Honda’s middleweight supersport jewel returns to Europe, destined for road and track action. Its inline four-cylinder, 16V DOHC engine produces 89kW @ 14,250rpm and features an assist/slipper clutch and standard fit quickshifter. Throttle By Wire control – derived from the RC213V-S – along with addition of a Bosch 6-axis IMU delivers 3 default riding modes, plus two custom User modes for adjustment of Engine Power, Engine Braking, Wheelie Control and 9-level HSTC. Cornering ABS and Rear Lift Control are also part of the package. The chassis comprises an aluminium twin-spar frame, aluminium swingarm, Honda Electronic Steering Damper, 41mm Showa Big Piston USD forks and Unit Pro-Link
Showa rear shock. Dual, radial-mount four-piston front calipers work 310mm floating discs. Designed to deliver best-in-class aerodynamic performance, the aggressive styling includes downforce-generating front winglets. A full colour TFT screen completes the specification. An HRC Race Kit will also be an option, for circuit use only.
The Throttle By Wire (TBW) used by the CBR600RR is drawn from the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and was developed on the RC213V-S. An Acceleration Position Sensor (APS), which interfaces with the throttle grip is built into the switchgear. It sends a signal to the ECU, which then sends a signal to the TBW motor that controls the butterfly. Crucially, the return spring and friction generated by the APS offers a completely natural throttle feel and control. It also offers the same controllability and feel across all of the power levels.
The electronic package that goes with TBW is also drawn from the Fireblade. 9-level (plus off) Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) uses slip rate control (which monitors the rate at which slip is changing based on the ratio of front/rear wheel speeds) to smoothly moderate rapid wheel spin. It gives smooth, intuitive grip management, with software developed from wide-ranging, top-level feedback from around the world, including HRC’s riders. Level 1 has the weakest intervention, level 9 the strongest.
There are three default riding modes: Mode 1 (Fast Riding), Mode 2 (Fun Riding) and Mode 3 (Comfortable Riding) with 2 User options for a full custom setup across all of the parameters. Modes can be switched while riding (from the left handlebar switchgear), as can the HSTC level when in User 1 or 2.
Power (P) operates through levels 1-5 with 1 giving ultimate outright power. Engine Brake (EB) manages performance on a closed throttle through levels 1-3, with 1 being the strongest engine braking; Wheelie (W) manages through levels 1-3 (plus off) with 1 giving the weakest intervention.
Wheelie Control uses information gathered by the IMU on the CBR600RR’s pitch angle, along with front and rear wheel speed sensors to maintain torque and deal with the wheelie without sacrificing forward drive. A standard-fit quick shifter delivers razor-fast changes, with short fuel cut time while shifting, and smoother torque pickup after shifting. It offers 3-level adjustment for feel. Like all bikes in Honda’s supersport family, the 24YM CBR600RR will be available in HRC Grand Prix Red HRC TriColour and stealthy Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.
