Designed from its very inception to be nothing less than a high-performance, road-going replica of Honda’s all-conquering RC211V MotoGP racer, the CBR600RR understandably inherited many of the styling cues that embody the RCV’s mark of distinction. A good part of this design provides unmistakable evidence of aggressive Supersport form closely following function, with that function clearly focused on race readyperformance and handling. From its compact, sharply angular nose to its sleekly curved, upswept tail, the CBR600RR exudes the look of a champion. Small wonder then that the CBR600RR captured the 2003 World Supersport crown in only its first year in production and continues to dominate the middleweight class in its second year.
Refined Front Cowl
For its second generation, the new 2005 CBR600RR’s sleek, race-bred fairing
maintains its strong visual identification with Honda’s premier MotoGP racing
hero, the all-conquering RC211V. New ram air intake ducts are now more cleanly
integrated into the aggressive lines of the bodywork, echoing design details
seen in both the RCV and Honda’s impressive new Superbike challenger, the CBR1000RR.
Over the front wheel, a newly designed fender conforms to the shape and needs
of the CBR’s new inverted front fork, while under the aggressively shaped fuel
tank cover, its centralized fuel cell features a new modified boss design for
reduced weight.
Slim Line-Beam Headlights
Highlighting the fairing’s aggressive form, the 600RR’s distinctive, low-profile
Line Beam headlights project a modern image in keeping with the CBR’s racing
roots. Less than half the height of the headlights seen on most road bikes,
these ultra-sleek beams feature compact, high-illumination multi-reflector designs
projecting through clear lenses to provide a brilliant nighttime view of the
road ahead.
New Tail Cowl and Sidecovers
The CBR’s new, shorter tail cowl now combines with a new set of matte black
sidecovers to provide a lighter and slimmer side profile that also enhances
rider maneuvering ease in the intensified attack of riding and racing competition.
While initially appearing wider and more radically curved than the original
cowl, this new design is actually a few milliliters narrower than the current
model.
This combination of new tail cowl and sidecovers also weighs less than the one piece unit they replace. Also, the tail cowl now features a new centrally positioned pillion pad lock located directly behind the rider’s seat for easy access and lighter weight. Louvered intakes ports at the leading outer edges of the rear cowl provide a steady stream of cooling air to its internal area. Finally, a new one-piece resin silencer end shroud replaces the current rear fender stay (along with the aluminum pieces surrounding the end of the tailpipe) for a simpler design and reduced weight.
Hanging down from the seat rail, the CBR’s new pillion step holders feature a new longer and lighter look while providing a relatively comfortable mount for the occasional passenger. Even the clip-on handlebar bosses and footpeg brackets have been made thinner and lighter to shave off weight wherever possible.