2009 Honda CBR600RR/ABS Preview

"Honda finds yet another way to amaze with the help of the CBR600RR. In fact, they launch a whole new model called the CBR600RR ABS which represents the result of some bright minds in Honda’s technical department."

Introduction

2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS

As the title says, the new bike aims at rider safety and complete thrust while piloting so the great addition is the brand new Combined ABS system which is electronically controlled not only for adjusting the braking power, but to prevent the wheels from locking as well as delivering optimum front and rear braking power.

Of course that Honda didn’t want to take the gestation off the rider so the system takes in consideration the supersport bikes characteristics and only makes a difference in the very last moment, just when the rider starts thinking about falling as strategically as possible. Honda claims that ABS and CBS functions will be offered as standard and they will intervene without outbalancing the new bike.

The 2009 model year, named Honda CBR 600 RR ABS, will be 10kg heavier than the present year’s model, a bike that weighs 184kg with fluids. The power to weight ratio is, indeed, a little bit affected, but the “sacrifice” is well worth from safety reasons.

Exclude that and the bike is mechanically unchanged except some slight modifications to the cylinder heads and the exhaust. It results in greater torque in the 8000-12000 rpm range, so the power to weight ratio we mentioned about won’t have that much to suffer after all.

Competition

But as much as Honda or any other manufacturer would work to improve a model, you know that the competition coming strong from behind them is what keeps motivation rushing. And in this case, Honda has reasons to worry as Yamaha delivers the 2009 YZF-R6 practically as a race bike with headlights and mirrors. Packed with one-off features such as the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) and YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake) fuel injection system supplying the 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four; DOHC, 16 valves engine with gas, the R6 is definitely up to Honda’s 2009 challenge. Further more, the racing design is very attractive and the price accessible although the highest in this class (it varies from $9,990 to $10,190) if we exclude the ABS-equipped Honda.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600

Suzuki’s 2009 GSX-R600 is also built around a compact and lightweight 599cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four; DOHC, 16-valves engine that is fuel injected for the strongest and yet smoothest power delivery. Also a more aggressive bike for 2009, I would position Suzuki right in between Yamaha’s hunger for power and Honda’s taste for style. And the price tag of $9,799 confirms my saying.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

Kawasaki also prices its middleweight supersport bike, the simple Ninja ZX-6R at $9,799, but offers a Monster Energy version which raises the MSRP to $9,999. Both bikes are powered by a 599cc liquid-cooled, inline-four; DOHC, 16 valves motor and I dare to say that the 2009 Ninja ZX-6R looks better than its bigger sibling, the 2009 Ninja ZX-10R.

As you could suppose there is some stiff competition, but nothing that the 2009 Honda CBR600RR and especially the ABS model couldn’t manage.

Exterior

2009 Honda CBR600RR

Notice how we’ve mentioned something about every bike’s looks? Well, that’s important in the supersport middleweight class not only because the image sells, but because aerodynamics improve lap times and offer proper wind protection to the rider at high speeds.

Referring to the CBR600RR, we would have to say that this bike features new, racier bodywork that is sleeker, more aggressive and improves aerodynamics as aimed in this class. Though not radically different from the previous model year and not at all similar to the CBR1000RR, as many anticipated, it does indeed represent a step further for the Japanese manufacturer. Imagine how the CBR600RR and the CBR600RR ABS would have looked like after suffering the dramatic redesign in the Fireblade style. No, thanks, that only works in the liter class.

In opposition to the biggest CBR, the 600 features a more complicated designed fairing, at least on the sides, while its highest point (literally) is the top of the windscreen. That is normal on all bikes, no matter category, you will say and I couldn’t agree more, only that in this case the rear end almost meets the same height with the windscreen. That is not something you see every day!

On the sides, the sleek fairing blends in with the gas tank creating an overall compact feel which stands for the way that this bike is engineered. Also, the decals contribute to that as they stretch over the fairing, gas tank and tail. The middle section features durable materials that are matte black colored, no matter the paint scheme you choose. That is because the rider’s legs are located there and the constant movement that sport riding implies damage the shiny paint with time. Not on the 2009 CBR600RR, I must say. Even the rider and passenger pegs are matte black painted.

The seat, perfectly integrated between the tank again and the tail, is positioned in an almost horizontal position, allowing the rider to spend more time on it without complaining about lower back and arms fatigue. At the rear end, the dominating unit is that under-seat exhaust.

Available in a range of attractive colors (Red / Black, Black / Bright Green Metallic, Metallic Black, Phoenix, †Pearl White / Pearl Blue / Red) and awesome graphics, at least on the Pearl White one, the 2009 Honda CBR600RR is easy to be distinguished. Easy to be confused though is the 2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS model which gets the Red / Black, Metallic Black color schemes.

Price

Although refined, next year’s middleweight CBR comes with a manufacturer’s retail price of just $9,799 for the simple model. Add the C-ABS system to that and you’re in for an MSRP of as much as $10,799. Is it worth it? We can only wait for a test ride with this bike and share our impressions with you.

