Honda CBR600RR Launched in Europe

Honda’s venerable CBR600RR baby Fireblade had long suffered from neglect. After a six-year absence from the European market, it is set to return with a significant upgrade. But it’s a different world – one where emission standards are suffocating inline-fours and forcing manufacturers to switch to twins. Once upon a time, every notable sports bike manufacturer had a middleweight inline-four on offer. Now, only a few remain. Can the new CBR600RR bring back the glory days? Here’s what it’s working with: 

Honda CBR600RR powertrain

The CBR600RR’s 16V DOHC 599cc inline-4 produces 119bhp peak power at a gargantuan 14,250rpm and 63Nm of peak torque at 11,500rpm. The six-speed gearbox is equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch and a quickshifter as standard. The new CBR retains the much-loved single under-the-seat exhaust. Throttle-by-wire control coupled with a Bosch 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) allows three preset and two customisable riding modes that manipulate power, engine braking, traction control, and wheelie control.

Honda CBR600RR chassis and dimensions

The aluminium twin tube composite twin spar frame lends the CBR600RR a wet weight of 193kg. The 2030mm length holds a 1370mm wheelbase with ground clearance at 125mm and seat height at 820mm. Fuel capacity is 18l and oil capacity 3.4l. The 17-inch front alloy is wrapped in a 120/70 tyre and is suspended by a Showa 41mm Big Piston USD fork with 120mm travel. The fully adjustable Showa rear monoshock with 128mm travel operates through Honda’s Unit Pro-Link setup and suspends a 17-inch rear alloy in a 180/55 section tyre. Front and rear disc brakes are standard, featuring dual 310mm front discs with four-piston callipers and a single 220mm rear disc with a single-piston calliper. Dual channel cornering ABS and HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) is standard.

Honda CBR600RR features and electronics

The CBR’s extensive electronics suite can be controlled through a full colour TFT screen which displays track-specific information like lap time, number of laps, and fastest lap. Also included is full LED illumination. Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) flashes the front and rear indicators under sudden, heavy braking. 5 white LEDs form the gearshift indicator that can be set to a desired rpm. The CBR also gets the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) and a Bosch 6-axis IMU.

Honda CBR600RR price and rivals

The CBR600RR will return to the European market after a 6-year hiatus, but there are no plans for an India launch as of now. Globally, it will compete with the likes of the Kawasaki ZX-6R which is expected to be launched in India in the near future. With emissions regulations pushing inline-fours out in favour of twins, whether the CBR’s competition will grow or shrink remains to be seen.