Honda CBR 600 RR review and specifications

Review of the Honda CBR 600 RR motorcycle

Sporty not only in class, but also in spirit, the Honda CBR 600 RR bike has repeatedly confirmed its leadership qualities. It was he who became the champion in the SuperSport class at the international Supersport World Championship competitions 7 times in a row (from 2002 to 2008). Then there were victories in 2010 and 2014. Today this is one of the most popular motorcycles that has conquered not only the track, but also the roads of big cities. It suits young and ambitious people who know how to use 120 horsepower. Excellent aerodynamics, quick acceleration and Honda racing technologies provoke the rider to discover the capabilities of the “iron horse”.

Adhering to the sporty concept, with each upgrade Honda engineers and designers improve the external and technical characteristics of the series.

I'm thinking about buying a universal motorcycle. that would work and at the same time be simple, inexpensive, reliable and convenient for everyday use in the city. The best option is the NAKED class. A minimum of plastic (does not suffer when dropped, after which the appearance of a sportbike, for example, is no longer the same, and repairs are expensive), the powerful engine of a sportbike is derated for the sake of service life and stable traction in a wide speed range (very important in the city), brutal appearance (when everything is the inside is open to view), comfortable fit (classic), comfortable suspension. Budget up to 270 thousand. The choice fell on the so popular second generation Honda CB600 Hornet from 03-06. In 05-06 they installed a different device and an inverted fork, but still the same carb engine. Prices for it are more expensive than for 03-04 years and there is less choice. The Honda CB600 Hornet launched in 2007 (injector, aluminum frame) is a cool motorcycle, but the price is out of pocket. Having studied the Honda CB600 Hornet in more detail, and having taken a ride with a friend, I realized that it’s not quite what I need, I think that the price for it is clearly overpriced considering its performance characteristics and age. Buying just the name Honda, which you can’t even put in your pocket, let alone drive and enjoy every day. I don’t want to buy into the myth about Honda’s “head and shoulders above” reliability, because... it is a myth. Modern motorcycles, with proper attention to maintenance, are approximately equally reliable, especially in this class when they have derated engines.

Perhaps the best option on the market now is the Suzuki GSR 600. I present to the public my article on a comparison of these two models. I will be grateful for objective criticism and advice.

Honda CB600 Hornet and Suzuki GSR 600 who wins:

1. Prices for excellent condition without RF are almost the same, however, we get motorcycles with different equipment and here the advantage is not in favor of Honda, perhaps people like it more in appearance, but in a few days you will also love the appearance of the Suzuki, and how it rides in my opinion, much more important: Honda CB600 Hornet of the second generation 03-06 - from 265 tons. Suzuki GSR 600 from 06 - from 270 tons. 2. Suzuki has a noticeably better engine ride (more elastic and more powerful) and handles more interestingly (rigid frame and powerful energy-intensive suspensions). 3. Suzuki is more modern because went into production since 2006 and has an engine from the Suzuki GSX-R600 2005 mod. years, while the Hornet came out in 98 and until 07 essentially remained the same motorcycle, with a carburetor engine from a motorcycle of the mid-90s, i.e. Honda CBR 600 F3. 4. Suzuki - injector. Hornet - a carburetor with all that it implies: frequent technical. maintenance, the motorcycle has a fair appetite and, with active drive, can easily “gobble up” 10 liters, and how much gasoline do we have now, i.e. 500 rub. It’s easy to go for a ride in the evening, how much will that cost over the summer? 5. The year 98 and the year 06 of the model’s creation are a huge difference for the motorcycle industry, especially since 2001-2007 are the most interesting and breakthrough years for the motorcycle industry. Many new models appear, competition is fierce and the manufacturer does not save, as is happening now, when factories are managed by sales managers and advertisers, injectors and aluminum frames are being introduced everywhere. 6. Suzuki – aluminum diagonal frame and swingarm (like expensive sports bikes), light, rigid, durable. Hornet was conceived as a budget model and has a cheap-to-manufacture spinal steel frame; it has frankly not enough strength and rigidity, except that it is light and weighs less than a massive aluminum one. As a result, the mass of the motors is the same, but the aluminum ones are head and shoulders above the characteristics. 7. Hornet front fork '98-'04, weak 41mm diameter with 112mm travel. without adjustments (cotton pipette). The Suzuki GSR 600 has a clear advantage in this regard - 43 mm diameter and 130 mm stroke + preload adjustment. Much more comfortable for our roads. 8. The rear suspension is also not in favor of the Hornet. Preload adjustment, stroke - 127 mm, against reg. preload and rebound, stroke - 134 mm for Suzuki. 9. The Hornet's brakes are weaker. Front: 2 discs 296 mm, 2-piston calipers, vs. 2 discs 310 mm, 4-piston calipers. Rear: 1 disc 220 mm vs. 1 disc 240 mm. 10. Fuel tanks are almost the same, 17 - Hornet, 16.5 - Suzuki, but the latter has less appetite. 11. Suzuki – modern informative dashboard. Convenient scale fuel level indicator, digital gear indicator. The Hornet has none of this, especially the fuel level. 12. Suzuki - a factory equipped hager (an additional rear wheel fender that protects the rear shock absorber from dirt), very relevant for the Russian Federation. 13. The mufflers are mounted under the seat, and they will not be damaged in the event of a fall, + the stern of the motorcycle in this arrangement is narrower, and the passengers will not burn their bare legs on the exhaust. 14. Sitting and landing on the Suzuki are more comfortable.

