It’s been away for more than six years, and we thought we’d never see it again. But Honda’s bringing back its legendary Honda CBR600 RR supersport machine to the European market – and the UK – with a full-on 2024-spec overhaul to the engine, chassis and electronic kit.
The basic engine layout remains as a 599cc inline-four 16-valve DOHC unit, making around 120bhp at 14,250rpm with 63Nm of torque at 11.500rpm. Bore and stroke are 67×42.5mm, compression is a relatively low 12.2:1 and it gets a slipper/assist clutch and standard quickshifter.
For the 2024 chassis package, there’s the familiar twin-spar aluminium frame design with dual-sided rear swingarm, Pro-Link Showa rear suspension and 41mm USD Big Piston Showa front forks. Tokico radial brakes and 310mm discs look after the stopping, and there’s also an ECU-controlled HESD steering damper.
The electronics are where the big changes are seen though. They’ve given the 2024 Honda CBR600 RR a comprehensive new rider aids package based round a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), as found in the current CBR1000RR Fireblade, and includes ride-by-wire fuel injection, five riding modes, cornering ABS, nine-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), wheelie control, rear lift control and emergency stop signals.
It’s all accessed via a full colour TFT LCD dashboard, and there’s also HISS security chip-in-key and LED lighting all round.
The styling is still very much a CBR600RR – we love to see the underseat exhaust system back again – but it’s been restyled to bring it up to date.
The main fairing looks much like the Fireblade, and also has hints of RC213V-S, as well as new aerodynamic winglets to improve downforce at speed and high-speed stability.
Tech highlights
- Inline four-cylinder engine produces 89kW with 63Nm torque
- Assist/slipper clutch
- RC213V-S-derived 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
- Twin-spar aluminium frame, aluminium swingarm
- 41mm Showa Big Piston USD forks
- Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD)
- Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs
- Best in class aerodynamic performance
- Winglets generate downforce to enhance front tyre grip
- Full colour TFT screen
HONDA ACCESSORY PACKS
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.
HRC Race Kit
HRC has developed a Race Kit for the CBR600RR that ups engine performance, heightens cornering ability and grip, and saves weight. Available to buy as a complete kit – 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.