2009 Honda CBR600RR review | This classic supersport has returned to the UK in 2024 but what was the old one like?
Highlights
- One of the best supersport 600s ever
- Addition of ABS improves on-limit handling
- Chassis and performance really are something special
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £410 |
Power: | 107 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (428 lbs / 194 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Honda CB600RR middleweight supersports screamer was given subtle tweaks for 2009, designed to give it more mid-range oomph and a smoother power delivery. New pistons, cylinder head and exhaust system bolstered torque between 6000-10,000rpm, which made the engine more flexible on the road.
- Latest model: 2024 Honda CBR600RR review
Luckily for us, this was done without sacrificing any top-end power. The big news, though, was the optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS system, which was a world-first for a supersports machine. A new-style bellypan covered the whole engine and the C-ABS valve unit for the front brake.
The C-ABS version didn’t detract from the enjoyment of riding MCN’s supersport 2008 machine of the year, and it felt just the same to ride as the standard Honda CBR600RR, even on the track. The C-ABS stayed in the background until you got into a difficult braking situation, then the ‘brake-by-wire’ kicks in and saved your bacon, so sportsbike purists need not worry about the system getting it the way.
Honda CBR600RR updated in 2013
There was a major update to this bike in 2013, although it didn't look like it from the outside. Showa’s Big Piston Fork was the biggest change to the mechanicals of the bike, aimed at preventing that big lunge of initial fork dive under heavy braking.
The frame was been lightened in areas away from the centre of gravity thanks to feedback from racing teams around the world and combined with new lightweight cast aluminium wheels which had the same 12-spoke design as the Honda Fireblade superbike.
The distinctive new design of front lights and front fairing was directly inspired by the look of the MotoGP Honda RCV213V race bike, with the lights deliberately buried in the fairing to move the weight back. The aerodynamic gains were 6.5% less drag from the air in a normal riding position.
Engine upgrades included new fuel injection mapping - the twin fuel injectors alternated between single and twin operation, along with an Intake Air Control Valve which stabilised rpm when idling, and covered all rev ranges for the first time.
The C-ABS system got software updates developed from racing with ABS in the German superbike series.
Honda CBR600RR returning for 2024
At the Eicma show in November 2023, Honda revealed they were bringing the CBR600RR back for 2024.
While in some markets the bike never went off sale, Honda took the decision to remove it from the UK market in 2021.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThere were no changes to the 2009 Honda CBR600RR’s chassis: this is no bad thing as, like the engine, it was class-leading. Stability in a straight line and through the corners was absolute, the suspension action and control was as fluid as pukka race kit and the standard model’s brakes were full of feel and power.
This was a machine that loaded you with confidence and flattered your riding like a friendly Ducati 1098R. Honda’s optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS system was a thing of genius. In normal conditions the CBR worked the same as a conventional machine, but in an emergency it took over and stopped the wheels from locking. It also distributed the braking between front and rear calipers to give maximum stability in all conditions.
In our owners' reviews there are comments about this bike not being great for taller riders, so make sure you fit before you sign on the dotted line.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityHonda didn’t really need to tweak the 107bhp, in-line-four-cylinder 599cc motor as it was a gem in the first place, with a powerful, screaming top-end and a decent dollop of mid-range. The engine was especially effective at delivering incredible performance, thanks to the Honda’s lack of all-up weight (the lightest of all the 600s at the time).
The Honda CBR600RR’s motor was already more flexible than the '08 Kawasaki ZX-6R, K8 Suzuki GSX-R600 and '08 Yamaha R6, but the tweaks to the engine and exhaust made it even nicer to live with. The Honda CBR600RR top speed is 165mph.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe CBR600RR was as rugged as a Tonka toy and built with the breathtaking precision of the finest Swiss watch. The build quality was superb, and the paint finish deep and flawless.