Model/modification history

The Honda CBR 600 RR was introduced to the public in 2003 and was presented as a racing replica of the CBR600F model produced since 1987, known on the US market under the name “Hurricane”. It is from the phrase “Race replica” that the abbreviation used appears.

Externally, the motorcycle was similar to the sports RC211V. For the first time, the Japanese company used the Unit Pro-Link rear suspension and unique Dual Stage Fuel Injection technology for the CBR600RR. The frame was made in a new way using Hollow Fine Die Cast technology, which included an internal ceramic coating and a reduction in aluminum thickness by 1 mm.

The first upgrade took place a few months later: the bike acquired a sensor for the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. Further improvements were associated with championship ambitions and the development of the series in a competitive direction.

2005 – slight redesign

The bike is 10 kg lighter, has a modernized frame, a thinner inverted front fork and radial four-piston calipers. The exhaust system has become more refined, and the engine weight has decreased.

2007 – smaller, lighter, more powerful

It was with this phrase that the company announced the upcoming restyling. The third generation received a daring appearance: the front fairing decreased in size and acquired sharp corners, while at the same time the size of the air duct increased.

The engine, lighter by 2 kg, became more powerful and now produced 105 horsepower. Responsiveness to rider input has been improved due to mass centralization, a shorter wheelbase and a compact frame. At the same time, the length of the bike has increased by 5 mm compared to the previous generation. The highlight of the exterior is the cast aluminum wheels with three spokes. The steering features an electronic HESD damper.

In the summer of 2008, a combined ABS was presented, based on computer control of brakes, anti-lock braking and electrical control of the braking system.

2009 – ahead of its time

Engineers implemented planned improvements. In particular, the previously announced combined ABS (C-ABS) was implemented as an option. The brainchild was called CBR600RA and was “tailored” for the track. The new anti-lock braking system intervened with a deliberate delay in the operation of the brakes, expanding the pilot's control.

Problems that C-ABS is designed to solve:

• Effective use of brakes.
• Confident design stability.
• Reduced chassis response to ABS.
• Eliminates the possibility of wheel locking.

The result met expectations, and the bike was recognized as one of the best in terms of safety.

Some changes affected the power unit and exhaust system. Additional fairings reduced noise levels by covering the clutch and gearbox. The weight of the structure remained unchanged.

2013 – modern appearance and improved controls

Having an excellent technologically advanced sportbike, the developers decided to avoid drastic transformations. The design was slightly changed, lightweight 12-spoke wheels were installed, a Showa Big Piston fork was installed, the rear shock absorber was reconfigured and the control unit was updated.

The history of the Honda CBR 600 RR is not only a series of reincarnations, but also striking achievements that are worth remembering:

• 2002 – first place in World Supersport, still in the CBR600F configuration, pilot Fabian Fauré.
• 2007-2008, 2010, 2014, 2016 – champion titles at the Supersport World Championship, pilots Chris Vermeulen, Carl Muggeridge, Sebastia Charpentier, Kenan Sofuglu, Andrew Pitt, Van der Mark.
• 2007 – first place in the supersport class according to Superbike magazine.
• 2008 – middleweight championship according to Motorcycle-USA.
• 2015 – 8 out of 12 World Supersport World Championship titles in the collection.

Two new BRP LYNX 59 Ranger 600 EFI and 600 ACE. Comparative review.

This season, the Finnish division of BRP LYNX has transferred all its snowmobile models to front wishbone suspension and the new RADIEN-X platform.

The new LYNX platform offers a huge range of accessible and quickly installed accessories, improved ergonomics and weight distribution.

Two new products this season on a wide 50 cm track are called 59 RANGER. We have already looked at these models in our review, and now we would like to introduce you to them more closely.

Both sleds are equipped with two-cylinder ROTAX engines with EFI fuel injection and liquid cooling.

The ROTAX 600EFI two-stroke engine produces 85 hp and has a maximum speed of 7500 rpm.

