A dominating World Supersport champion and an exhilaratingly responsive corner-strafing performer, the CBR600RR is infused with RC211V-inspired RacingDNA that has sparked a modern revolution in the fundamental concepts of motorcycle handling and riding performance.
The heart of the CBR600RR’s remarkable handling prowess
lies primarily in the attention paid to centralizing weight and mass around
the machine’s turning axes. The weight of heavier components—like engine, rider
and fuel cell—is concentrated nearer these turning axes, where they exert less
inertial resistance on banking and turning, and those components located further
away from the center of mass have been lightened wherever possible. This emphasis
on mass centralization results in lighter and more confidently responsive control
that translates into quicker, more precise cornering and lower lap times at
full racing speeds.
The CBR600RR’s revolutionary Fine Die-Cast aluminum frame
set the stage for new advances in chassis design with the ability to more freely
and organically form its structural components. Its advanced manufacturing technique
makes possible an optimal balance of rigidity, light weight and fine-tuned flexibility
that allows the machine to settle more securely into turns and change lines
with assured ease, whatever the riding conditions and rider’s level of expertise.
A Lighter Frame
In developing the second generation of the CBR600RR, attention was focused on
attaining reductions in overall weight, starting with the actual frame itself.
Here the Fine Die-Casting shows its advantages by allowing section walls to
be made thinner in areas where exposure to stress is less, and thickened where
greater strength is desired. The overall effect on the frame’s weight resulted
in a reduction of 1.5kg, while its effect on handling is sublime. Weight reductions
were also achieved in the redesign of the CBR’s bolt-together die-cast seat
rails, which are now 668g lighter compared to the current model.
New Inverted Front Fork
One of the most visible changes seen in the new second-generation CBR600RR is
its impressive, new 41mm inverted front fork. This state-of-the-art system provides
smoothly responsive performance and confident handling coupled with enhanced
rigidity and a significant reduction in unsprung weight, as well as delivering
the precision control that world-class racing demands.
The current CBR’s standard configuration cartridge-type fork provides excellent performance for all riding and racing applications, as testified to by its domineering performance in the 2003 World Supersport series. However, frequent calls for an inverted fork from the riding press and public coupled with a desire to incorporate a new set of radial-mount front disk brakes like those used on both the RC211V and CBR1000RR led to what on the surface appears to be a radical change in design philosophy.
Bearing a close resemblance in both look and performance
characteristics to the inverted HMAS cartridge-type forks featured on the new
CBR1000RR, the CBR600RR’s massive new stanchions were fully optimized for top
performance on this lighter and more compact model, and are also fully adjustable,
allowing for precise
tuning to virtually all combinations of rider and racetrack conditions.
New Unit Pro-Link Swingarm
Another critical chassis component to receive a lighter and simpler design is
the CBR600RR’s impressive Unit Pro-Link swingarm. The first production motorcycle
to be mounted with this revolutionary self-contained system, the RR takes after
Honda’s MotoGP-dominating RC211V with a design that completely isolates the
frame from the shocks and stresses generated by conventional rear suspension
systems, especially under aggressive riding and racing conditions. This configuration
also eliminates the need for the extra structural reinforcement—and its associated
eight—which would otherwise be required to counteract these stresses. Likewise,
the elimination of these conventional suspension and frame components frees
up space to permit the lower, mid-chassis location of the fuel tank, thus making
a large contribution to mass centralization and its superior riding control.
The CBR’s new composite aluminum swingarm now features
a totally integrated upper damper mount, which replaces the current bolt-in
unit and eliminates its associated hardware. By integrating the upper mount
into the swingarm’s construction, this lighter and more compact new design greatly
facilitates rear damper maintenance by making possible quicker and easier access,
while having fewer parts to contend with.
Nestled in the swingarm in this simpler new design, the
CBR’s HMAS rear damper provides smoothly progressive control and assured handling.
It also features a built-in remote gas reservoir and full preload and damping
adjustment capability for top performance on both road and track.
Another difference in the new swingarm can be seen in the attachment of the rear axle adjuster blocks. No longer simply welded onto the ends of the swingarm spars, they are now more fully integrated into its form for a stronger and sharper looking design.
New Radial-Mount Front Brake Calipers
The CBR600RR’s new inverted front fork configuration permits the use of new
high-performance radial-mount brake calipers like those featured on both the
CBR1000RR and the RC211V MotoGP champion.
These new calipers bolt straight down onto their distinctive
turret-like mounts, which give the appearance of jutting directly outward from
the front axle. These new calipers also feature a more rigid lateral 2-piece
design held together by three horizontal bolts to provide both stronger grip
and more even distribution of brake pressure across the entire surface area
of the pads for highly efficient braking control with excellent feel at the
lever.
The caliper’s pistons feature an optimized surface plating preparation to ensure smooth operation coupled with greater resistance to corrosion, for more confidently responsive performance over the long haul. The same master cylinder and plumbing as currently installed is used to actuate these new calipers.