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2005 Honda CBR600RR
Introduction
In 2003, Honda opened a new chapter in the evolution of middleweight
Super Sports motorcycle performance with the stunning debut of
the new CBR600RR. A midsized sports bike designed first and foremost
to reassert Honda's leadership at the most hotly contested levels
of World Supersport competition, the CBR600RR also provides one
of the most exciting blends of top performance and astounding
riding ease to ever
make a rider with a need for speed feel like a champion.
Recognisable at first glance, the CBR600RR's development team
looked to none other than Honda's mighty RC211V MotoGP champion-the
modern pinnacle of racing design achievement, and the dominant
force in the world's premier class of motorcycle competition
since its first debut-as the source for this new Supersport champion's
advanced technological expertise. Inheriting a wealth of Honda
Racing DNA technologies, from its innovative Dual Sequential
Programmed Fuel Injection system to its Fine Die-Cast aluminium
frame, Unit-Pro-Link swingarm and mass
centralised fuel cell to the sleek lines of its aggressive bodywork,
the CBR600RR impressively brought to the street many of the latest
RC211V advances to be forged in the fires of the world's top
class of motorcycle racing achievement.
Under the guiding development theme of 'Innovative Wonder,' the
new CBR600RR was initially conceived of as a race-ready riding
machine designed to provoke awe and excitement with every sensation
felt while confidently exploring the outer limits of one's own
performance envelope. Developed to achieve unrivalled levels
of performance in the hands of those who can take full advantage
of its riding and
racing prowess, the CBR600RR is not only one of the lightest
machines in its class, its centralised weight distribution helps
it respond instantly to rider inputs with faster, smoother and
more easily controlled handling. This leading combination of
performance characteristics carried the CBR to World Supersport
championship victory in only its first year in competition, and
make it a thrilling and confidence-inspiring mount for those
who simply love to ride fast.
For its next generation, the CBR600RR builds upon this solid
foundation of racewinning potential with a sharper and more aggressive
new RC211V look and further advances in its design and construction.
What little excess weight it may have had has been expertly trimmed
in the quest for a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and the
sharpest, most responsive balance of middleweight performance
to ever strafe a mountain road or dominate a racing podium. For
2005, the CBR600RR isn't merely faster, it is better in every
way. The new CBR600RR will decisively reassert its preeminence
as both the leader of the World Supersport circuit and top dog
in the twisties for riders who can't get enough of the adrenaline-pumping
thrill of riding at the edge. Whether in competition or in the
process of extending your personal best, to feel like a champion,
you really have to ride with one.
Styling
Designed from its very inception to be nothing less than a high-performance,
road-going replica of Honda's all-conquering RC211V MotoGP racer,
the CBR600RR understandably inherited many of the styling cues
that embody the RCV's mark of distinction. A good part of this
design provides unmistakable evidence of aggressive Supersport
form closely following function, with that function clearly focused
on raceready performance and handling. From its compact, sharply
angular nose to its sleekly curved, upswept tail, the CBR600RR
exudes the look of a champion. Small wonder then that the CBR600RR
captured the 2003 World Superspo
rt crown in only its first year
in production and continues to dominate the middleweight class
in its second year.
Refined Front Cowl
For its second generation, the new 2005 CBR600RR's sleek,
race-bred fairing maintains its strong visual identification
with Honda's premier MotoGP racing hero, the all-conquering RC211V.
New ram air intake ducts are now more cleanly integrated into
the aggressive lines of the bodywork, echoing design details
seen in both the RCV and Honda's impressive new Superbike challenger,
the CBR1000RR Fireblade. Over the front wheel, a newly designed
fender conforms to the shape and needs of the CBR's new inverted
front fork, while under the aggressively shaped fuel tank cover,
its centralised fuel cell features a new modified boss design
for reduced weight.
Slim Line-Beam Headlights
Highlighting the fairing's aggressive form, the 600RR's distinctive,
low-profile Line Beam headlights project a modern image in keeping
with the CBR's racing roots. Less than half the height of the
headlights seen on most road bikes, these ultra-sleek beams feature
compact, high-illumination multi-reflector designs projecting
through clear lenses to provide a brilliant night-time view of
the road ahead.