And the 4-stroke ROTAX 600ACE is equipped with an electronic throttle trigger and three engine operating modes, producing 62 hp. and its speed is limited to 7250 rpm. This 4-stroke engine is equipped with a dry sump.

The difference in price is 115 thousand rubles and for this amount on the more expensive version of the 59 Ranger with a 4-stroke ROTAX 600ACE engine you get:

• three electronic modes of motor operation;
• electronic reversible throttle trigger;
• 12 W power outlet in the glove box;
• separate heated handles and throttle trigger;
• anti-theft system with DESS immobilizer;
• EasyShift low-range gearbox;
• electric reverse RER button on the steering wheel;
• rear suspension with adjustable pre-stiffness;
• rear lift roller with EasyRide suspension;
• 44mm track toe;
• towbar;
• luggage compartment guard.

However, the 2-stroke newcomer 59 Ranger 600 EFI also has something to brag about, besides a lower price:

• 22 kg lighter;
• more “responsive” motor for active riding;
• is not afraid of revolutions due to the 2-stroke engine;
• greater power (85 hp versus 62 hp);
• possibility of manual engine start;
• handle for manual start;
• comfortable rear bumper.

Let's take a look at these models to make it more convenient for you to choose a model that suits your needs.

The front part of the hood is designed differently, since these snowmobiles have a different location of the front additional cooling radiator.

The 59 RANGER 600EFI 2-stroke has a mesh hood for better engine cooling.

The control unit for heated grips and throttle trigger, light and electric reverse is located on the left of the steering wheel of the 4-stroke 59 RANGER 600 ACE, which allows you not to remove your hand from the steering wheel when switching.

And on its two-stroke brother we see a steering wheel without a mountain sling and without a block of buttons. The heating controls are combined and placed, together with the high beam switch button, on the dashboard under the steering wheel. There is also a security check and a place for the ignition key.

The EasyShift transmission shift knob is located on the right side of the 59 RANGER 600ACE. Low gear - neutral - high gear. These three modes are switched very easily thanks to the new technologically advanced gearbox.

Its two-stroke counterpart does not have a reduced mode, as it is equipped with a chain gearbox. But under the right hood panel there is access to the manual starter handle.

Even a dead battery will not frighten the owner of the 59Ranger 600EFI thanks to the ability to manually start such an engine.

Both sleds feature a plastic rack plate with LinQ connectors for attaching panniers, bags and accessories. The luggage capacity is an impressive 56 kg.

On the 4-stroke we see an already installed tow bar and trunk guard.

The 59 Ranger 600EFI snowmobile does not have a tow bar, but instead of a guard, a convenient bumper is installed.

The 59Ranger 600ACE rear suspension is a full-fledged version of EasyRide with great potential. This suspension easily reverses even in deep snow. It has the ability to adjust the rigidity, the rear roller has a hinge for better maneuverability when moving backwards, and the track has a 44 mm toe.

A slightly simplified version of this EasyRyde-F suspension, with a fixed rear roller that sits on a curved track and is raised, is found on the 59 Ranger 600EFI.

There is no possibility of adjusting the stiffness.

Appearance, distinctive features

The CBR 600 RR looks laconic, impressive, without unnecessary pathos. The design of the fairings is not just a flight of imagination of artists, it is excellent aerodynamic properties and compliance with manufacturability.

Each bend of the plastic hides components important for operation: a compact engine, ABS elements, gearboxes. Even the exhaust system is made as light as possible with titanium tailpipes and a sleek muffler. The saddle is set at a height of 820 cm, which is most comfortable for riders over 175 cm tall.

Popular body color options:

• Graphite,
• Red,
• Combination of white, blue, red,
• Orange with gray metallic Repsol Edition.

Honda produces a number of accessories that perfectly complement the model: a protective sticker for the fuel tank, a cover for the passenger seat, bags, a variety of racing stickers to personalize the “iron horse,” additional trims and a windshield.

Specifications

Champion titles and numerous positive reviews from owners are deserved not only due to the sporty appearance of the bike.

Pay attention to the specification of the Honda CBR 600 RR popular configuration 2009+.

Total

The main advantage of the Honda CB600 Hornet is its versatility and balance . Full-size and comfortable, but not too heavy, it can give even an experienced and experienced motorcyclist a huge dose of adrenaline. At the same time, reviews from SB600 owners are mostly strictly positive. This bike can be called one of the best models ever to roll off Honda's production lines, and we can confidently say that the CB 600F will be actively sold and bought on the secondary market for many, many years to come.

