2013 Honda CBR600RR | First Look

The Winged Ones Reinvigorate Their Supersport

It's alive! After a half-decade slumber, Japan's 600 supersport category is showing signs of life. First we saw an all-new Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja-we call it the 636-and now Honda releases a revamped version of its CBR600RR, the first substantial update of this popular model since 2007.

Many of the same upgrades applied to the CBR1000RR last season now appear here, including the addition of Showa's super-responsive, 41mm Big Piston fork and a revised version of Honda's Unit Pro-Link rear suspension with new damping settings for improved rear-wheel control. New split-spoke wheels are identical in appearance to those on the liter bike, and impart the same visual lightness.

The biggest change for 2013, however, is the restyled upper fairing-reportedly developed with data from the RC213V MotoGP racer. The race-proven aerodynamics result in a claimed 6.5-percent reduction in aero drag, while a reconfigured, centrally located ram-air intake works in conjunction with an improved ECU and revised PGM-DSFI programming for more midrange power and improved throttle response at high rpm. Combined ABS remains an option just like before, and three colors will be offered: Red, White/Red/Blue, and, for the first time on the 600, a Repsol Edition. Pricing hadn't been revealed at press time, but availability was announced for March 2013.

2013 Specifications
Model| CBR600RR / CBR600RRA
Price:| $TBD
Engine Type:| 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke:| 67.0mm x 42.5mm
Compression ratio:| 12.2:1
Valve Train:| DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:| Programmed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
Ignition:| Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
Transmission:| Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive:| Close-ratio six-speed
Suspension
Front:| 41mm inverted Big Piston Fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; TBD inches travel
Rear:| Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes (Optional Honda Electronic Combined ABS)| Front:| Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 310mm discs
Rear:| Single-caliper 220mm disc
Tires
Front:| 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear:| 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase:| 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):| 23.
Trail:| 97.7mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height:| 32.3 inches
Fuel Capacity:| 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**:| TBD
Colors
CBR600RR:| Red, Repsol Edition, White/Blue/Red
CBR600RRA:| Red
Curb Weight*:| 410 pounds (CBR600RR) / 432 pounds (CBR600RRA)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors. Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Specifications subject to change.