Honda CBR600RR

Honda has given its supersports weapon subtle tweaks for 2009, designed to give it more mid-range oomph and a smoother power delivery. New pistons, cylinder head and exhaust system have bolstered torque between 6000-10,000rpm, which makes the engine more flexible on the road. Luckily for us, this has been done without sacrificing any top-end power. The big news, though, is the optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS system, which is a world-first for a supersports machine. A new-style bellypan now covers the whole engine and the C-ABS valve unit for the front brake.
The C-ABS version doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of riding MCN’s supersport 2008 machine of the year, and it feels just the same to ride as the standard Honda CBR600RR, even on the track. The C-ABS stays in the background until you get into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in and will save your bacon, so sportsbike purists need not worry about the system getting it the way.

Specifications

Top speed	165mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.92 secs
Power	107bhp
Torque	44.6ftlb
Weight	194kg
Seat height	820mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	32mpg
Tank range	127 miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	599cc
Engine specification	16-valve, in-line-four
Frame	Aluminium twin-spar
Front suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Front brakes	2 x 310mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size	180/55 17 in