Following a short teaser campaign earlier this month, Honda has lifted the lid on its new CBR600RR sportsbike.
While it borrows much from its predecessor, the new Honda middleweight benefits from an all-new electronics package, new styling and aerodynamics, and a boost to engine outputs.
The new CBR600RR will go on sale in Australia in January, however, local pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Critically, the 2021 CBR600RR features an advanced electronics suite, with a new ride-by-wire system allowing for five switchable power modes and three engine braking modes.
Five overall rider modes can be selected, two of which can be tailored with the riders preferred levels of throttle response/power output, torque control, wheelie control, engine braking and rear-wheel slip intervention.
The full-colour TFT screen can be personalised with three formats, dubbed Street, Circuit and Mechanic Mode, while key data is displayed like engine temperature, riding modes, a speedometer and tachometer, shifter setting, ABS level, gear position, remaining fuel, and more.
Power comes from a familiar 599cc four-cylinder engine, although it now delivers slightly more grunt with an 89kW/64Nm rating. Upgrades to the engine include a new camshaft, valve spring and crankshaft, while the cylinder head and throttle bore has been adjusted, as has the valve timing.
Like the CBR600RR’s big brother, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, the new middleweight features an aerodynamics package derived from Honda’s RC213V MotoGP bike. New winglets are said to increase down force, helping to maintain the load on the front tyre as the rider leans into the corner and releases the brake.
Other exterior updates include a tri-colour HRC livery, full LED lighting, as well as a new under-seat exhaust that is said to improve performance.
The Honda CBR600RR has undergone significant performance enhancements, with a new 41mm Showa ‘Big Piston’ fork and a lighter swingarm, and a new cam assist slipper clutch. Notably, an up/down quickshifter does not come standard, though one can be optioned.
While Australian pricing is still up in the air, INFO MOTO predicts that it will come in around the $20,000 mark. For reference, the previous model was available from $14,999 plus on-road costs.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
