Honda sharpens CBR600RR for 2013

Honda's CBR600RR has been comprehensively revised for 2013 but, contrary to normal Japanese sports-bike practice, with more attention paid to the chassis than the engine.

Power and torque are unchanged, with quoted figures of 88.1kW at 13 500 revs and 66Nm at 11 250rpm, but the ECU mapping has been revised, say Honda, for cleaner throttle response and more direct feedback.

The frame however, is new, welded up from two diecast aluminium halves. The sections that are furthest away from the bike's centre of gravity are lighter and thinner to improve mass centralisation for quicker and more accurate steering.

That's also down to an all-new front suspension set-up with fully adjustable 43mm Showa 'big piston' forks. The larger pressure-bearing area (3.5 times larger, according to Honda) generates more consistent damping force more quickly than a standard setup for better initial compliance, smoother action and improved stability under braking.

Rear-wheel travel is modulated by Honda's familiar Pro-link set-up; there's been some refinement of valve rigidity and the pressure-bearing surfaces in the piston, aimed at improving low-speed performance and giving better feedback in initial movement.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The new wheels now have the same 12-spoked design as on the bikes CBR1000RR stablemate, although it's unlikely they'll be the same castings. Knowing Honda's almost anal attention to detail, the 600's hoops will be lighter since they won't have to deal with quite as much stress.

The new styling, says Honda, is a blend of current and previous MotoGP fairings. Certainly no attempt has been made to follow Honda's prevailing 'layered' look, as on the VFR range, but flow data from wind-tunnel sessions on the 2011 RC212V have reduced drag by a claimed 6.5 percent with the rider sitting normally and five percent when crouched behind the screen.

The 2013 Honda CBR600RR will be available from later this month and R119 900 in Honda's traditional red, white and blue, Repsol livery or a 'stealth' look in several different shades of black.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:599cc liquid-cooled transverse four.

Bore x stroke:67 x 42.5mm.

Compression ratio:12.2:1.

Valvegear: DOHC with four overhead valves per cylinder.

Power:88.1kW at 13 500rpm.

Torque:66Nm at 11 250.

Induction: Dual-stage electronic fuel Injection with four 40mm Denso throttle bodies.

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with 3-D mapping.

Starting: Electric.

Clutch: Cable-operated multiplate wet clutch.

Transmission: Six-speed constant-mesh gearbox with final drive by belt.