Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128372
MOTOR KEY FEATURES: • Dual-stage fuel injection w/two injectors per cylinder • High-rewing 15.000 rpm redline • Center-up exhaust The Honda makes excellent power from its 599cc motor. The dual-stage fuel-injection system with the secondary shower injectors provide the CBR's top-end performance. Probably, the Honda's biggest disadvantage is that the motor is so top-end oriented. It just doesn't get off of the corners as well as some of the other bikes (the other 600cc bikes included). There is the argument that the Honda would fare much better on a more momentum-style circuit instead of on the Streets' point-and-shoot-type layout. Once the bike gets on the boil and gets into its comfort zone, the motor is killer. The fact of the matter is that Honda worked hard on the significantly updated 'OS model to give the bike more power in this area, it's just that it still isn't quite enough despite the improvements. This was evident in the bike's lap times (I :27.00 best), which were still behind the other two 600cc machines'. One area that is hard to fault on the CBR600RR is the bike's fuel-injection response. The bike's fuel delivery is crisp throughout the rev range, picking up revs cleanly from a closed throttle both on and off the track. Testers commented on the CBR's excellent c1oseratio gearbox, which not only shifts crisply with wellspaced ratios but also has short throws, which improved feel on the track. There are many reasons for the Honda rating very highly on our street ride. The bike is so smooth and predictable, and provides plenty of power in aggressive sport riding situations. The CBR is also much improved as a daily commuter, because the added power and reduced weight combined with good fuel injection make the stoplight-to-stoplight drags a breeze. CHASSIS/HANDLING KEY FEATURES: • Radial-mounted front calipers • Unit Pro-Link rear suspension w/fully adjustable Showa rear shock • Fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork What a difference a year and a few pounds make. Last year, the CBR600RR was the fat kid on the block, but a sound weight-loss program (16-pounds lighter wet) seems to have done this bike wonders. That's more than enough to make a noticeable handling difference. The bike feels less top heavy and feels more nimble than ever. The CBR600RR feels unique compared to the other bikes. The rider is perched up on top of the bike, instead of slung down in it. This takes a little getting 18 APRIL 6,2005 • CYCLE NEWS used to on the track but is the perfect riding position on the street. All of our testers agreed that the 600RR was very easy to snap into a turn, and once there, it remained very stable. However, some testers commented that it required more effort at the bars than the Yamaha to initiate a turn. The CBR600RR was updated Significantly for 2005, primarily in an effort to reduce weight. Items like the frame, swingarm and '.: ±~ ::.:iI'''''':"c. , ! j ........ j....... +............... , j . , ..:lb.~ ....@...1.p.•.6 00.rpm. lO!cO---~2---c,4c----j6,----\.;----i,;;;O---~,2.---.:" .. 4--~ subframe. not to mention a pile of other parts, were redesigned for this cause. The Honda's suspension has improved over the past couple of years and is now much more compliant. The fork is a 4 Imm inverted Showa unit, which has provisions for the new radial-mount Tokico four-piston calipers. The fork's damping rates have been fine-tuned over the past two years and are now excellent. As for the Unit-Pro Link rear suspension system, it works excellently, and although it adds to the bike's overall weight, it's no longer a detriment. On the track our testers were really happy with the way the bike felt and were a little confused by the CBR's fifth-fastest lap time (a I :27.00). The culprit in this case is the bike's lack of acceleration out of the tighter corners, because all of the testers felt confident in the bike's handling. The Honda's brakes received mixed reviews. All of our testers felt that their power was more than adequate, but that they required more pressure at the lever than some prefer. As for the street, despite the CBR's uncomfortable seat, the CBR came out on top in our subjective street ratings. The CBR simply makes the rider feel planted, comfortable and stable no matter what the road has to offer, and the motor is excellent on any street ride. "On the street, the new Honda 600RR took top honors for me," Montano said. "The 600RR is very smooth, comfortable and negotiates every type of road surface really well. It carves up the canyons and cruises the freeway just as nice." Positives - Great chassis - Top-notch fit and finish - Great throttle response Negatives - Hard seat - Motor needs more midrange