New Tail Cowl and Sidecovers
The CBR's new, shorter tail cowl now combines with a new
set of matte black sidecovers to provide a lighter and slimmer
side profile that also enhances rider manoeuvring ease in the
intensified attack of riding and racing competition. While initially
appearing wider and more radically curved than the original cowl,
this new design is actually a few millimetres narrower than the
current model. This combination of new tail cowl and sidecovers
also weighs less than the onepiece unit they replace. Also, the
tail cowl now features a new centrally positioned pillion pad
lock located directly behind the rider's seat for easy access
and lighter weight. Louvered intakes ports at the leading outer
edges of the rear cowl provide a steady stream of cooling air
to its internal area. Finally, a new one-piece resin silencer
end shroud replaces the current rear fender stay (along with
the aluminium pieces surrounding the end of the tailpipe) for
a simpler design and reduced weight. Hanging down from the seat
rail, the CBR's new pillion step holders feature a new longer
and lighter look while providing a relatively comfortable mount
for the occasional passenger. Even the clip-on handlebar bosses
and footpeg brackets have been made thinner and lighter to shave
off weight wherever possible.
Engine
The CBR600RR's high-powered 600cc
inline-4 engine has proved itself to be a force to be reckoned
with both on and off the circuit. Featuring a highly compact
configuration that helps realise optimal mass centralisation
and a longer swingarm- which combine to play a significant role
in the CBR's exceptional handling-this engine delivers a broadly
responsive range of power and blistering acceleration to leap
out of corners and strafe the straights of the racing circuit.
Fundamentally unchanged for 2005, its innovative Dual Sequential
Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-DSFI) continues to utilise
two full sets of injectors to provide optimum fuel feed for top
performance throughout the engine's wide rev range.
With one set located at the mouths of the engine's intake ports,
the other is positioned high above the air intake velocity stacks
to deliver an extra shot of finely atomised fuel spray for optimised
performance at high-revving engine speeds. Moreover, adoption
of a new type of injectors attained improvements in response
along with a small but significant 64g reduction in weight.
For its second generation, the CBR600RR's engine received detailed
modifications designed to realise smoother and stronger, more
torque-filled midrange performance, for a noticeable improvement
in roll-on acceleration and overtaking speed. This was partially
achieved by narrowing the middle section of the intake ports
to greatly accentuate the venturi effect. This slight constriction
effectively increases intake speed and air/fuel mixture volume
to the combustion chambers for faster and more complete filling
of the cylinders in the short interval that the intake valves
remain open. More air/fuel mixture in translates directly to
stronger torque out, for quicker surges up to speed. Combined
with the chassis' significant 5kg weight loss, this extra boost
in midrange power output translates into a major increase in
the CBR's power-toweight ratio. The end result: quicker acceleration
and faster lunges out of the corners in the heat of competition,
and more satisfying response every time one twists the throttle.
Chassis
A dominating World Supersport champion and an exhilaratingly
responsive corner-strafing performer, the CBR600RR is infused
with RC211V-inspired Racing DNA that has sparked a modern revolution
in the fundamental concepts of motorcycle handling and riding
performance.
The heart of the CBR600RR's remarkable handling prowess lies
primarily in the attention paid to centralising weight and mass
around the machine's turning axes. The weight of heavier components-like
engine, rider and fuel cell-is concentrated nearer these turning
axes, where they exert less inertial resistance on banking and
turning, and those components located further away from the centre
of mass have been lightened wherever possible. This emphasis
on mass centralisation results in lighter and more confidently
responsive control that translates into quicker, more precise
cornering and lower lap times at full racing speeds.
The CBR600RR's revolutionary Fine Die-Cast aluminium frame set
the stage for new advances in chassis design with the ability
to more freely and organically form its structural components.
Its advanced manufacturing technique makes possible an optimal
balance of rigidity, light weight and fine-tuned flexibility
that allows the machine to settle more securely into turns and
change lines with assured ease, whatever the riding conditions
and rider's level of expertise.
A Lighter Frame
In developing the second generation of the CBR600RR, attention
was focused on attaining reductions in overall weight, starting
with the actual frame itself. Here the Fine Die-Casting shows
its advantages by allowing section walls to be made thinner in
areas where exposure to stress is less, and thickened where greater
strength is desired. The overall effect on the frame's weight
resulted in a reduction of 1.5kg, while its effect on handling
is su
blime. Weight reductions were also achieved in the redesign
of the CBR's bolt-together die-cast seat rails, which are now
668g lighter compared to the current model.
New Inverted Front Fork
One of the most visible changes seen in the new second-generation
CBR600RR is its impressive, new 41mm inverted front fork. This
state-of-the-art system provides smoothly responsive performance
and confident handling coupled with enhanced rigidity and a significant
reduction in unsprung weight, as well as delivering the precision
control that world-class racing demands.
