The updated Honda CBR6000RR is here, sort of. Honda took the wraps off the machine earlier today, but sadly, as we’ve told you before, it’s not coming to Canada.
The current-gen Honda CBR600RR makes about 100 horsepower, and the new supersport gets a significant power boost, to about 120 horsepower at 14,000 rpm. According to MCNews, torque is supposedly 64 Nm at 11,500 rpm. The engine looks more-or-less the same on the outside, but on the inside, the top end is radically overhauled. The intake system also sees revisions, and the exhaust. There’s a new assist/slipper clutch, with optional quickshifter system.
Alas, the CBR might have muscled up, but it’s also heavier, going from 189 kg to 194 kg for 2021. However, most riders won’t notice that on the street.
The CBR has a new set of bodywork, supposedly the most aerodynamic fairing in the 600 class, including a set of winglets that keep the front end planted. The Honda has Showa Big Piston forks again, and a ProLink monoshock arrangement in back, fully-adjustable of course.
The current CBR600 lags behind the competition in the electronics department, as both the Kawasaki ZX-6R and Yamaha R6 have traction control, and the Honda doesn’t. The new CBR has a five-axis Bosch IMU and a ride-by-wire throttle, allowing for traction control, launch control, wheelie control and adjustable braking control. Nissin ABS is standard. Honda also put a TFT screen on the new 600, and LED lights all-around.
What about pricing? Haha! The CBR600RR is only confirmed for Japan at this point, and we’ve been told it isn’t coming to Canada. Supposedly, the issue is pricing; this motorcycle costs superbike-level money to produce, making it harder to sell at a reasonable MSRP.
