FIRST RIDE
P74
2013 HONDA CBR600RR
there, thanks to its outstanding
high-performance
capabilities
and good-natured personality.
No matter what they ever do to
the CBR600RR, Honda always
makes certain that it doesn't stray
too far from its roots – streetbike
first, racebike second.
While there might not be a
long list of changes, what few upgrades the new CBR600RR did
get are significant. For starters,
there's the new 41mm Showa Big
Piston Fork (BPF), which was first
introduced on the CBR1000RR
last year (but with 43mm legs).
The BPF fork was such a big hit
on the 1000 that it naturally found
its way onto its little brother.
The CBR's rear shock also got
a revised damper setting to complement the new BFF fork.
Also borrowed from the 1000
are the 600's new and stronger
12-spoke wheels (they weigh the
same as the old three-spoke version), and EFI, ECU and C-ABS
programming updates.
The CBR600RR also has a
more modern, edgy look, thanks
to all-new bodywork that was
born in the wind tunnel and not on
paper. As a result, the CBR600R
is far more aerodynamically efficient than the previous CBR and
although beauty is in the eye of
the beholder, it's hard to argue
that this one doesn't look better.
Honda says there is a 6.5 percent reduction in drag, which is
a huge difference. So much of
what was learned developing the
CBR's bodywork was passed on
to Honda's MotoGP race team.
As you know, usually it's the
other way around. If you look
closely, they do have visual similarities.
But what does 6.5 percent
reduction in drag mean to you
and me? For one, better fuel
economy. Honda tells us that
the CBR600RR's estimated
mpg has gone up from 40 to 44
miles. There is also less windThe three color
schemes – all
red, Repsol and
red, white and
blue.
blast on the rider, which – obviously- reduces fatigue and improves comfort.
Another benefit from the new
bodywork is a more efficient Ram
Air Intake system which, like the
CBR1000RR, incorporates a
new Air control Valve (IACV) that
optimizes air intake volumes at
both high and low rpm ranges.
According to Honda, this trans-
