Another week, and another Honda CBR600RR-R rumor. Well…to be fair, this is only our second rumor concerning the Japanese supersport machine, but if things continue forward, we can expect a lot more coming from the rumor mill on this one.
This week’s edition sees us still talking Honda working on a CBR600RR-R model, and that it will be ready in time for the 2021 model year (one assumes that the coronavirus has not disrupted this timetable).
But, things have been taken one step further, with an unveiling date being discussed in the far corners of the internet. Namely, the Honda CBR600RR-R is set for an October debut.
While the timing in October could mean an INTERMOT unveiling in Germany, rumors are saying that an unveiling at the Thai GP round is slated for the Honda CBR600RR-R.
That right there gives us some pause, as the future of the MotoGP Championship is so uncertain, that to rely on it for a global launch of a motorcycle is big ask for any rumor.
MotoGP does seem set for a mid-summer restart, likely with an opening round in Europe. Whether or not MotoGP leaves the European continent is still a matter up for debate though, and dates in October, November, and December come with the disclaimer that no one knows what is going to happen with the coronavirus when the colder months return to the northern hemisphere.
The Thai GP is a curious point for Honda to pick for a bike launch in the first place, when the bike in question is going to be likely the most expensive 600cc supersport machine the motorcycle industry has ever seen.
There won’t be too many Thai purchases of the Honda CBR600RR-R if/when it reaches dealerships – it is just not a model of motorcycle that is going to perform well in Southeast Asia.
We would expect a launch in Japan, Europe, or the United States, because of sales reasons alone. That’s not to say that events in other markets, like Thailand wouldn’t happen, we just wouldn’t expect them to be the official unveiling point.
With so much uncertainty in the world just generally, it is hard to decipher fact from fiction on any motorcycle rumor right now. It is also hard to judge what is happening behind the scenes in terms of product planning.
We know that some brands are forging ahead in 2020 and 2021, as if there will be no economic fallout from the coronavirus and global recession. Other brands are looking at the coming years in the same way they looked at 2008 and 2009, and scaling back all but the most essential activities.
Where does the Honda CBR600RR-R fit in all of this? Only time will tell.
Source: Visordown & WebBikeWorld
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