The racing inspired trend towards radial mounted calipers has also claimed the CBR600RR with the 2005 model scoring trick new radial mounted four-piston calipers. New inverted cartridge forks grace the front of the machine and provide the new radial mounting points for the calipers.

A new front cowl incorporates the air intakes to make the new CBR600RR closely resemble the latest CBR1000RR Fireblade. A shorter tail cowl and new matte black side covers round out the styling changes. Some owners had complained that the paint finish on the tank of their CBR600RRs was too easily scuffed and Honda have recognised this shortcoming by coating the tank on the 2005 model with some healthy coats of clear lacquer.