Honda CBR600RR (2009-current)

Honda didn’t really need to tweak the 107bhp, in-line-four-cylinder 599cc motor as it’s a gem in the first place, with a powerful, screaming top-end and a decent dollop of mid-range. The engine is especially effective at delivering incredible performance, thanks to the Honda’s lack of all-up weight (it’s the lightest of all the 600s). The Honda CBR600RR’s motor is already more flexible than the ’08 Kawasaki ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 K8 and ’08 Yamaha R6, but the tweaks to the engine and exhaust have made it even nicer to live with.

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. Compare and buy products for the Honda CBR600RR in the MCN Shop.