Honda breathes new life into CBR
New life into 2007 honda CBR600RR
Increased red-line, electronic steering damper, more power and an overall 8kg reduction in weight. These are but some of the improvements on the latest CBR600RR that honda unveiled at the launch of the new 2007 model last week on the back roads of Durbanville and Killarney Race Track in Cape Town.
The new 2007 CBR600RR has been refined and redesigned from the front cowl, which now appears more aggressive with its Ram Air duct, to the single exhaust which has been integrated sleekly into the tail cowl. It also boasts a redesigned and repositioned engine which honda claims is the smallest in the 600cc class.
The DOCH 4-cylinder engine of 599cc is 2kg lighter than its predecessor's (with a new magnesium head cover and nutless connecting rods) to improve the power-to-weight ratio.
The 2007 model delivers 88,1kW at 13 500 r/min and torque of 66Nm at 11 250r/min.
Much of the honda's 1000cc Fireblade technology, and also some from honda's champion RC211V, has also been tempered for use in the CBR600RR.
This includes, notably, the increase in mid-range power for great acceleration when coming out a bend. The result is great performance throughout the powerband and not just at the bottom or top.
The revamped engine also uses an improved PGM-DSFI dual sequential fuel injection system, new pistons and connecting rods, a new knock sensor for optimum spark during mid-to-high speeds and a new low lash transmission, which sees to smoother gear shifts.
On the back roads leading from Franschhoek to Durbanville the speed hungry had a chance to see what the revamped engine was made of. The CBR600RR blasts of from zero and in no time and no effort you are pushing 240km/h. Gear changes are smooth and power is delivered consistently.
On the somewhat bumpy country roads, you also really appreciate the electronic steering damper.
On the styling side the new CBR600RR looks fresh, edgy and aggressive and ready to take on any of its rivals. A new lightweight airfoil, which honda says they borrowed from fighter airplanes and F1 cars, has been vertically added to both sides of the radiator. This airfoil also directs air more efficiently and stabilises the bike while riding.
The side panels appear sleek and streamlined, showing off much of the engine and new ducktail with LED lamp has been added to the rear and compliments the neater exhaust tailpipe. Personally I rather prefer the rear LED light integrated into the tail cowl as on the Fireblade.
The clever engineering folk at honda have managed to shave off around 8kg from the previous model, which means the latest CBR600RR weighs in at 155kg - making it more competitive with suzuki, yamaha and kawasaki's offering. The bike is now also shorter by 22mm (now 2 010mm) and honda has revised the machine's centre of gravity.
The result is a bike that is much more flipable and tighter in the bends.
I am the first to confess that I am no Lance Isaacs around the track, and not every CBR600RR buyer is. That's the beauty of the honda Superbike School, which comes free with the purchase of any honda Superbike.
This school includes an intensive full-day coaching session on Kyalami and other tracks to help you get the best out of your newly acquired bike. If the track is not your bag you can opt for the On-Road academy with on-road training for day-to-day riding.
The new 2007 CBR600RR is available in a variety of colours - Italian Red, Graphite Black, Candy Tahitian Blue and Pearl Sunbeam White - and retails for R86 999.
honda CBR600RR 2007 model features at a glance:
# Slimmer seat, compact tail cowl and lighter weight exhaust
# Longer hybrid aluminium swingarm
# New Ram Air duct in front cowl
# Raised handlebars (10mm) for easier riding
# New compact instrument panel
# HISS anti-theft immobiliser
# Slim profile line-beam headlights
# New low-lash transmission
# Smaller and lighter engine
# New 'airfoil' fairing.
# Adjustable 41mm inverted cartridge-type forks
# Lightweight hollow section rims
# Twin 210mm floating front disc brakes
# Electronic steering damper
# Longer aluminium swingarm
Source: http://www.wheels24.co.za/W...
issued: Monday, February 5, 2007
updated: Monday, February 5, 2007
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