2027 Honda CBR600RR

Honda’s middleweight supersport jumps into 27YM with a number of improvements to its spec list from styling, to performance, to onboard tech.

At its heart remains the screaming inline four-cylinder, 16V DOHC engine that produces 89kW @ 14,250rpm and features an assist/slipper clutch and standard fit quickshifter. Throttle By Wire control along with addition of a Bosch 6-axis IMU delivers 3 default riding modes, plus two custom User modes for adjustment of Engine Power, Engine Braking, Wheelie Control and 9-level HSTC. Cornering ABS and Rear Lift Control are also part of the package. The chassis comprises an aluminium twin-spar frame, aluminium swingarm, Honda Electronic Steering Damper, 41mm Showa Big Piston USD forks and Unit Pro-Link Showa rear shock. New dual, radial-mount four-piston front calipers work 310mm floating discs. Designed to deliver best-in-class aerodynamic performance, the aggressive styling includes downforce-generating front spoiler. An updated full colour TFT screen completes the specification. Three HRC Race Kits will also be available, for circuit use only. The 27YM CBR600RR will be available in Ignition Red TriColour and stealthy Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Model overview
3. Key features
4. Accessories
5. Technical specifications

1. Introduction

The much-loved CBR600RR has an impressive and hard-won racing pedigree. It was piloted to FIM World Super Sports championship victory every year from 2003 to 2008, and again in 2010, 2012 and 2014. It won the Asia Road Racing championship from 2012 to 2016 and the All-Japan Road Race championship ST600 class from 2003 to 2011, and in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019. Its engine also provided the power for Moto2 between 2010 and 2018.

The 600RR departed from Honda’s European showrooms at the start of 2017 as the trend away from supersport machinery towards naked and adventure models accelerated. In the intervening years, the middleweight sports category has seen a revival, and the model was reintroduced for 21YM in Japan and Thailand.

Returning to Europe for 24YM, the CBR600RR found favour with a large number of customers who appreciated its cutting-edge MotoGP-inspired electronics and aerodynamics, and above all, its free-revving four-cylinder engine. 

For 27YM, targeted upgrades to a number of areas deliver increased performance, both on track and road, as well as increasing convenience and overall style.

2. Model Overview 

Honda’s supersports icon returned to Europe for 24YM with a 599cc, inline four-cylinder engine producing 89kW @ 14,250rpm, and benefitting from an assist/slipper clutch and standard-fit quickshifter.

Its electronics package was drawn from the RC213V-S and the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and included Throttle-By-Wire control, 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Wheelie Control and Rear Lift Control.

At the centre of the action and managing all of the systems, including Cornering ABS, is a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) as found inside its sibling, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. There are 3 default riding modes, plus 2 User modes for adjustment of Engine Power, Engine Braking, HSTC and Wheelie Control.

The chassis comprises a twin-spar aluminium frame, aluminium swingarm, 41mm Showa Big Piston USD front forks and Unit Pro-Link Showa rear shock. New for 27YM are the Nissin four-piston radial mount front brake calipers, taken from the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.  The units offer the braking force and stable controllability required on a racetrack. This is paired with the ABS module, also derived from the Fireblade, which opens up three selectable ABS modes (Race, Track and Standard) vastly increasing the rider’s ability to tailor the CBR600RR to their specific needs.

The CBR600RR’s HMI has also been updated for 27YM, with the full colour TFT screen increasing to 5” in size for clearer relay of key riding data. Also changed for the new model year is the front facia of the bike. The lower winglets have been reprofiled as a frontal spoiler and integrated in to the area beneath the headlights for a sleeker look, without any loss of aerodynamic performance. 

Three new HRC Race Kits for 27YM increase the track useability of the bike for amateur riders to pro teams alike. Specifically tailored for World Super Sport, Superbike and track day use they vary in output, whilst all parts are available individually. 

The 27YM CBR600RR is available in two colour options: Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, in a rift on winter testing liveries from the race teams, or the evocative Ignition Red HRC TriColour, the signature colourway of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).

3. Key Features
    3.1 Engine

• Inline four-cylinder engine produces 89kW with 63Nm torque
• Assist/slipper clutch

The CBR600RR’s 599cc, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine produces 89kW @ 14,250rpm, with 63Nm torque @ 11,500rpm. To achieve the power output at this rpm ceiling the materials used for the camshafts, valve springs and crankshaft have been upgraded for its return to manage both high-rpm inertia force and durability. Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 42.5mm, with compression ratio of 12.2:1.

