Honda CBR600RR

How much does the CBR600RR cost in France?

Honda France sells the CBR600RR for €11,699, in two colours at the same price: Grand Prix Red, the HRC tricolour livery, and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic. Its configurator still lists it as the 2024 model year, the one that marked its return to Europe, with no announced change since. There is only one version, with no 35 kW variant for the A2 licence. In the UK, MCN quoted £10,499 at launch.

Honda offers two accessory packs: the Racing Pack (seat cowl, wheel stripes, tank pad, HRC oil filler cap) and the Touring Pack (seat bag, heated grips, USB-C socket). A track-only HRC race kit is also available.

Why is it called a comeback?

Launched in 2003 with styling inspired by the RC211V MotoGP bike, the CBR600RR won the World Supersport championship every year from 2003 to 2008, then in 2010, 2012 and 2014, and its engine powered the Moto2 class from 2010 to 2018, Honda points out. Yet it left European showrooms in early 2017 without being updated for Euro 4, just as buyers were turning away from sports bikes towards naked and adventure models.

Honda relaunched it in Japan and Thailand for the 2021 model year: according to Honda Japan, that version claimed 121 PS at 14,000 rpm, 64 Nm and 194 kg, with winglets, ride-by-wire, a five-axis IMU and an optional quickshifter. The European CBR600RR, unveiled in November 2023, builds on it with a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS and a standard quickshifter.

How good is the engine?

The 599 cc inline four (67 x 42.5 mm, 12.2:1 compression) makes 121 hp (89 kW) at 14,250 rpm and 63 Nm at 11,500 rpm. To cope with those revs, Honda upgraded the camshafts, valve springs and crankshaft; the throttle bodies grow to 44 mm, the intake ports are reshaped and the valve timing is shifted by 5°. The 4-2-1 exhaust, still tucked under the seat, gets a larger catalyst for Euro 5 approval (with OBD2-2 diagnostics, Honda France says; the British press calls it Euro 5+). The assist/slipper clutch cuts lever effort by 32%, and the standard two-way quickshifter offers three levels of adjustment.

Like any 600 supersport, this engine lives high in the rev range. Motorrad puts the sweet spot between 10,000 and 15,000 rpm, Visordown says all the fun happens above 10,000 rpm, and BikeSocial, Moto-Net and Le Repaire des Motards note a flat spot around 7,000 rpm. The gearbox and quickshifter, on the other hand, win everyone over: Visordown calls the shifter faultless.

What electronics does it get?

The Fireblade-derived ride-by-wire throttle works with a Bosch six-axis IMU that manages HSTC torque control (9 levels), wheelie control (3 levels), cornering ABS and rear lift control. Three preset modes (Fast, Fun and Comfortable Riding) and two custom modes combine five power levels, three engine-braking levels, wheelie control and HSTC. The colour TFT offers Street, Circuit and Mechanic displays, a shift light and a lap timer. An electronic steering damper (HESD), emergency stop signal and HISS immobiliser complete the package; there is no cruise control and no smartphone connectivity.

MCN, AMCN and BikeSocial, who rode it in the rain at Portimão, found these aids very reassuring. Motorrad, however, found the wheelie control inconsistent over the track’s crests, and Caradisiac regrets having to stop to change settings.

How does it handle?

The hollow die-cast aluminium twin-spar frame carries over from the previous generation; the aluminium swingarm is 150 g lighter. Wheelbase is 1,370 mm, rake 24°06’ and trail 100 mm. The 41 mm Showa Big Piston upside-down fork, 15 mm longer to allow geometry adjustments, and the Showa Unit Pro-Link shock are fully adjustable (120 and 128 mm of travel). Up front, twin 310 mm floating discs are gripped by radial four-piston calipers, made by Tokico according to the press. The bike weighs 193 kg ready to ride, against 196 kg for the 2013 Combined ABS version according to Honda, which also claims the best drag coefficient in class (0.555 with the rider tucked in) and winglets that add stability as you come off the brakes.

Agility and precision are unanimously praised: Motorrad sees it dance from corner to corner, Visordown believes none of today’s twin- and triple-cylinder sports bikes can match its handling, and Moto-Net praises a precise front end and great stability. MCN finds the brakes powerful but slightly spongy at the lever; BikeSocial finds the shock firm on the road, while 1000PS thinks the suspension is a little soft for the track.

Fuel consumption and maintenance

Honda claims 5.5 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle (128 g/km of CO2). With 18 litres of fuel, the theoretical range is close to 325 km; no review publishes a measured figure. The owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 12,000 km or every year, an oil filter every 24,000 km, a valve clearance check at 36,000 km and new spark plugs at 48,000 km. The two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty can be extended year by year up to six years if the bike is serviced within the Honda network.

Recalls

One recall directly affects this model year: abnormal oil consumption can lower the oil level without the rider noticing, damage the connecting-rod bearings, lock the rear wheel or start a fire if oil reaches the silencer. Announced by Honda in December 2025, it has been listed on the French RappelConso site since January 2026 (SR/00036/26). Honda France has the bikes transported to approved repair centres in Europe; in the United States, NHTSA says the engine is replaced. According to Motorrad, Honda blames the surface finish of the cylinders, and 1,933 2024 CBR600RRs were registered in Germany. Another recall, published in 2024 for the fuel pump, only concerns 2018 CBR600RRs.

Which rivals?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (€11,699, 124 hp) is the only other four-cylinder in this class, with 37 cc more. The Yamaha R9 (€13,999) relies on an 890 cc triple, while the Aprilia RS 660 (€11,900), Triumph Daytona 660 (€9,795) and Suzuki GSX-8R (€8,999 on offer until 31 October 2026, €9,999 list price) are more road-oriented sports bikes. The R9, RS 660 and Daytona 660 are available in A2 versions.

Who is it for?

With 89 kW, the CBR600RR requires a full A licence and Honda offers no restricted version. It is aimed at experienced riders who do track days and accept a committed riding position; on the road, the peaky engine and minimal wind protection call for compromises. For a more versatile bike, Honda also sells the CBR650R, whose peak torque arrives 2,000 rpm lower and which comes in an A2 version.