BIKES

PRICE: $15,290

FOR SALE: FEB, 2005

PRESS RELEASE: HONDA, 13 January 2005

Lighter, Slimmer, Sharper, Quicker?
Meet the '05 CBR600RR

Its hard to believe that two years have already gone by since Honda
introduced a new chapter in the evolution of middleweight Super Sports
motorcycle performance with the debut of the new CBR600RR.

A sports bike designed first and foremost to reassert Honda's leadership at
the most hotly contested levels of competition, the CBR600RR proved its
dominance in 2003 and 2004 by winning the World Supersport title as well as
the Australian Supersport title last year.

It also grabbed the moniker of Two Wheels 'Bike of the Year' first year
out, and created a new pool of devout followers.

Developed to achieve unrivalled levels of performance in the hands of those
who can take full advantage of its riding and racing prowess, the CBR600RR
is not only one of the lightest machines in its class, its centralised
weight distribution helps it respond instantly to rider inputs with faster,
smoother and more easily controlled handling.

For 2005, the CBR600RR builds upon this solid foundation of race-winning
potential with a sharper and more aggressive new MotoGP RC211V look and
further advances in its design and construction. The new CBR600RR isn't
merely faster, it is better in every way.

In developing a more intensely competitive second-generation follow-up, the
bike's designers decided against pursuing dramatic increases in peak power
output.

Instead, they sought ways to make its already superb delivery of power and
performance more responsive to rider and racer requirements in all
applications, not just racing. They also set out to make that power more
widely usable in all the riding situations that it might be called up to
perform.

The majority of the CBR600RR's second-gen design work has focused on a
detailed rethink of its chassis components. Maintaining the same basic
configuration, these parts have been lightened and optimised wherever
possible in the quest for further enhanced performance.

What little excess weight it may have had has been expertly trimmed to the
tune of six kilos in the quest for a class-leading power-to-weight ratio.

In keeping with the determination to more closely approximate the
remarkable RC211V in both look and function, other significant design
changes to the 600 include impressive, new 41mm inverted front forks.

This state-of-the-art system provides smoothly responsive performance and
confident handling coupled with enhanced rigidity and a significant
reduction in unsprung weight, as well as delivering precision control.

The adaptation of radial mount front brake callipers like those used on the
RCV and the new CBR1000RR Fireblade translate to highly efficient braking
control with excellent feel at the lever.

Another critical component to receive a lighter and simpler design is the
CBR600RR's impressive Unit Pro-Link swingarm. The first production
motorcycle to be mounted with this revolutionary self-contained system, the
upper mount is integrated into the swingarm's construction. This lighter,
more compact new design greatly facilitates rear damper maintenance by
making for quicker and easier access, while having fewer parts to contend
with.

Further design changes include a more RCV-like look with a new nose and
tail cowl. These combine to achieve a more aggressive and competitive form
that leaves no mistaking the CBR600RR's hereditary Racing DNA ties to
Honda's unrivalled MotoGP champion.

For its second turn at the wheel, the CBR600RR's inline-4 engine received
detailed modifications designed to realise smoother and stronger, more
torque-filled midrange performance, for a noticeable improvement in roll-on
acceleration and overtaking speed.

Its innovative Dual Sequential Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-DSFI)
continues to utilise two full sets of injectors to provide optimum fuel
feed for top performance throughout the engine's wide rev range.

This year, the 600 will be available in three stunning colour schemes;
Italian Red with Pearl Heron Blue and Digital Silver Metallic, Black with
Digital Silver Metallic and Candy Phoenix Blue. These last two models also
feature a Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic undercowl.

For more information: contact your local Honda dealer