The 2021 Honda CBR600RR Officially Debuts with 120hp, IMU Electronics, Wings, & More

After a bit of teasing, the new Honda CBR600RR is finally here, and with it comes a few surprises.

Because of Honda’s teasers, we already knew that this machine would be an overhaul of the current model, using the same chassis and basic engine architecture as the American-sold Honda CBR600RR.

Photos and video though confirmed that the bike would get a facelift, most notably with winglets installed to the front fairing, and that a robust electronics package would be added to the mix, to help things feel modern on this aging beast.

Also, we already knew that the late-2020 arrival would sadly not be coming to the North American or European markets, being likely a Japan-only model, though some sales in other parts of Asia could happen as well.

Now that Big Red is spilling the beans on the new Honda CBR600RR, we can see that there are a few items about this supersport that we didn’t know about.

The biggest change is the power: 120hp (89 kW), which is a sizable bump off the outgoing model’s peak power figure, and puts the Honda CBR600RR squarely in the range of the class-leading Yamaha YZF-R6.

Honda makes this leap by increasing the 599cc inline-four engine’s redline, which is now 14,000 rpm.

In order increase the revolutions, the four-cylinder motor had to be overhauled, with Honda changing the materials used for the camshafts, valve springs, and crankshaft.

Additionally, both the intake and exhaust efficiency were increased, namely by enlarging the diameter of the throttle bore and reshaping the inlet port for the intake system; optimizing the size and thickness of different parts of the exhaust pipes for the exhaust system; and changing the valve timing.

With that extra horsepower came new heat management requirements, as such the new CBR600RR sees the cooling efficiency in the combustion chamber, and area around the exhaust valve seat, increased through the reshaping of the water jacket for the cylinder head.

On the electronics side, Honda has implemented an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to help with the ABS and traction control systems. A ride-by-wire throttle has also been added, and includes selectable riding modes. The 2021 Honda CBR600RR will also have wheelie control as well as engine braking control.

Though the 2021 Honda CBR600RR borrows heavily from the previous model’s chassis design, there are some subtle differences. The rake (23.9° vs. 34°) and trail (100mm vs. 97.7mm) have been increased, which has also led to the wheelbase being longer (1,375mm vs. 1,370mm).

The curb weight is now 428 lbs (194 kg), which is a big bump from the 417 lbs (189kg) before, and doesn’t compare well to the curb weight of the Yamaha YZF-R6, which is 419 lbs (190kg).

As we have already mentioned, Honda has also included winglets on the new CBR600RR, though the Japanese brand isn’t getting too specific on how much downforce the aerodynamic aids generate.

Other nice specs include LED lights all around, a TFT dash, and a slipper-assist clutch. Honda says that an up/down quickshifter is available as an optional item as well.

Available in Japan only, starting on September 25th, 2020, the new Honda CBR600RR will cost ¥1,606,000 with taxes included. For those doing the math Stateside, that’s just a touch over $15,000 USD.

Technical Specifications for the 2020 Honda CBR600RR (Japan):

Source: Honda Japan