Every aspect of intake, combustion and exhaust has been through development since the CBR600RR was last on sale in Europe. To flow enough volume at high rpm throttle body diameter is 44mm. The port of the throttle butterfly valve and the intake-side valve have been shaped to allow the cross-section of the entire port (including the inside of the throttle body) to run smoothly, reducing intake pressure drop.

The combination of this smooth intake passage and Throttle By Wire (TBW) delivers smooth throttle control, especially at partial openings from fully closed. The inlet ports have been re-shaped, increasing flow capacity by 2.2%. 

Valve timing has also been adjusted: closing of the inlet valves has been pulled back 5° with the exhaust valves opening 5° later, improving the intake efficiency of the fuel/air mixture and exhaust of combustion gas. Inlet valve diameter is 27.5mm matched to 22.5mm exhaust. For maximum cooling efficiency around the cylinder head, long reach spark plugs allow the water jacket to sit close to the plug hole and exhaust valve seat.

The 4-2-1 exhaust uses large bore diameters to enhance high-rpm gas flow; wall thickness has been carefully managed to minimise weight gain. The catalyser is also physically larger, and an important part of the EURO5 homologation process.

An assist/slipper clutch manages rear wheel ‘hop’ through rapid down changes and hard braking. It also reduces the physical force needed to operate it by 32% over a standard design and employs die-cast aluminium cams at both transmitting and receiving ends, with clearance between both optimised to improve lever feel.

3.2 Engine Electronics

• Throttle By Wire (TBW) control system
• 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• 3 default riding modes plus options to customise Power, Engine Brake, HSTC and Wheelie Control
• Quickshifter standard fitment

The Throttle By Wire (TBW) used by the CBR600RR is drawn from the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and was developed on the RC213V-S. An Acceleration Position Sensor (APS), which interfaces with the throttle grip is built into the switchgear. It sends a signal to the ECU, which then sends a signal to the TBW motor that controls the butterfly. Crucially, the return spring and friction generated by the APS offers a completely natural throttle feel and control. It also offers the same controllability and feel across all of the power levels.

The electronic package that goes with TBW is also drawn from the Fireblade. 9-level (plus off) Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) uses slip rate control (which monitors the rate at which slip is changing based on the ratio of front/rear wheel speeds) to smoothly moderate rapid wheel spin. It gives smooth, intuitive grip management, with software developed from wide-ranging, top-level feedback from around the world, including HRC’s riders. Level 1 has the weakest intervention, level 9 the strongest.

There are three default riding modes: Mode 1 (Fast Riding), Mode 2 (Fun Riding) and Mode 3 (Comfortable Riding) with 2 User options for a full custom setup across all of the parameters. Modes can be switched while riding (from the left handlebar switchgear), as can the HSTC level when in User 1 or 2.

Power (P) operates through levels 1-5 with 1 giving ultimate outright power. Engine Brake (EB) manages performance on a closed throttle through levels 1-3, with 1 being the strongest engine braking; Wheelie (W) manages through levels 1-3 (plus off) with 1 giving the weakest intervention.

Wheelie Control uses information gathered by the IMU on the CBR600RR’s pitch angle, along with front and rear wheel speed sensors to maintain torque and deal with the wheelie without sacrificing forward drive.

A standard-fit quick shifter delivers razor-fast changes, with short fuel cut time while shifting, and smoother torque pickup after shifting. It offers 3-level adjustment for feel.

3.3 Chassis

• Twin-spar aluminium frame, aluminium swingarm
• Fireblade derived radial-mount front brake calipers and ABS mode selector
• 41mm Showa Big Piston USD forks 
• Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) 

At the heart of the chassis is a hollow, die-cast twin-spar aluminium frame. Wheelbase is set at 1370mm, with caster angle of 24^o 04’ and 100mm trail. Length from swingarm pivot to rear wheel spindle is 569mm; whilst kerb weight is set at 194kg.

Fully adjustable Showa 41mm Big Piston USD forks offer high-quality suspension reaction and control, as well as flexible geometry changes. The fully adjustable Showa rear shock operates through Unit Pro-Link. 

A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit controls the electronic package, and measures every dynamic aspect, in each plane, calculating 100 times a second using Honda’s own algorithm and in turn managing the HSTC, Cornering ABS and Rear Lift Control.

