Honda CBR600RR

The Japanese factory has rolled out a new version of its iconic 600 sportbike… and it’s loaded with electronics. 

The best Xmas presents are the ones you don’t expect. And we really didn’t expect this one… We’ve been writing about the death of the 600 sportsbikes for years now, but Honda’s clearly decided to make us look a bit daft by bringing the CBR600RR back from the dead (in the UK and Europe at least – it’s long been available in other markets).

The problem before was the Euro 5 emissions rules, so the new motor has been redesigned to meet those, while incorporating 2020s tech like ride-by-wire throttle, and a riding aids package. The top-end has been refreshed with new cams; valves; valve springs; ports; 44mm throttle bodies; valve timing; revamped cooling jacket in the head; and much more. It keeps the same basic layout as before though, and makes a decent 119bhp at a heady 14,250rpm.

For the first time, the CBR600 gets proper electronic riding aids, including IMU-assisted traction and braking as well as power modes and wheelie control. It’s good to see all this, of course, but some of it is probably a bit moot (the old CBR600 was hardly an uncontrollable wheelie monster ready to highside your face off at any moment). A modern cornering ABS system is much more welcome; we’ve had many more daft spills from braking on gravel or wet leaves than from losing the back on the gas.

The chassis is fairly unremarkable: a twin-spar aluminium frame with conventional swingarm, 41mm Showa USD big piston forks and Showa shock. Probably the coolest design touch in 2024 though, is the now-saucy underseat exhaust that’s been there since 2003 – watch ’em all bring that one back… The winglets, redesigned fairing and HRC paintwork are the icing on the cake, and we’re very much gagging for a go on this ’un.