2013 Honda CBR600RR - First Ride Street Impression - Motorcycle.com

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Before we get into the few new nuts and bolts comprising Honda’s 2013 mid-displacement supersport, let’s put into context what the Red Wing has already accomplished this year. Introducing seven new models for 2013 ( CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X, CB1100, Gold Wing F6B, CTX700 and CTX700N) is no small achievement, and Honda keeps hinting there’s more to come.

Considering the time necessary for planning, developing, testing, constructing, etc., the process of creating these models began years ago. That many of these bikes are geared toward new-to-intermediate riders is no mistake. Honda’s making concerted efforts to entice as many people as possible to participate in the sport of motorcycling – a revisiting of the “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” strategy from 50 years ago.

The cost of Honda’s new-rider focus is being levied upon the established enthusiasts of the sport, especially those of the 600cc sportbike variety. In recent memory OEMs were minting brand new 600s every four years, but the collapse of our world financial system and its lingering effects on everything from unemployment to motorcycle sales (600cc sportbike sales remain at historical lows) have created dire consequences and the CBR600RR is a prime example.

First time ever for a CBR600RR to wear Repsol livery. New, 12-spoke wheels from the CBR1000RR are sharp looking and are said to help improve handling.
Instrument cluster remains the same as last year, meaning, still no GPI, but the fuel gauge is a handy reference for street riders.

Four years after the original CBR600RR model’s introduction, the 2007 CBR600RR was an all-new bike featuring a redesigned engine, frame and bodywork. The new model handily won our 2008 SuperSport Shootout against the 600s from Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and the 675 Triple from Triumph, but Honda’s flagship 600 supersport has since been only revised and so it remains with the 2013 model.

For 2013 the 600RR features more aerodynamic, MotoGP-inspired bodywork with a redesigned, centrally located ram-air intake system, a new Showa 41mm Big Piston Fork, and a revised shock with new damping settings. According to Honda, the aerodynamic advantages of the CBR’s new skin (a 6.5% decrease in drag) is the result of knowledge gained from the RC212V. While testing the CBR600RR, Honda found it had developed even more advanced aerodynamic improvements that were, in turn, incorporated into the RC213V.

The redesigned fairing once again allows the engine to be seen, unlike last year’s CBR (left) that covered the entire engine bay, harkening back to early model CBRs of the late ’80s and early ’90s.

The revised ram-air intake in conjunction with an improved ECU and fuel injection settings have reportedly increased mid-range power on the RR as well as enhancing throttle response at high revs. The larger damper piston inside the Showa BPF fork reduces internal pressures for more responsive fork action, while the new damper settings in the rear shock are said to improve overall performance.

What may have been overlooked is the fact that this year’s 600RR is marginally less expensive than its 2012 predecessor: $11,490 vs $11,540, respectively. A Repsol version that’s never before been offered on a 600cc CBR is available ($11,990) as is a C-ABS version that’s also $50 less than last year’s C-ABS-equipped bike.

The C-ABS comes only on the all-red model. The technology increases the CBR’s price by $1,000, but it is one of the most sublime ABS systems on the market.

We’ll forego any the subjective commentary on the CBR’s new look and let you decide for yourself as YouTube viewers of the above video have already been robustly discussing: “Ugliest 600RR of all times,” “I own a 2003 Honda CBR600RR and love it, but this new one is fugly!,” “Repsol one looks good,” “It's a great looking nod to the past.”

The new 41mm BPF fork is fully adjustable and soaks up road imperfections better than the old legs.

What’s most important on the new CBR is its Big Piston Fork. While not a new technology, the change is a welcome one to a bike we lauded in in our 2011 SuperSport Shootout as having “a perfectly damped fork and shock for the technical but bumpy Streets of Willow.”

Our brief street ride, including back-to-back stints on both 2013 and 2012 models, verified that the CBR’s front end is now even better at absorbing some of the harshest blacktop imperfections. Braking hard into a corner with minimal suspension travel left to cope with the ripples and cracks in the pavement, the Big Piston Fork was better able to absorb these sudden jolts than the 2012’s stanchions. Coupling with the shock’s revised settings only improves the CBR’s back-road prowess.

The C-ABS unit resides behind this faux carbon fiber cover. The unit increases the CBR’s weight by 22 pounds (410 lbs wet vs 432 lbs wet), but on the street you’d never know it’s there until you really need it.

As far as some of Honda’s other claims such as improved mid-range power and aerodynamic drag, we’ll have to wait until the upcoming track ride in couple week’s time and when we can strap one to a dyno.

Honda’s C-ABS is one of the best sportbike ABS systems we’ve sampled. Its function gives new meaning to the term transparency. Sure, it costs $1k more than the standard model (and it only comes on the all-red CBR), but if it helps you avoid a trip to the emergency room then it’s money well spent. It’s a technology we prefer having on the street, but it’s no excuse for not having a slipper clutch or traction control or even a GPI.

Quick Comparison Chart
MSRPSlipper ClutchABSTraction ControlBig Piston ForksRide ModesSteering Damper
Kawasaki ZX-6R ABS$12,699xxxxx
Kawasaki ZX-6R$11,699x xxx
Honda CBR600RR C-ABS$12,490 x x x
Honda CBR600RR $11,499 x x
Suzuki GSX-R600$12,699x xxx
Yamaha YZF-R6$12,699x
Tom’s Kit: Alpinestars sent us a new Motegi leather suit from its spring collection. The two-piece suit is great for street riding because the jacket is easily removed from the pants. Also useful for track days, the 1.3mm full-grain leather suit features CE-certified protectors on the elbows, shoulders and knees. Retail price: $800.

While not a new model, the 2013 Honda CBR600RR is slightly improved for slightly less money. Compared to a few of its competitors, it’s missing some of the current technological catch phrases like TC and Ride Modes. But for purists not wanting electronic intrusion in their riding, and considering its quick and stable handling characteristics both on the street and track, the mid-displacement CBR could be the motorcycle of choice for many enthusiasts.

2013 Honda CBR600RR Specs
MSRP$11,490 - $12,490
Horsepower97.0 hp @ 14,400 rpm (measured in 2011)
Torque42.4 ft-lb @ 11,100 (measured in 2011)
Engine Capacity599cc
Engine TypeLiquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore x Stroke67.0mm x 42.5mm
Compression12.2:1
Fuel SystemProgrammed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
TransmissionClose-ratio 6-speed
Final Drive525 O-ring-sealed chain
FrameTwin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension41mm inverted Big Piston Fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel
Rear SuspensionUnit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Front BrakesDual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 310mm discs
Rear BrakesSingle-caliper 220mm disc
Front Tire120/70ZR-17
Rear Tire180/55ZR-17
seat Height32.3 in
Wheelbase53.9 in
Rake/Trail23.5°/97.7mm (3.9 inches)
Curb Weight410 or 432 lbs (C-ABS)
Fuel Capacity4.8 gal
ElectronicsOptional Honda Electronic Combined ABS
ColorsRed, Repsol Edition, White/Blue/Red
WarrantyOne year, unlimited mileage

Related Reading
2011 Supersport Shootout: Street - Video
2011 Supersport Shootout: Track - Video
2011 Middleweight Sportbike Shootout: Street - Video
2009 Honda CBR600RR C-ABS Review
2011 Naked Middleweights Shootout

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

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