2013 Honda CBR600RR: bold new headlights

Sales have collapsed in the 600cc supersport market worldwide, virtually halting development. The R6 is now seven years old, this year's new ZX-6R might have TC and 636cc, but is otherwise just a facelift of the old version and the GSX-R is over half a decade old too. For its sixth birthday, Honda is giving the CBR600RR new headlights and BPF forks.

Straight from Big Red's mouth, updates to the CBR are: - Redesigned, centrally located ram-air intake system and improved ECU and PGM-DSFI setting deliver more power in the midrange and enhanced throttle response in the high-rpm range. - New 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) features a larger damper piston that generates damping forces at lower internal pressures to allow for smoother, more responsive fork action. Adjustable for spring preload plus compression and rebound damping adjustability. - Unit Pro-Link® rear suspension features a revised shock with new damper settings for improved overall performance. - Using knowledge gained from the Honda RC212V MotoGP race program, aerodynamic improvements were made to this newest CBR600RR, which shows a 6.5 percent decrease in drag over the previous model. The development and testing used with this all-new CBR600RR bodywork, in turn, led to aerodynamic advancements that have been incorporated into the current RC213V MotoGP racing machine. - This newly found aerodynamic efficiency lends itself to more agile handling and improved wind deflection for enhanced rider comfort. - Repsol Edition racing colors available for the first time ever on the CBR600RR (standard model only). - Standard model available in Red, Repsol Edition or White/Blue/Red. C-ABS model available in Red only. In-person, the new lights and more abrupt fairing actually look stunning. Those lights slant inwards, helping direct air into the central ram-air intake. The overall look is aggressive, but clean and has a distinct air of SciFi too it. I could easily see the 600RR playing an evil-natured robot in some dystopian future. gallery link

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