HONDA CBR600RR (2007 - 2008) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £220 |
| Power: | 118 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (410 lbs / 186 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesHonda have hit back hard with the track focused CBR600RR. They want their 600 crown back and after our first initial ride it seems they’ve done it.
- Latest model: 2024 Honda CBR600RR review
They’ve rectified the old motorcycle’s weak points, namely lack of midrange and weight. The Honda CBR600RR is now the lightest in the class, and has much more midrange and razor sharp handling.
This bike was replaced by the 2009-2013 Honda CBR600RR.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineHonda has shortened the wheelbase and tightened up the steering to make the Honda CBR600RR far sharper. Combine that with the reduction in weight and it all makes the new Honda CBR600RR a formidable track tool. It steers so well, you can really flick the motorcycle around and there so much feedback from the front tyre you can carry loads of brake into the turn.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe old Honda CBR600RR really lacked midrange between 7000rpm to 10,000rpm but the all-new 2007 model Honda CBR600RR has had an injection of midrange which makes it punchier. You really notice the extra drive out of slow to medium corners. At the top end Honda have only managed to strain a few more bhp, that should bring it up to speed with the competition.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueHondas means quality and the older Honda CBR600RR seemed bullet proof. Even slightly tuned, poorly maintained race motors seem to last, even when they are thrashed week in and week out. We can’t see any reason why the new Honda CBR600RR should be any different.
Find out for sure in our Honda CBR600RR owners' reviews.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt just under over an estimated £7,500 the new Honda CBR600RR is not a cheap motorcycle. Suzuki’s GSX-R600, for example, is considerably cheaper. But out of all the 600cc supersports motorcycles the Honda CBR600RR always seems to hold its money and due to the high standard of components and general build quality. The Honda CBR600RR will still look like new in a few years time and should make it far easier to resell, too.
Equipment
The Honda CBR600RR's MotoGP styling is sleek in the flesh and typical Honda build quality runs all the way through. The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear and you can feel every half turn or click. Unfortunately you don’t get a slipper clutch as standard on the Honda CBR600RR, unlike its Japanese competition.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 599cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v liquid cooled four cylinder, fuel injected, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Twin spar aluminium |
| Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 186kg |
| Front suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
| Rear suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm radial four pot |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc single pot |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £87 |
| Annual service cost | £220 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 118 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 48.7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 165 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 11.1 secs |
| Tank range | 150 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- Related: Honda CBR600 model history
MCN Long term test reports
This very un-Honda design flaw makes checking your CBR600RR oil level a two-person job
When you think of Honda, chances are you think of well-considered design traits that cater for both form and function. It’s part of the reason why thousands of us buy them in the UK every year. Much of the latest CBR600RR fits this mould perfectly, but there’s one tiny aspect that’s become someth…
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR600RR (2007 - 2008)
17 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR600RR (2007 - 2008) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CBR600RR (2007 - 2008)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £220 |
Year: 2007
I'm going to start by just saying my CBR is almost exclusively used for commuting (30km (19mile) round-trip). Everyone online will tell you supersports can't be commuters (or shouldn't be), don't believe them. Consider your own scenario. If it's hot where you live, not very windy, you're in a city, then you probably want a naked. But I live in the windiest city in the world which barely breaks 20degrees C (68f) so the engine heat (which can get excessive) doesn't bother me and the fairing and a double bubble screen is near essential for motorway riding. It genuinely works to divert the wind. The seat is thin, the riding position will be hard on your wrists over time, and the stock windscreen is minimal but it's still a lightweight, fast, hoot. Everyone says you should commute with a 250+kg 2 wheeled SUV but you don't have to do that. A supersport can be dailied, especially a Honda and especially this one. So have fun, buy what you want to buy and ride what you want to ride, ignore the haters.
Ride quality is good but may need some tuning. There is adjustment front and rear so you can sort it but even then it's quite firm and nothing like top spec ohlins and such. Does what it sets out to do though which is handle beautifully on good surfaces. In terms of pillions - I hate how reviewers often say "the pillion seat is unusable it should just be a 1 seater". Bollocks, I took my girlfriend on the back to university to save money on old bikes, we've done short jaunts for fun, this one is no exception. Is it great? Hell no. But is it "usable"? Hell yes. Probably not for more than an hour but it'll get two people around town. You don't need an R1250GS to go to a Cafe 2 up. Brakes are mediocre, they're not brembo or anything flash but they do the job.