The current CBR's standard configuration cartridge-type fork
provides excellent performance for all riding and racing applications,
as testified to by its domineering performance in the 2003 World
Supersport series. However, frequent calls for an inverted fork
from the riding press and public coupled with a desire to incorporate
a new set of radial-mount front disk brakes like those used on
both the RC211V and CBR1000RR Fireblade led to what on the surface
appears to be a radical change in design philosophy.
Bearing a close resemblance in both look and performance characteristics
to the inverted HMAS cartridge-type forks featured on the new
CBR1000RR, the CBR600RR's massive new stanchions were fully optimised
for top performance on this lighter and more compact model, and
are also fully adjustable, allowing for precise tuning to virtually
all combinations of rider and racetrack conditions.
New Unit Pro-Link Swingarm
Another critical chassis component to receive a lighter and
simpler design is the CBR600RR's impressive Unit Pro-Link swingarm.
The first production motorcycle to be mounted with this revolutionary
self-contained system, the RR takes after Honda's MotoGP-dominating
RC211V with a design that completely isolates the frame from
the shocks and stresses generated by conventional rear suspension
systems, especially under aggressive riding and racing conditions.
This configuration also eliminates the need for the extra structural
reinforcement-and its associated weight-which would otherwise
be required to counteract these stresses. Likewise, the elimination
of these conventional suspension and frame components frees up
space to permit the lower, mid-chassis location of the fuel tank,
thus making a large contribution to mass centralisation and its
superior riding control.
The CBR's new composite aluminium swingarm now features a totally
integrated upper damper mount, which replaces the current bolt-in
unit and eliminates its associated hardware. By integrating the
upper mount into the swingarm's construction, this lighter and
more compact new design greatly facilitates rear damper maintenance
by making possible quicker and easier access, while having fewer
parts to contend with. Nestled in the swingarm in this simpler
new design, the CBR's HMAS rear damper provides smoothly progressive
control and assured handling. It also features a
built-in remote gas reservoir and full preload and damping adjustment
capability for top performance on both road and track.
Another difference in the new swingarm can be seen in the attachment
of the rear axle adjuster blocks. No longer simply welded onto
the ends of the swingarm spars, they are now more fully integrated
into its form for a stronger and sharper looking design.
New Radial-Mount Front Brake Callipers
The CBR600RR's new inverted front fork configuration permits
the use of new high-performance radial-mount brake callipers
like those featured on both the CBR1000RR and the RC211V MotoGP
champion. These new callipers bolt straight down onto their distinctive
turret-like mounts, which give the appearance of jutting directly
outward from the front axle. These new callipers also feature
a more rigid lateral 2-piece design held together by three horizontal
bolts to provide both stronger grip and more even distribution
of brake pressure across the entire surface area of the pads
for highly efficient braking control with excellent feel at the
lever.
The calliper's pistons feature an optimised surface plating preparation
to ensure smooth operation coupled with greater resistance to
corrosion, for more confidently responsive performance over the
long haul. The same master cylinder and plumbing as currently
installed is used to actuate these new callipers.
Equipment
Lightweight Instrument Panel
The CBR600RR's compact, fully electronic instrument panel is
one of the slimmest and lightest ever mounted on a street bike.
Positioned on either side of its large, central tachometer are
a compact LCD display of fuel level and coolant temperature,
and a large LCD readout of speed, dual trip and related warning
indictors. Brilliant ISO-marked LED indicator lights are positioned
around the perimeter of the panel. When the ignition key is switched
on, the CBR600RR comes alive with an eyecatching startup routine
that flashes the instrument panel's indicators and sweeps the
tachometer needle.
Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)
Honda's effective HISS anti-theft system features a fail-safe
electronic interlock that prevents the engine from being started
with anything other than the motorcycle's two original keys.
Totally disabling the engine at the very heart of its ignition
system, the system cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the
ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module, thus effectively
deterring joyriders and greatly reducing the chance of ride-away
theft.
New Hazard Lights
Located on the right-side handlebar switch pod, the new CBR600RR
also features a convenient new hazard light flasher switch which
flashes all four amber indicators for a brightly visible warning
to approaching traffic.
Specifications
Engine Type:599cc
liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 67.0mm x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Carburetion: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with
three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #525 O-ring-sealed chain
Front Suspension: 41.0mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork
with spring-preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability;
4.7-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with
spring-preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability;
5.1-inch travel
Front Brakes: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers
with 310.0mm discs
Rear Brake: Single 220.0mm disc
Front Tire: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Rake: 24.0 degrees
Trail: 95.0mm (3.7 inches)
Wheelbase: 54.5 inches
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Dry Weight: 361 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Available Colors:
Red/Black
Metallic Silver/Black
Black/Tribal
Black
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