2021 Honda CBR600RR First Look Preview

In late August, Honda revealed that it would release a highly revised 2021 CBR600RR to the Japanese market. The supersport goes on sale in Japan on September 25 at just over $15,000, with only 1,000 units planned for production at this time. With the supersport market lagging in Europe and America, and a price tag that would put the 600RR in liter-bike territory, Honda has opted not to release the bike to these regions for now.

But it’s not unreasonable to expect this bike to someday grace our shores, particularly if the platform proves to be a success with consumers in Japan. I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy.

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Honda hasn’t updated the stateside CBR600RR since 2013, so a refresh is long overdue for the platform here. The 2021 Japanese model would mark a huge step forward for the middleweight machine in America, with its thoroughly refreshed engine, revised bodywork, and state-of-the-art electronics.

The 2021 CBR600RR’s inline-four is claimed to produce nearly 120 hp, with peak power reached at a lofty 14,000 rpm. Honda revised the camshafts, crankshaft, and valve springs to reach its power goal, and also updated the intake system with a larger throttle bore and reshaped intake ports. Valve timing and exhaust components were also updated, as was the combustion chamber cooling system. A new throttle-by-wire system gives the rider a more precise feel at the bars as well.

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The bodywork is new, with revisions aimed at providing maximum aerodynamic efficiency. You’ll notice small winglets are a part of the package to provide additional downforce as well as stability in and out of corners.

The electronics package has various ride modes, torque control, Honda ABS 2, full LED lighting throughout, a TFT dash display, a slipper clutch, quickshifter, as well as an emergency stop system which flashes the hazards when the brakes are engaged suddenly.

Suspension components include an inverted Big Piston Fork and Pro Link setup out back, similar to the CBR600RR currently available in the USA. The braking package is similar as well.

The wheelbase is slightly longer than the American version at 54.1 inches, and weight is slightly up too at a claimed 427 pounds.

It’s a tricky market, since the improvements and amenities needed to revamp the class will always come with a price tag. But this could mark the start of a new wave of middleweight machines if consumers respond positively. It will be an interesting space to watch in the coming years.