In developing a more intensely competitive second-generation
follow-up to Honda’s highest-performance middleweight Super Sports flagship,
the CBR600RR’s designers decided against pursuing dramatic increases in peak
power output. Instead, they sought ways to make its already superb delivery
of power and performance more responsive to rider and racer requirements in
all applications, not just racing. They also set out to make that power more
widely usable in all the riding situations that it might be called up to perform.
Thus, the team focused on achieving all the benefits associated with a stronger
power-to-weight ratio. This included, among other things, stronger acceleration
and roll-on performance and swifter directional changes. Starting with a carefully
detailed regimen of chassis weight reduction, the engine’s performance curves
were fine-tuned to take maximum advantage of the new machine’s changes in handling
characteristics.
General consensus held that the engine’s current maximum
power output and overrev characteristics made an exceptionally strong base for
decisive conquest in World Supersport and other racing competition. Thus, the
engine development team focused on detailed improvements to intake and exhaust
flow in order to boost its midrange torque characteristics—and by extension,
performance—with a stronger and smoother power delivery that extends throughout
the engine’s wide rev range. Besides providing stronger acceleration in racing
and hard riding situations, this enhanced midrange torque output also offers
the added advantage of making the new CBR more tractable and rider-friendly
in day-to-day riding.
The majority of the CBR600RR’s second-generation design work was focused on a detailed rethink of its chassis components. Maintaining the same basic configuration, these parts were lightened and optimized wherever possible in the quest for further enhanced—and more easily accessible— performance potential. From the manufacture of the CBR’s Fine Die-Cast frame to its suspension and bodywork, and even electronic components, every facet of the CBR’s construction was reviewed and revised with the goal of reducing weight and improving performance and handling.
The end result of these efforts trimmed away a total of
nearly 6kg of weight. In keeping with Honda’s fundamental Super Sports design
concept of optimized mass centralization, much of this weight loss was achieved
at the outer extremes of the CBR600RR’s overall form. This impressive reduction
not only results in a significant increase in the CBR’s power-to-weight ratio,
it also sees major gains in standing-start and roll-on acceleration, braking
response and—because its weight is now even more closely concentrated around
the bike’s rolling axes—lighter and smoother handing. All are factors that play
critical roles in the quest for lower laps times and consistent race winning
performance. These winning attributes also translate into stronger and more
responsive performance on the streets and twisty roads that sportbike riders
love so well.
In keeping with the development team’s determination to more closely approximate the remarkable RC211V in both the CBR’s look and function, other significant design changes included the adaptation of a new inverted front fork and radial mount front brake calipers like those used on the RCV and the new CBR1000RR. Design changes also focused on creating a more RCV-like look with a new nose and tail cowl design. These combine to achieve a more aggressive and competitive form that leaves no mistaking the CBR600RR’s hereditary Racing DNA ties to Honda’s unrivaled MotoGP champion. This stronger visual identification with the mighty RC211V further provides a vivid foretaste of the exciting performance potential that awaits for anyone with the right stuff to explore the outer limits of both the CBR600RR’s and their own riding abilities.