Engineered with MotoGP expertise and MotoGP-inspired bodywork, this bike is a true reflection of Honda's technical prowess. It’s light, compact, nimble, and perfectly balanced with a four-cylinder engine that revs like nothing you've ever experienced before.

The aluminum twin-spar chassis is designed for laser-sharp handling, making every ride a blast. But first things first, what's their deal with the “RR” and how do these double-R CBRs stack up against other bikes with similar names but only one "R," like the CBR500R or CBR650R? Well, for starters, the CBR600RR is Honda's entry into the 600cc supersport world, which means that extra R is more than just a marketing ploy.

Related: The 10 Best Honda Sport Bikes

10 Light Weight

The latest CBR600RR is the lightest model yet, making it Weight Watchers approved. The engineers at Honda have really put in a lot of effort to shave off those extra pounds. To put that in perspective, in this class every manufacturer aims to make their bikes the lightest, and shedding a few extra pounds is an impressive feat.

The brilliant minds at Honda had to literally rethink every piece of the puzzle to decrease the weight of the new model. This weight reduction was achieved by using lighter materials for the chassis, engine, and bodywork. Resulting in a bike that is incredibly nimble, responsive, and agile.

9 Changing The Chassis Paradigm

Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static front quarter shot
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static front quarter shot

Honda engineers have outdone themselves with the new chassis design as well. Despite having a substantially shorter wheelbase, you might expect that the CBR600RR would require a more conservative steering geometry to add stability. However, that's not the case with this new machine, in fact, the steering-head angle is even steeper than before at 23.5 degrees, while the steering trail has 3.9 inch size.

The new design has resulted in better handling and a more comfortable ride. The central focus of the new design is to improve the bike's rigidity and balance, which translates into better performance on the track and the road.

8 Hydraulic Electronic Steering Damper

Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static front quarter view
Honda
2021 Honda CBR600RR in Grand Prix Red Color

The CBR600RR comes equipped with a new generation Hydraulic Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), which means you'll have a steady ride no matter what. The high-tech HESD ensures optimal damping force at all times, thanks to the ECU's constant monitoring. Using sensors that detect the bike's speed and throttle aperture, the ECU can adjust the main valve within the damper accordingly.

At low speeds, the main valve opens fully to reduce damping and make the handling lighter. Conversely, when the bike is moving at high speeds or accelerating, the ECU closes the main valve, increasing damping to control any interference from the road surface.

Related: History Of The Honda CBR600RR

7 Smaller And Lighter Fine Die-Cast Frame

Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static left-side profile view
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static left-side profile view

The new Fine Die-Cast (FDC) Frame in CBR600RR is not just a fancy name for a frame. This technique means the frame is smaller and lighter than ever before, while still being strong enough to handle the gnarliest of rides. Honda managed to drop the number of component parts and welds way down, so now the frame is made up of only four big castings instead of the 11 welded-up sections like the previous generation.

This also includes a new steering head casting with a sleek centrally-located ram-air port, two beefy spars that hug the engine, and a single rear pivot-mount section with a U-shaped cradle that's exceptionally rigid. The new frame is more than 1.1 pounds lighter, and it's also stronger, slimmer, and way more compact.

6 Premium Race-Ready Suspension Components

Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static wheel close-up
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static wheel close-up

Honda's development engineers wanted something that would keep that front end stable, even when slamming on the brakes at high speeds. The obvious solution was to use premium race-ready suspension and fitted a fully adjustable Showa Big Piston inverted front forks with an extra-rigid 41mm size. That means a smoother ride, better stability under hard braking, and improved connection with the road when you're really pushing it on the track.

The CBR600RR's Unit Pro-Link rear suspension is also a thing of beauty, with no top shock mount on the frame and a unique mount setup on the upper part of the swingarm and lower link. This fancy tech keeps things stable even when you're leaning into those tight corners, giving you better traction, turning ability, and shock absorption.

5 Top-Shelf Wheels And Brakes

Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static rear view
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static rear view

The lightweight cast-aluminum wheels with a 12-spoke design, borrowed from the CBR1000RR, not only look gorgeous but are also ultra-lightweight and minimize unsprung weight for better handling. The brakes on the CBR600RR are no joke either. The front brakes use a radial master cylinder with full-floating 310 mm discs, which means better leverage and control over that front tire grip.

Now, you might be thinking, "But what about the rear brakes?" Well, the CBR600RR's rear brakes may not be the main event, but the single-piston caliper, 220 mm disc, and sintered-metal pads will act as a trusty sidekick that's always there to back you up.

4 Practical Styling And Functional Beauty

Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static tank close-up shot
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2023 Honda CBR600RR static tank close-up shot

The CBR600RR is like a supermodel on two wheels, with sleek curves and lines that could make even the most apathetic rider drool. Its aerodynamic design is a true masterpiece, heavily influenced by Honda's MotoGP machines. In fact, the bike has 6.5% less drag than its predecessor in a regular riding position, and 5% less when going full-on speed demon. It's fairing, inspired by the Honda RC213V race machine, features twin line-beam headlights that are tucked in deep to keep the bike's weight centered and air flowing to the ram-air duct.

Related: 2023 Honda CBR600RR: Performance, Price, And Photos

3 Light And Powerful Engine

Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR static rear quarter view
Honda
Grand Prix Red 2021 Honda CBR600RR rear quarter view

The CBR600RR packs a compact yet powerful 599cc engine, delivering 113 horsepower at 13,500 RPM with a torque of 48.7 lb/ft at 11,250 RPM. Honda's engineers didn't just focus on raw power, but also targeted throttle response and feel across the rev range for a refined ride. And speaking of compact, the engine's new design has made it the smallest in its class.

This was achieved by reconfiguring the transmission countershaft in a tighter setup, resulting in reduction in the wheelbase compared to the previous model, which already had one of the shortest wheelbases in its class. With new technologies adapted from the big brother CBR1000RR, the 600RR engine performance is stronger and more linear, with a fatter torque curve in the mid-range. With all these improvements, riders of all levels can tap into the CBR600RR's power and performance.

2 Ram-Air Induction

Honda CBR600RR riding shot
Honda
Honda CBR600RR riding at night, left to right

The CBR600RR features a Direct Air Induction System (DAIS) that channels air directly to the engine, resulting in more power. The DAIS is modeled after Honda's race bikes and feeds cool, dense air into the airbox through a large intake port extension that supports the front fairing and headlights.

The PGM-DSFI (Dual Sequential Fuel Injection System), which includes two injectors per cylinder, ensures optimal fuel atomization and cylinder charging at all engine speeds. An Intake Air Control Valve (IACV) attached to the throttle optimizes air intake volumes and combustion ratios for stable combustion when decelerating or accelerating.

1 Electronic Combined ABS

Red, white, and blue 2023 Honda CBR600RR 
Honda
Stock photo of a 2023 Honda CBR600RR

Honda introduced the world's first electronic Combined ABS for production motorcycles in 2009. The system uses pressure sensors to assess front and rear wheel speed and apply hydraulic pressure to the brake calipers, providing optimal braking force without locking.

The system provides expected ABS and CBS functions while minimizing vehicle vibration and pitching. Further benefits include adjusted rear brake operation and natural activation of ABS. The stroke simulator provides a natural lever feel, and the system's components are positioned around the bike's center of gravity to centralize its mass. At the end of the day, with electronic ABS, you'll have better control and stability, even in the trickiest of situations.