Conclusion

Honda has definitely succeeded our expectations for 2009 as we were by now starting to wonder what more could this model end up featuring. The answer was probably the easiest to give, but the hardest to put in practice given to the specific category: ABS! We’re expecting the rest of the Japanese crowd to follow up the evolution of the Honda CBR600RR ABS.

---

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Honda CBR600RR

Displacement: 599cc
Engine: liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 67mm x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio: 12.2:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #525 O-ring chain

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Honda CBR600RR

Suspension Front: 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs
Rear: Single 220mm disc
CBR600RR ABS: Honda electronic Combined ABS
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 23.5o
Trail: 97.7mm (3.86 inches)
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Curb Weight*: 410 pounds(432 pounds CBR600RR ABS)

Features

New for 2009

Increased mid-range power.

New bodywork for a sleek, race-ready look.

New lightweight turn signals.

Radial-mounted monoblock four-piston front calipers.

CBR600RR ABS equipped with patented, electronically controlled Combined ABS, delivering the benefits of Combined Braking System (CBS) and the benefits of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Exciting new colors: Red/Black, Black/Bright Green Metallic, Metallic Black, Phoenix, Pearl White/Pearl Blue/Red (2009 special color†).

Unique Features

Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).

Dual Stage Fuel Injection System (PGM-DSFI) features two injectors per cylinder (see Technology Section).

MotoGP-derived Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) (see Technology Section).

High-revving engine redlines at 15,000 rpm.

MotoGP-style center-up exhaust system.

41mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) inverted front fork (see Technology Section).

Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization for a more compact frame design.

Line-beam headlights feature three-piece multi -reflector design.

Engine/Drivetrain

Liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 599cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine features oversquare bore and stroke of 67mm x 42.5mm.

Idle-Air Control Valve (IACV) minimizes torque reaction and smoothes response to small throttle changes through gradual reductions of air and fuel intake.

Oil jets located beneath the pistons for extra friction reduction and cooling.

Iridium-tip spark plugs improve fuel combustion and performance.

Non-resonance knock sensor maintains optimum spark advance while constantly monitoring combustion performance during mid- to high-rpm operation.

Nose-mounted, two-stage ram-air system provides high volume of cool air to the airbox for linear power delivery and incredible engine performance.

Lightweight magnesium head cover.

Cylinder head features angled valve insets to improve airflow.

Cylinder head features two springs per intake valve and one spring per exhaust valve for optimum high-rpm valve operation and durability.

Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation ensures high-rpm performance and durability with 16,000-mile maintenance intervals.

Lightweight, forged-aluminum pistons incorporate special shot peening for added strength.

Nutless connecting rods contribute to reduced weight and quicker acceleration.

Light neodymium magnet ACG.

Lightweight stainless-steel four-into-one exhaust features inline-exhaust valve to control exhaust pressure for increased performance.

Double-pivot tensioner for cam-chain durability.

Smooth-shifting close-ratio six-speed transmission with ratios closely matched to the engine’s powerband.

Chassis/Suspension

Hollow Fine Die-Cast (DC) frame uses four large castings for ultra light weight (see Technology Section).

Light aluminum steering stem.

41mm inverted HMAS cartridge front fork features spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability for precise suspension tuning (see Technology Section).

Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).

Radial-mounted monoblock four-piston front calipers feature chromium-plated aluminum pistons and squeeze lightweight 310mm floating discs in front and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper for exceptional stopping power.

Vertical-piston master-cylinder system produces superior leverage ratio at the front brake lever for higher braking efficiency, excellent feel, and controllability. This layout permits the use of a longer brake lever, which means more braking force with less effort from the rider.

CBR600RR ABS features Honda’s electronic Combined ABS. This all-new ECM-controlled, hydraulically actuated system provides accurate braking force distribution to both wheels. ABS is controlled by a hydro-electronic unit and stroke simulator to ensure precise operation. Benefits include consistent lever pressure without the pulsing often associated with ABS systems. Application of rear brake does not result in immediate front brake activation unless lock-up is sensed, allowing an experienced rider to use rear brake in a normal manner during spirited riding. Combined ABS components are smaller and lighter than conventional hydraulic ABS designs, and have been located closer to the center of the machine, enhancing mass centralization and reducing unsprung weight.

Additional Features

Industry-leading ergonomic design features maximum rider comfort for minimum fatigue in all riding conditions.

Centrally mounted 4.8-gallon fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization and allowing a more compact design.

Plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.

Line-beam headlights feature three-piece multi - reflector design utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and a unique compact design.

Instrumentation is very compact and features LCD panel with tachometer, odometer, twin tripmeters, speedometer, fuel gauge and clock.

Attractive, hollow-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels feature race-spec 3.5 x 17.0-inch front and 5.5 x 17.0-inch rear dimensions.

One-piece fan assembly for maximum cooling efficiency.

Maintenance-free battery.

Compact rear-cowl storage compartment for U-type locking devices under the passenger seat (lock not included).

Pivoting, aerodynamic mirrors.

Integrated ignition-switch/fork lock for added security.

Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.

credit: www.topspeed.com