From its compact, sharply angular nose to its sleekly curved tail, the new CBR600RR exudes the look of a future champion in the making. Every curve in its startling new form is the direct result of a new 'True to Function' design theme that guided its development team in stripping away everything not directly applicable to pure function and measurable improvements in performance. From nose to tail cowl, every piece of bodywork and related hardware was refined and redesigned with the goal of achieving unprecedented advances in mass centralisation and air management, not to mention improvements in the CBR's power-to-weight ratio, for maximised overall performance on the street and on the track. The result is a total combination of chassis and bodywork design that has been dramatically lightened in look, positioning of mass and actual weight in the creation of an incredibly lightweight and compact new Super Sports leader.

Dramatic New Airfoil Styling

The new CBR600RR's stunning bodywork sets a new precedent in Super Sports design with a large gap of separation visible between the front upper cowl and the fairing's side cowls. This design innovation is based on air management design borrowed from the wings and fins used on both fighter planes and Formula One racers to more efficiently direct air around and through its more compact form while giving visual expression to the aerodynamic functionality of its wind tunnel-tested fins.

Improved Mass Centralisation

Exceptional efforts made in the quest for improved mass centralisation and lighter weight at the CBR's extremities led to significant reductions in size and weight of nearly all the motorcycle's main components, from its new front cowl to its lighter and more compact centre-up exhaust silencer and surrounding seat cowl.

For a start, the shape of the front upper cowl is now more compact, with its nose and surrounding form repositioned 30mm rearward and closer to the steering head for reduced inertial influence on turning and cornering response. The new lower cowl has also been made more compact, and now more closely surrounds the exhaust headers reaching down under the engine to direct airflow for more effective cooling while visually emphasising the CBR's improved aerodynamics. This slimmer form also extends to the radiator, which is now 40mm narrower in width and 33mm longer in height for more compact proportions while maintaining its excellent cooling capacity.

The rear seat cowl was also significantly reduced in size and slimmed in shape for a more compact form and reduced mass at the bike's extremities, which combines with the shorter, more compact exhaust silencer to make a major contribution to swifter, more responsive handling. In fact, the seat cowl is now so small in size that it seems to be merely resting atop the silencer for a lighter and more compact integrated look.

New Ram Air Induction System

Another important part of the new CBR600RR's aerodynamic design is its effect on the engine's power production, as can be seen in the middle of the front cowl, which is now highlighted by an impressively large air intake port built right into its nose, precisely where the pressure of air hitting the front cowl's nose at speed is at its strongest. Modelled on the system developed for the World Superbike-winning VTR1000 SP-2, this new port feeds directly through the new frame's open steering head casting to the CBR's larger-volume airbox. This new ram air system provides a direct, unimpeded flow of high volumes of cool, dense air to the intake tracts at high speeds, for a strong surge of torque-filled performance that tears up the twisties and dominates the track.

Positioned between this prominent port and the steering head is a large and very strong FRP intake port extension that has been made structurally strong enough to support the entire front cowl and its associated components, including its lightweight Line Beam headlights.

Improved Riding Ease and Manoeuvrability

Although the new CBR600RR's riding position remains essentially unchanged, the rider's hip position on the seat was moved rearward approximately 15mm for enhanced mass centralisation to match the positioning of the new engine, and the area where the seat joins the rear of tank has been made significantly narrower and smoother, with less protruding edges in the legs' contact area for easier manoeuvrability, especially in competitive racing conditions. The handlebars have also been raised 10mm compared to the previous model, enhancing riding ease for a wider range of handling capability and long-term comfort. The handlebar-to-seat distance remains essentially the same as before.

Lighting The Road

Further highlighting the CBR600RR's aggressive new form are the same distinctive pair of low-profile Line Beam headlights, which project a modern image in keeping with its racing roots. Less than half the height of the headlights seen on most road bikes, these lightweight, ultra-sleek units feature compact, high-illumination multi-reflector designs projecting through clear lenses to provide a brilliant night-time view of the road ahead.

Compact, grey-tinted indicator lenses cover amber bulbs for a sharper, more modern look, while the CBR's LED taillight, which was integrated into the underside of the tail on its earlier versions, now protrudes out from under the exhaust's upward slanting tail pipe for a cleaner and more functionally integrated image.