2007 HONDA CBR600RR - Page 2
By, Trevor Hedge

While Honda went to great lengths to make a dimensionally much smaller engine it goes without saying that a similar amount of effort was spent on ensuring the output was anything but smaller. Honda claim that the power delivery is stronger throughout the entire rev range with a major improvement in the useful 7,000 to 10,000rpm range.

The new engine achieves a claimed peak of 88.1kW (118hp) at 13,500rpm with 66Nm of torque peaking at 11,250rpm. Generally the power claims of Japanese manufacturers are to be treated as fantasy but it is interesting to note that Honda are not being overly bold with their claims for the 2007 model.

Another figure that normally more resembles fantasy than reality is of course dry weight. Honda are quoting a dry figure of 155kg and a ready to ride kerb weight of 184kg which if they ring true will be an impressive achievement for the manufacturer who of late have had the heaviest sportsbikes in each class. The differences have never really been all that significant to riders that are not A grade road racers.

A knock sensor is also integrated into the sophisticated engine management for 2007. The sensor maintains optimum spark advance in all conditions and automatically adjusts to compensate for any deficiencies in fuel quality.

The new transmission is claimed to offer greatly reduced driveline lash with reverse tapered shift dogs providing for more positive shifting.

The inverted 41mm forks introduced on the 2005 CBR600RR continue for 2007 and for me that sounds like a plus as the 2005/06 machine’s front end was simply outstanding. The Unit Pro-Link rear suspension design is also carried over to the 2007 model. The CBR600RR handled brilliantly with that suspension set-up before and the fact that same suspension now has 8kg less to suspend means that performance should also be improved in that area.

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