Two key points: for noise it needs an aftermarket pipe, sounds too constrained without. As a general comment - lots of new bikes have huge power gaps to meet emissions standards, this was before that. That's become a huge selling point I think. Fantastic motor. Doesn't have the torque of say a Ducati twin but has plenty more oomph than it sometimes gets credit for. Loads of reviewers critique 600s for having no low power or midrange and I don't know if they're talking about other models or what because this one pulls great everywhere. It's not blistering low down but it's 600cc so obviously it doesn't? Still, check dyno charts and you'll see it makes an SV650s peak power at 9000rpm, 6000 off the redline, no one says an SV is slow do they? I've never ever felt it's slow. Will power wheelie sometimes.
It has never ever let me down. Honda, and Honda 4s in particular, are synonymous with quality and reliability and this is no exception. This bike will probably last forever and while sometimes I consider getting something else, that reliability and the overall package makes it such a tough sell. The only issue I've experienced is with inconsistent engine braking which from looking online is due to an emissions device. You can get blocker plates and remove that to solve it which I've purchased, but have yet to fit. Very frustrating that but it's not stopped me getting to work and I commute often.
Basic service every year, regularly clean and lube your chain, and you'll not have any problems. Value is a weird one because these bikes are getting expensive. I was blessed by finding mine for an absolute steal but when you're knocking on 10k NZD (6k USD) which some are here that's brand new SV650 money, or a whole lot of used options. It's a bike you can keep forever and if you want to do track days I'm sure it'll be great for that but for regular riding I'd have gone elsewhere I think.
Equipment is weak compared to modern machines. It's got a fuel guage and adjustable suspension. There's space under the pillion seat for spare tools and a sandwich (?). It can be sad not having all the flash new kit like quickshifters, TFT screens and what not, but it's super lightweight and uncompromised so can't complain.
Buying experience: I was extremely lucky to buy mine privately from a retiring rider for $3500 NZD ($2000 USD). It was a risky and scary purchase as they typically go for 2-3 times that but it all worked out and I'll likely keep it till my body can't take it anymore.
Version: 2008-2009 Model
Year: 2008
Annual servicing cost: £225
There is nothing to not like, it is fast (as far as the road goes anyhow), the handling is sharp and it is comfortable as far as a sports bike goes. It has so much more in every way in my view than the more up to date versions of the similar bikes Honda now make and it will hold its own with bigger bikes on the road although you have to work it a bit harder to keep up. Would recommend it to anyone in a heart beat.
Terrific to ride. Always puts a smile on my face whether its a short blast after work or on the commute on the motorway. It does need to be revved a bit, below 5k it isn't particularly responsive (but that doesn't mean she isn't smooth) but once you get to 7 or 8k she starts to sing and then over 11k and its an absolute missile and sounds like a fighter jet. I have no complaints with comfort - I am 5'8 and a bit under 11 stone. I can see how bigger riders might find it cramped up, but I never have and use it as much to commute on in traffic as I do at the weekend. Brakes are decent enough and it is probably being a bit picky but the front ones lack a bit of bite for a bike of its power. Forget the pillion -the pillion seat is high and it scares the living daylights out of my Mrs and she isn't usually one to complain.
Love it. If you keep it above 5/6k revs, it's responsive at most speed and won't get you into trouble but will keep you interested. It is smooth at low speed and a missile once you're going. As long as you're sensible, it could probably be your first "big" bike and you can grow into it rather than buy a modern twin that sounds like a sit on lawn mower and get bored in 6 weeks.
It's a Honda: always had them and will always have them.
I don't think anyone buys a sports bike with a view to modest running costs and if anyone is considering it that way should probably buy a different type of bike. With that said, it isn't over the top like a Ducati or Aprilia (I can be critical because I am Italian).
The blue, black and white fairings from 2007 to 2008 are great colours. Bridgestone Battlax are decent all round tyres for road riding and what I have on.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer local to me who deals in second hand sports bikes. Great service. Find it almost impossible to buy from a main dealer unless you've done a PCP deal, want to do a PCP deal or have an almost new bike to trade. Anything more than 3 years old and it seems dealers aren't interested, regardless of the state of your bike. Suits me, I'd rather own my bike than get fleeced on a PCP deal.
Year: 2008
Previous owner had the bike lowered, granted it has lots of pros to the overall look of the bike as well as an upper advantage to easily flat foot the ground with no problem but definitely sketchy for overall performance at high rates of speed.
