Honda waves the wand over the 2007 CBR600RR

As noted above, the new CBR600RR’s engine features exceptionally compact dimensions which permit more effective positioning within the frame for optimised mass centralisation and improved handling. Its smaller fore-to-aft length also made it possible to shorten the CBR’s wheelbase by a remarkable 22mm (from 1,395 to 1,373mm) while simultaneously gaining an extra 5mm in swingarm length (to 573mm) and extending the steering head by 13mm, as measured from the crankshaft. The chassis’ shorter wheelbase combines with the extended steering head, which increases leverage on the vehicle’s rotating axes, to realise sharper, more responsive handling for more aggressive control on winding roads and circuit corners, yet still remain confidently reassuring for riders of not fully expert skill levels.

To complement the effective 15mm rearward repositioning of the engine’s centre of gravity, the rider’s seating position was also shifted back 15mm to achieve even lighter, more responsive manoeuvrability and handling control. The machine’s overall centre of gravity was also raised by 3mm over the current model to achieve more neutral response to rider inputs, easier side-to-side flickability and smoother handling.

Race-Ready Suspension Components

With such extraordinary efforts made in the total redesign of the CBR600RR’s engine, frame and geometry, its suspension systems are better able to do their jobs more effectively, so it was felt that no changes were needed in their configurations. Handling is overseen by the same impressive 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork, which provides smoothly responsive performance coupled with excellent rigidity and low unsprung weight for the precise and confident control that world-class racing demands. Integrated into the CBR’s rigid but lightweight swingarm is essentially the same Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system pioneered on the race-winning RC211V MotoGP racer. Its highly advanced design completely isolates the frame from the shocks and stresses generated by conventional rear suspension systems, especially under aggressive riding and racing conditions. This system also eliminates the need for extra frame reinforcement to counter those stresses, thus allowing the frame to be designed lighter than other more conventional designs, while freeing up space to permit the lower, mid-chassis positioning of the fuel tank, thus making another large contribution to mass centralisation and superior riding control. Its integrated HMAS rear damper features a built-in remote gas reservoir and full preload and damping adjustment, providing smoothly progressive control and assured handling for top performance on both road and track.

Wheels and Brakes

Another factor that plays an important role in achieving the lighter weight and more centralised mass required of such a high-performance road and track machine are the CBR’s triple-spoke cast aluminium wheels, which feature compact hubs for an ultra-lightweight design that also minimises unsprung weight. Like its predecessor, the front wheel is stopped by a high-performance pair of radial-mount brake callipers like those featured on both the CBR1000RR and the RC211V MotoGP racer. Held together by three horizontal bolts for both stronger grip and more even distribution of brake pressure across the entire surface area of the pads, and gripping large-diameter floating rotors, these brakes provide highly efficient braking control with excellent feel at the lever. At the rear, a compact and highly responsive single-piston calliper stops a 220mm disc between sintered metal pads for a supremely confident balance of braking performance on par with the world’s most narrowly focused and highly competitive racers.

New Generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD)

The new CBR600RR receives another significant innovation from the CBR1000RR Fireblade in the form of its new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), which helps maintain smoothly predictable high-speed handling while having remarkably little effect on control at slower speeds. In a further innovation from the CBR1000RR Fireblade’s system, the CBR600RR’s new, more compact HESD unit is secreted away underneath the steering head, where it is mounted to the frame and connected to the lower triple-clamp by an articulating arm that moves the unit’s damping vane within its oil chamber.

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