The C-ABS version doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of riding supersport 2008 machine of the year, and it feels just the same to ride as the standard Honda CBR600RR, even on the track. The C-ABS stays in the background until you get into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in and will save your bacon, so sportsbike purists need not worry about the system getting it the way.
There are no changes to the 2009 Honda CBR600RR’s chassis: this is no bad thing as, like the engine, it’s class-leading. Stability in a straight line and through the corners is absolute, the suspension action and control is as fluid as pukka race kit and the standard model’s brakes are full of feel and power. This is a machine that loads you with confidence and flatters your riding like a Ducati 1098R. Honda’s optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS system is a thing of genius. In normal conditions the CBR works the same as a conventional machine, but in an emergency it takes over and stops the wheels from locking. It also distributes the braking between front and rear calipers to give maximum stability in all conditions.
The Honda CBR600RR comes with everything you need to hammer round the racetrack, including radial brakes, fully-adjustable suspension and an electronically-controlled, speed-sensitive steering damper. The only toy it’s missing is a slipper clutch. Add the C-ABS into the mix and it’s the complete package.
The CBR600RR is as rugged as a Tonka toy and built with the breathtaking precision of the finest Swiss watch. The build quality is superb, and the paint finish deep and flawless.
Honda’s CBR600RR is getting this graffitied zebra look for 2010, joining a range of refreshed colors that now includes:
- Graphite Black (Mono-Black)
- Graphite Black/Victory Red
- Pearl Sunbeam White/Tricolor
Only the non-ABS CBR gets the ‘Special Edition’ (Pearl Sunbeam White with bold graphics) as an option.