Very decent all-around bike. Especially for beginners but, Because my bike is so low to the ground (sold that way by previous owner) higher rates of speed tend to get sketchy at times, but after giving her a solid 10 or so hard rides, truly can’t complain that it certainly needs front and rear brakes. (Which was driven with original brakes from previous owner) made it through a whole season with just now needing to replace both front and rear brakes.
Power is awesome, picks up quick, hits high speeds comfortably but certainly not the bike for those who feel limitless on the throttle. Definitely suggest upgrading to a 1000 for those higher, quicker speed seekers.
Bikes taken 2 fairly hard digs to the ground (due to motor vehicle accidents) yet, after tearing her apart, and replacing all necessary parts, have yet to have a single solitary issue with any part of the bike. Great on gas, temp always stays cool so never worry often about overheating, and definitely recommended for beginner riders to learn on especially where it’s so light in weight, most certainly reliable bike for sure.
All servicing done to the bike is done by myself as well as my fiancé who’s quite experienced with bikes overall. Mainly just order any necessity parts that are needed at time of maintenance, he takes care of majority of the upkeep on the bike itself. Depending on what is being serviced (for ex. oil change, filter, spark plugs, roaders, pads, fairings, etc) try our best to avoid screwing around with major parts that enhance the performance of the bike like taking off the tires, forks, even any type of chain adjustments or main engine type repairs.....otherwise, mainly the major parts in particular that require specific equipment/experience to assure the correct realignments necessary, or upkeep of the bike at top performance just about all work is done on my own aside from purchasing the parts. Roughly between $1,000-$1,800 if not less in running costs.
Favorite feature of the bike standard definitely has to be overall performance the bike puts out. Comfortable and reliable, but don’t recommend a lowering kit for those who don’t know how to handle a bike. Personally, I love the lowered feature to the bike I feel it makes the bike look sleek, sexy and it’s extremely nice to drive considering the few here and there Issues that comes with lowering a sports bike. But, Most certainly recommend OEM fairings, (with the exception of a few companies in between) definitely wouldn’t shade/not suggest the recommendation of aftermarket plastics especially for the price compared to OEM but like stated all depending on the company you’re purchasing from.
Buying experience: Bought privately by a friend who had recently purchased the bike at 14,000 miles for $5,500 I ended up only purchasing it from him for $1,000 and put in over $1,700 in new parts. Totally worth every penny.
Year: 2007
Great overall package, lack of rider aids not an issue as it’s so well balanced. Get to 11,000 rpm and smile.
Year: 2008
This is still the best 600rr out there, I own the 2008, it has the best power even still years later because they reduced the power 09+, it's fast, it's built well, I ride every single day all year round commute/fun/everything, I've ridden newer GSXR750's/modified GSXR600's etc honda wins everytime, Mine is running a power commander, heated grips, good tyres, got a honda optimate charger, double bubble screen, braided brake lines, R&G crash bungs, original toolkit, full history dyno'd by a dynojet centre, and have a list of £4000 more of modifying to do including leo vince exhaust, it'll sound like a ferrari and go even faster than them than it already is when i'm done with it! I WANT A CBR800RR THOUGH, MAKE IT HONDA!!!!!
I purchased this bike new in September 2008, after test riding both my more favoured choice, the GSXR600 and the CBR600RR. The trouble was the CBR was so much better, it felt so planted on the road, a roomier riding position, mid range felt cleaner and what appeared to be better build quality. Head won, heart lost. A year later, I still love the CBR and during that time I have added a few minor tasteful extras like a puig double bubble screen and some carbon effect pieces but to stop me from selling the bike I needed more comfort. I changed the clip ons for Helibars as I suffered from achy wrists and a strange neck problem which felt like I was craning my neck to see the road head. The heli bars have made a huge difference, whilst you are slightly more upright, it makes the usual traffic queues and two up riding bearable and not painful. This hasn’t turned the CBR into a tourer, it still loves the twisties but now it can also do the dull bit of riding easier. It has been said that this is an easy bike to ride and it can flatter your abilities through corners and I can’t disagree with that comment, it really is a doddle to ride and I’ve never felt the need to change any of the suspension settings. Like all 600’s sports, the CBR isn’t lightening quick off the mark unless you’re that way inclined, but this just makes it easier for novices not to feel scared. For me the mid range is ample, even two up, to over take without having to go berserk through the rev range. Not something most people care about but the mirrors are brilliant and Honda really do know how to make a quality machine, the finish is still superb. Economy, another thing people don’t usually mention, I get around 45mpg on my varied rides and insurance costs can be reasonable with the right circumstances. I guess my only minor gripes are the exhaust note circa 3k, it feels like your ears are about to burst, it’s that bad, the vibes through the bars at low revs and the low standard screen which impedes the view of the speedo.( Puig screen looks good! )
I brought my CBR600rr new in January 2008. I ride it every day come rain or shine. I have taken it on 3 track days, 2 trips into Europe, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and the awesome Nuburgring. To date I have covered almost 15,000 miles in a year so this isn’t your standard review of a bike that’s done a couple hundred dry miles. The handling is sharp and the steering damper is first class, suspension firm but it gives you great confidence in the bends and the riding position is good for a sports bike and much better than any other sports bike I have ridden. The power is strong way down in the taco so you don’t have to rev it hard to get it going. If you’re looking for a bike that can live in the real day to day world but also a bike that you can take to the track and ride like Rossi then this is your bike. Believe me nothing comes close, the bike is awesome. However there are a couple things if only Honda had listened to their customers they would have made this bike perfect. 1. A slipper clutch. 2. Gear indicator. Without these two things the bike scores 9/10. H
I purcha....sed this bicycle back in sept and love it, I missed riding for a couple of weeks but when I got back on, it felt smaller then I remember almost like I now swamped it. Any way great bike man, I'm always smiling an thats all that count right...
