2010 Honda CBR600RR / CBR600RR C-ABS Preview

Introduction

Although we received plenty of comments from riders unhappy about the direction in which Honda takes the look of their bikes, we’ll just go ahead and start with the basics in order to show that things aren’t as black as they appear to be. For instance, the middleweight CBR’s 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine w/DOHC; four valves per cylinder valve train remains the same competitive performer also thanks to Honda’s Dual Stage Fuel Injection system with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors. The bore and stroke of 67mm x 42.5mm allow for the same 12.2:1 compression ratio as on the previous model year. The gearbox and its settings are also unchanged, so this is the end of all hope for us to find something new to grab on.

2010 Honda CBR600RR

While the simple model weighs in at 410 pounds wet, the C-ABS model adds an extra 22 pounds to that, but, well worth braking performance as well. Because weight didn’t change, you can forget about new suspensions and brakes, but at least you’ll still be riding a mean machine with a 23.5-degree rake and 3.9 inches (97.7mm) trail.

History

Competition

2010 Yamaha YZF-R6

Yamaha has also already unveiled their 2010 R6 model and apart from the new, attractive colors and graphics, the CBR600RR contender is also supposed to offer more mid-range power thanks to a remapped ECU, revised YCC-I intake funnels and airbox as well as a new, 100mm longer exhaust.

Suzuki and Kawasaki are still keen on the 2009 model years, so we reckon these two models won’t see more tweaks than the R6 does in 2010.

Exterior

2010 Honda CBR600RR

Because neither the engine nor the chassis feature any changes, we’re left with 2010’s bold new graphics and we must say these aren’t too ecstatic either. Replacing the 2009 “Phoenix” paint job is the "Leyla" scheme, which I’m not sure if it tries to imitate a woman during orgasm, but it achieves that very well. There’s also the Pearl Orange/Black color scheme for those who want to skip the part with them explaining to the wife what’s with that woman painted on a brand new motorcycle. I can even hear her saying: “Honda doesn’t do that, you had that made especially for you.” And the thing is that Honda does drift away from their tradition. It’s enough to see such kind of a paint job on the same aggressive and aerodynamic fairing to see what’s happening there.

2010 Honda CBR600RR

A single Red/Black color scheme is available for the 2010 Honda CBR600RR C-ABS model, so at least this remains in some kind of accordance with what Honda got riders used to.

Conclusion

Because we’re not in measure to recommend Honda or any other manufacturer to get their ideas straight, do that or the other thing, we’re just expressing our disappointment regarding their color schemes and graphics. Better said, painting women on bikes isn’t cool if you’re a manufacturer renown around the world. That’s mainly for owners going through a divorce and still being in the denial faze.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Honda CBR600RR

Engine and Transmission

Engine Type: 599cc 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 3-D mapping
Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #525 O-ring chain

Chassis and Dimensions

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; Honda Combined ABS
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase: 53.9 inches
Rake: 23.5o
Trail: 97.7mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Curb Weight: 410 pounds (CBR600RR) / 432 pounds (CBR600RR C-ABS)

Other

Colors: CBR600RR: Pearl Orange/Black, Leyla
CBR600RR C-ABS: Red/Black

Features & Benefits

2010 Honda CBR600RR

New for 2010