acquired taste that will only appeal to a select group of riders. If you're looking for a full-on supersport bike that's gorgeous on tack and loves to rev, the RR will keep your adrenaline pumping. On the road, though, it remains a little gutless, and the riding position is tight, fast becoming tiring.