Forget the GSX-R and R6, this CBR is the ultimate 600

A HONDA CBR600 that costs £17,000 might sound a bit pricey – but its maker reckons this one’s a bargain.

And as that maker is the Castrol Honda World Supersport team, and the cost of the parts and labour adds up to nearly £25,000, they could be right.

The bike is identical in specification to the World Supersport CBR600 that Chris Vermeulen raced in 2001 – taking 5th place at Misano. The perfect machine for prospective racers and the ultimate track day machine.

” These bikes really are identical to the 2001 racers, every component is brand new and ready to race ” said Castrol Honda spokesman Chris Herring. ” The idea is to make it a bit easier for Honda customers to get a competitive machine for the race track. ”

Prepared by Belgium tuner Mike DeHollinder, the same tuner Castrol use, these machines now redline at a whopping 15,500 rpm and make an incredible 128bhp at the rear wheel, the same as a stock GSX-R750.

The suspension, too, has been treated to the full Supersport makeover. K-Tech has revalved the forks while the rear end is taken care of by an Ohlins unit. There’s an Ohlins steering damper steadying the front end while a full Arrow race system allows the engine to perform to its full potential.

Each bike comes complete with two sets of wheels, Renthal sprockets and every important component lock-wired ready to pass scrutinering.

Full carbon-fibre bodywork, mudguards and seat unit keep the weight down to the minimum allowed, a feather weight 168kg (370lb). You also get a load of technical back-up from the team as well as the chance to attend a special test day.

If you are serious about your racing, or just want the very best 600 money can buy, Castrol Honda are based in Louth and can be contacted on 01507 605843. We’ll be riding one of these bikes soon, so keep checking back for details of how it performs. A full report will be in MCN soon.