ok i begain on cb500 for 2 years i thought i better start with a bike that will not break down easy to work & ride on. the cb was all that then after 2 years i thought time to get bigger bike but nothing silly as i`ve still not got my knee down.i looked at a cbr600f was thinking about £2,000.then the wife (love u loads hun) got me a cbr600rr 2007 from stratstone clay cross (thankyou for all your help)well where to start.over all its 5/5 its great when you get on it start up you are 1.ride & handling is great it goes along at 30mph in town but you know it doesn`t want to it says let me go!you open it up in the blink of an eye you doing 70+ but it doesn`t seem like it!it wants to go 70 and a lot faster but the faster you go the easyer the bike handles.i still haven`t got my knee down but im takening bends 50+ where on cb500 i wouldnt dream of it but this bike makes you feel so alive.equipment4/5 theres no under seat storage!!the own thing u can put under it is you cash cards!!!the 1 thing that is a pain in the bum are the mirrors!! my god you see half your arms in them .so if say you would think of going faster than may be you should you can`t really tell whot car is behind you if say you would like to open it up!!quality & reliabilty well ive just got it so all i can say its well nice.value the wife got it for £5511 2007 4500 on clock with alarm datatool s4-c1.i would say it`s the best thing she ever got me. engine well i don`t rev it as i wouldn`t like to pull a wheelies.but you can ride it in high gear round town easy then open it up there`s no down power its just there waitting for you
Absolutely cracking bike. Cant fault it at all. Power and handling are amazing. Takes the micky out of the other 600's in its class.
Fantastic bike. Riding position is spot on. Not cramped like my old Yamaha R6, or to "wristy". I could ride it all day. The mid range is so good that you don't feel the need to wring it's neck at all. The steering damper is brilliant, I can't believe they don't fit them to all sports bikes, it holds the front so well that laying it over is much easier, it allows for really quick cornering. the quality is also brilliant. I love it. I may even keep it in my front room, next to the fire ha ha.
Light and agile. Great handling. Quick (for a 600). Could sound better though, too quiet and no induction noise. Also tried a 2007 Fireblade and bought the 600.
Got knocked off my RR6 in Feb by some dozy female driver, but it was the best thing that could have happened. I cannot believe the difference between the RR6 (already a good bike) and the new RR7. The mid range on the new bike is so strong that if you did not know better you would think Honda had finally produced a competitive 750. The handling is also improved and inspires Rossi like cornering, (or at least it feels like it!). The only down side after 1500 miles of ownership is the luggage hooks which are positioned forwards of the rear seat so effectively pull and luggage forward and off the seat. Overall a five star. I tested it back to back against a 07 Fireblade and still chose the 600!
Got one of these to replace my 2006 CBR600F - instantly I'm carrying 10-20mph extra into very corner such is the confidence in the machine. Very light and chuckable and the exhaust sounds great - best of all you don't have to keep really high revs to get anywhere. Would have liked a gear indicator and the Honda tool kit won't fit on the bike...but I don't think it will break down ;-)
Saving already.
After two test rides I just had to have one, so I upgraded from my 1998 CBR600F. Awesome handling and 'flickability' a great bike.
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Front view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Top view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Brakes
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Rear view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Rear view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Brakes
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Engine
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CBR600RR motorcycle review - Riding
