Just when you thought the supersport segment is dying out, here comes another contender
Competition in the supersport segment is heating up with the launch of the new Honda CBR600RR, which arrives just two weeks after Didi Resources launched the Aprilia RS660.
Powering the middleweight Double R is a 599cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine making 119 hp (89kW) at 14,000 rpm and 63 Nm of peak torque at 11,500 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission equipped with Quick Shifter and Assist/Slipper clutch that allow for smooth upshifting and downshifting.
The CBR600RR is equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor that is capable of detecting the angle position of the motorcycle. The sensor works in conjunction with the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Engine Control Unit (ECU), keeping the rear tyres from slipping when accelerating and during cornering.
There are three standard riding modes, namely Fast Riding, Fun Riding and Comfortable Riding. On top of that, riders have the option to create two of their own modes by adjusting power (5 levels), HSTC (9 levels + off), wheelie control (3 levels + off) and engine brake (3 levels).
The CBR600RR is also equipped with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) with Hard, Medium and Soft adjustment levels. It works hand in hand with the IMU and speed sensors to increase stability when riding at high speeds and cornering.
As for suspension, the front end of the bike is fitted with a 41 mm fully adjustable upside-down Showa fork while the rear end features a Showa Pro-Link suspension.
The braking system consists of four piston callipers with 310 mm double discs at the front and a single piston calliper with a single 220 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS complements the system. Other equipment includes dual LED headlights, a full-colour TFT-LCD instrument panel and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).
Available in sole Grand Prix Red colour scheme, the new Honda CBR600RR is priced at RM98,888 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Boon Siew Honda offers a two-year or 20,000-km manufacturing warranty.