Specifications

Price

Should you keep your racing dream within the realm of fantasy or make it come true? The answer often depends on price. Depending on the moment of release, the condition of the bike and the seller, the price may vary. For example, a new six hundredth supersport from an official dealer costs about 900 thousand rubles. The regular version with combined ABS costs about the same.

On the secondary market, prices start from 200 thousand rubles; in good condition, you can buy equipment produced in 2003 with documents for 300 thousand rubles.

When choosing a used sportbike, you want the mileage not to be covered on Russian roads, and that all components are suitable for safe riding. For reality to coincide with expectations, it is worth discovering the Japanese motor market. You can see prices at a Japanese motorcycle auction for this model here.

It is enough to study a few lots to make sure that your dream can materialize.

Honda CBF 600

Brief review of Honda CBF 600

The Honda CBF 600 motorcycle has been produced since 2004, replacing its 500 cc predecessor on the assembly line. It is produced in two versions - a classic motorcycle with a round headlight and without a plastic body kit, the CBF 600N, and a version with a developed front fairing, the CBF 600S (pictured above). As an engine, the designers used a derated engine from the famous Honda CB600F Hornet, which, in turn, borrowed it from the CBR 600 F3 sportbike. However, this engine was derated even for installation on the Hornet, and for use on the CBF 600 it was derated even more. As a result, it was possible to achieve a very smooth power take-off and, as a result, smooth traction throughout the entire rev range.

During the entire production period, the Honda CBF 600 was modernized only once, but the modernization was very deep. In particular, the second generation of this motorcycle, produced since 2007, received a completely new engine from the third generation Hornet 600 (previously the same engine was installed on the CBR 600RR), also derated, an aluminum frame, an injector, combined brakes and an enlarged fuel tank.

Strictly speaking, both generations of the Honda CBF 600 are classic road motorcycles, but the CBF 600S version, equipped with a plastic fairing with an adjustable windshield, is often used by owners as a “road tourist”, since soft suspension, comfortable fit, good wind protection and an impressive power reserve make this the motorcycle is well suited for long trips, especially if you equip it with the minimum necessary tuning, in particular, panniers for carrying luggage.

Similar motorcycles:

• Suzuki GSF 600 Bandit
• Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit
• Kawasaki ER-6
• Yamaha XJ6 Diversion

Technical characteristics of Honda CBF 600

• Years of production: since 2004
• Class: road
• Frame: spatial steel (since 2007 - alloy)
• Engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, in-line
• Engine capacity, cubic meters see: 599
• Cooling: liquid
• Valves per cylinder: 4
• Fuel supply: 4 carburetors (injector since 2007)
• Power: 77.5 hp (at 10500 rpm)
• Torque: 58 Nm (at 8000 rpm)
• Maximum speed, km/h: 210
• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 4 seconds
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Wheel drive: chain
• Front tire: 120/70-17
• Rear tire: 160/60-17
• Front brakes: 2 discs 296 mm, 2-piston calipers (3-piston on the version with combined brakes and ABS)
• Rear brakes: 1 disc 240 mm, 1-piston caliper, ABS
• Front suspension: telescopic fork
• Rear suspension: Progressive monoshock with preload adjustment
• Gas tank volume, liters: 19 (since 2007 - 20)
• Fuel consumption at 110 km/h, liters: ~6 (since 2007 - ~5l)
• Dry weight, kg: ~181 (since 2007 - ~188 kg)

Pros and advantages of Honda CBF 600

• Smooth power build-up and, as a result, powerful but smooth acceleration
• Good dynamics
• Comfortable fit
• Durable and repairable design
• Large gas tank volume
• Modest fuel consumption (on the second generation of the motorcycle)

Pros and cons of the Honda CBF 600

• Mediocre brakes (on versions without ABS)
• Weak standard head light
• Soft suspensions add comfort, but are not suitable for aggressive driving
• Due to the soft fork, the motorcycle sometimes “rocks” when cornering.
• Low ground clearance - you can easily get the exhaust manifold caught on a curb or a speed bump

Owner reviews

The 600cc supersport is usually chosen as a second or third motorcycle. The owners of this Honda are no longer beginners; they know how to use the potential of a sportbike within reasonable limits and with the greatest return.

And here's what they say about the CBR600RR:

• Acceleration to hundreds and driving dynamics are comparable to a liter bike, but the six hundred has lower fuel consumption.
• Comfortable in the city, stable when maneuvering, nimble in traffic jams, confidently takes turns.
• A full tank is enough for 300-350 km with measured driving, and 150-200 with aggressive driving.
• If replaced in a timely manner, the consumable will last for several years without serious wear and tear.

Here is a motorcycle with an impeccable reputation, hundreds of enthusiastic reviews from owners and positive reviews from experts. Are you ready to trust the technology chosen by professional racers? Then add a little Honda to your life!

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