Thursday, October 9, 2008

Honda CBR 600RR (2007-current)


Detail Value
New price £7,200
Engine size 599cc
Power 118bhp
Top speed 165mph
Insurance group 15

MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Engine rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Ride & Handling rating is 5 rating is 5
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 4
Quality & Reliability rating is 5 rating is 4.5
Value rating is 4 rating is 4


MCN overall verdict rating is 4

Honda have hit back hard with the track focused CBR600RR. They want their 600 crown back and after our first initial ride it seems they’ve done it. They’ve rectified the old motorcycle’s weak points, namely lack of midrange and weight. The Honda CBR600RR is now the lightest in the class, and has much more midrange and razor sharp handling.

Watch the Honda CBR600RR take on the Yamaha R6, Triumph's Daytona 675, Suzuki's new GSX-R600 K8 and Kawasaki's ZX-6R.

Watch the Honda CBR600RR take on the Yamha R1, Ducati's 1098 and Suzuki' s GSX-R750 in our 2007 sports bike of the year test


Engine

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

The old Honda CBR600RR really lacked midrange between 7000rpm to 10,000rpm but the all-new 2007 model Honda CBR600RR has had an injection of midrange which makes it punchier. You really notice the extra drive out of slow to medium corners. At the top end Honda have only managed to strain a few more bhp, that should bring it up to speed with the competition.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 5

Honda has shortened the wheelbase and tightened up the steering to make the Honda CBR600RR far sharper. Combine that with the reduction in weight and it all makes the new Honda CBR600RR a formidable track tool. It steers so well, you can really flick the motorcycle around and there so much feedback from the front tyre you can carry loads of brake into the turn.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Honda CBR600RR's MotoGP styling is sleek in the flesh and typical Honda build quality runs all the way through. The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear and you can feel every half turn or click. Unfortunately you don’t get a slipper clutch as standard on the Honda CBR600RR, unlike its Japanese competition.