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/159279
VOL. 50 ISSUE 34 AUGUST 27, 2013 WHAT THEY SAID: P95 2013 Honda CBR600RR Specs ADAM WAHEED, 34, Road Test Editor "The CBR's got a good amount of mid-range punch, especially when you consider that it's an inline four 600. But it lacks a degree of edge compared to the R6 and GSX-R." ADEY BENNETT, 38, Test Rider "The initial feel when you sit on the Honda is comfort. It doesn't have racy ergos that bend you in odd positions. Its only flaw comes from the super slippery seat." NATHON VERDUGO, 34, Test Rider "So comfortable to ride. I could ride the Honda for hours and not get tired. Not sure if it's the shield or the overall design of the bike, but I didn't feel as though I was jostled around by the wind as much." BRIAN STEEVES, 33, Test Rider "There isn't a whole lot to not like about the Honda. It's a great tool to get the job done. It's quick, comfy and easy to get used to. You can't go wrong with this one." vorite looking middleweight bike. Honda CBR600RR Fairings look very MotoGP-esque and kudos for Honda breaking out of the standard three-spoke model to the 12-spoke race-in- •Engine mapping tweaks improve mid-range kick spired wheel!" At $11,490 in stock trim, the •Tokico brakes and Showa BPF CBR600 is the second least fork deliver terrific performance on par with higher spec rivals expensive offering in this test – $500 more than the Yamaha •Super sorted transmission doesn't have us begging for the R6. A Repsol colorway, which slipper/quickshifter upgrades includes special orange wheels, will set riders back an extra $500. Honda also offers ABS for •Honda Four deemed the most bland a $1000 premium, available only •Improved engine performance, in the Red livery Nathon loves so but rivals trump it on the bottom and top-end much. The sensible Honda ups its practicality factor with the second-highest observed fuel effiFor consumers who can't make ciency (36.9 mpg) and estimated up their mind in this crowded Surange (176.9 miles). persport class, the Honda is an HIGHS LOWS Engine: 599cc liquid-cooled Inline Four 16-valve Bore x Stroke: 67.0 x 42.5mm Compression Ratio: 12.2:1 Fueling: Fuel Injection w/ twin injectors per cylinder Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type Clutch: Wet, multi-disc w/ cable actuation Final Drive: Chain; 16/42 gearing Frame: Twin spar aluminum Front Suspension: 41mm Showa BPF with spring preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustment; 4.7 in. travel Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa gascharged shock with spring preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustment; 5.1 in. travel Front Brakes: 310mm discs with radialmount four-piston Tokico calipers Rear Brake: 220mm disc with doublepiston Tokico caliper Tires: Dunlop Sportmax D214 120/70R17, 180/55R17 Curb Weight: 415 lbs. Wheelbase: 53.9 in. Rake: 23.5 deg. Trail: 3.86 in. Seat Height: 32.3 in. Fuel Tank: 4.8 gal. MSRP: $11,499 Colors: Red; Repsol Edition; White/ Blue/Red Warranty: One year, unlimited mileage easy pick. It's the most practical. It's affordable. It does everything it needs to do, and does it with competence. Engine performance, while improved, feels tame compared to its more raucous rivals. But the Honda platform is so dialed – it's an inviting entry into the Supersport ranks. The refinements from Honda see the CBR move up in this competitive class, slotting third in our Supersport Street rankings.