For 27YM, the CBR600RR’s braking system has undergone several changes, pursuing even greater control on road and track alike. Up front, the calipers are now taken from the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and offer increased heat resistance under braking, as well as the braking force and stable controllability required on a racetrack. The Nissin sourced units are dual radial-mount four-piston calipers, clamping 310mm floating discs; a radial-piston master cylinder is also standard fit. A rear, single-piston caliper works a 220mm disc.

Controlling all of this is an updated ABS module. Again taken from the Fireblade, the new system unlocks ABS Modes, which precisely control the front and rear wheel under braking. Standard is a stability focused mode, suitable for a wider variety of conditions – particularly wet weather. Track provides a more concentrated ride, removing rear lift control for even stronger performance for circuit use. Race is an even more extreme setting, where the rear ABS function is also disabled to enable more aggressive braking with the system only control front wheel slip.

A Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) – designed exclusively for the CBR600RR – operates relative to velocity and is ECU-controlled; at lower speeds its main valve opens, reducing damping force. At high speed the valve closes, increasing damping force for maximum stability.

Cast aluminium wheels wear 120/70ZR17M/C  front and 180/55ZR17M/C rear tyres.

3.4 Styling & Equipment

• Best in class aerodynamic performance
• Frontal spoiler integrated into bodywork for a more cohesive look without loss of downforce
• Upgraded HMI via 5-inch full-colour TFT screen 

The 27YM CBR600RR gains a new look for the new year, thanks to an overhauled front fascia. The previous winglets, which helped provide stability and downforce have been integrated into the front fairing for a cleaner aesthetic and silhouette. In addition, they also help divert airflow away from the rider and their arms, reducing fatigue and buffeting. Despite their now subtle appearance, Honda engineers have achieved this with no loss of downforce or negative impact on drag.

The riding position remains unchanged for 27YM, still offering the rider ultimate flexibility between road and track; the fuel tank’s design allows the rider to tuck in neatly at high speed. It’s also slim and designed to allow the rider’s arms to also have a natural place at speed. The screen sits at a 38°, to maximise aerodynamic efficiency relative to any position the rider might use on track. Seat height is set at 820mm.

Radiator cooling efficiency is focus of the mid-section of the fairing, and airflow speed and pressure into the front wheel housing has been optimised for both flow in and out. The lower fairing extends close to the rear wheel and is shaped to move airflow downwards. This reduces the amount of direct air pressure exposure against the tyre, reducing overall resistance.

An upgraded HMI comes courtesy of an upgrade to a five-inch full colour TFT screen, which relays key data to the rider. A Shift-Up indicator uses 5 white horizontal LEDs above the central display and turn on and flash at the pre-set rpm for shifting. Information available also includes lap time, number of laps and fastest lap.

Lighting is LED. The dual front headlights are lightweight in design and allow the optimal intake area for the central ram-air duct. Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) is linked to the ABS modulator and activates the front and rear indicators under sudden, hard braking to warn other road users.

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) uses interlock control between the ID tag in the key and internal ID of the engine ECU so there’s no way to start the engine without the key. A red LED on the dash flashes every 2.5 seconds for 24 hours once the ignition is off and even when it stops flashing, HISS is still on.

HRC Race Kit

HRC has developed three separate Race Kits for the 27YM CBR600RR to offer amateur racers, track day enthusiasts and semi-pro teams the ability to tune their bike to their exacting needs. All kits up engine performance, heighten cornering ability and grip, and save weight. Available to buy as complete kits – and for circuit use only – all road safety items are neatly removed and HRC kit parts, including ECU, wiring harness, cylinder head gasket, big radiator, racing exhaust, front/rear suspension and brake discs plug straight in. 

4. Accessories

Two Genuine Honda Accessories Packs are ready to go for the CBR600RR: 

Racing Pack
This pack underlines the racing pedigree and sportiness of the CBR600RR. The Oil Filler Cap includes an HRC logo, the Carbon Look Tank Pad wears a CBR logo and Wheel Stripes are finished in HRC Tri-Colour and Honda Racing Logo. A Seat Cowl replaces the pillion seat and is available in Black or Red.

Comfort Pack
Take the supersports experience further… Functional rear seat bag that is specifically adapted to the tapered shape of the rear seat. Featuring a capacity of 15L that can be expanded up to 22L and always stable during riding thanks to its specific attachment system. 5-level Heated Grips extend the riding year, while a USB-C charging socket adds convenience.

5. Technical Specification

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

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About Honda Motorcycles
Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company is known for producing reliable, high-quality motorcycles and is the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines. Honda’s early focus on reliable four-stroke engines and innovative designs, like the highly successful Super Cub, helped it become a global leader in the industry.

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