Our Honda CBR600RR owners' reviews show mainly positive comments regarding reliability, which you'd expect from a Honda. However, there is mention of the fairing popping out occasionally, which is unusual and also a fairly common problem.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThis was a lot of beautifully-built, high-performance machine for your money and worth every penny. The C-ABS system added another grand or so to the price, but when you know it could save your life, can you afford not to have it?
Other rivals from the same era include the ’08 Kawasaki ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 K8 and ’08 Yamaha R6 and Triumph Daytona 675R.
Video group test: Honda CBR600RR vs Suzuki GX-R600 vs Yamaha R6 vs Kawasaki ZX-6R vs Triumph Daytona 675
In this supersports shootout from 2011 we pit the Honda CBR600RR, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Yamaha R6 against each other to find a definitive winner. Neevesy is your judge and juror, live from the group test in southern France.
Equipment
The Honda CBR600RR came with everything you needed to hammer round the racetrack, including radial brakes, fully-adjustable suspension and an electronically-controlled, speed-sensitive steering damper.
The only toy it was missing was a slipper clutch. There were also plenty of aftermarket parts available to tune and personalise your bike, but most were to improve its track performance more than its practicality.
Traditional supersports like the CBR were designed with two objectives, to go racing and to give the bike buying public a more realistic option to buy and run than a full-blown superbike.
Adding heaps of bells and whistles would have helped to achieve neither of these aims and so supersport 600s are generally quite spartan. That said, a lot of aftermarket kit was made over the years. If you are looking at a used model with a lot of these upgrades, see if the owner has the original bits, too.
Specs |
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Engine size | 599cc |
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Engine type | 16-valve, in-line-four |
Frame type | Aluminium twin-spar |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 194kg |
Front suspension | Fully-adjustable |
Rear suspension | Fully-adjustable |
Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 17 in |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 17 in |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 32 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £84 |
Annual service cost | £410 |
New price | - |
Used price | £5,000 - £7,700 |
Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 107 bhp |
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Max torque | 44.6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 165 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 10.92 secs |
Tank range | 127 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2009: Honda CBR600RR launched
- 2013: Major update announced
- 2018: Bike goes off sale.
Other versions
Standard and Combined ABS versions available.
MCN Long term test reports
Long-term Honda CBR600RR test update one | A fanTTastic start as Dan nips across to the Isle of Man
“That’s a proper motorbike…” a mantra I keep repeating to myself as I take in every angle of the 2024 Honda CBR600RR, cup of tea in hand. Standing in the doorway to my garage after our first cheeky 20-miler, I can’t help but grin as I take in its outrageous underseat pipe, subtle winglets, racy red …
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CBR600RR (2009 - 2018)
16 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR600RR (2009 - 2018) 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 (2009 - 2018)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £410 |
Version: RA
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £100
Light & fast I bought my 2010 model in 2021 with only 1,700 miles use. I previously had a 1988 GSXR1100J from new & it was excellent. When I first rode the CBR600RR I was blown away & instantly fell in love with it. Evertime I go for a ride I have a massive 😁. Power, handling & brakes are all excellent. I'm 73 and can ride the bike for miles without any pain or discomfort.
See overall comments.
Smooth & tractable. Amazing acceleration when you want it.
If treated with care it will remain as new like mine.
I'm a qualified mechanic & do the annual servicing myself.
Everything
Buying experience: From a local garage
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £40
Great fun and reliable bike for over 10 years
Great fun ride and lots of power to keep you interested for years to come.
Over 10 years of servicing done at home saved a tonne of cash. Ride it all year, rain, shine and snow. Just needed to change cam chain tensioner and clutch cable over 10 years.
35 mpg, cheap insurance, £40 for oil, brake fluid and coolant
Use Road 5s, great choice for all weather riding.
Buying experience: Bought from Honda dealer
Year: 2009
I have done over 30000 miles without any problems whatsoever,it is the best and most reliable bike I have ever had.
After market exhaust would be a recommendation as well as quality tyres.
Buying experience: Bought from Speed in Exeter very good
Version: Cbr 600rr
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £1,000
Great bike, 2011, clean, all black, pulls great, 7k rpms - to 13k is where it gets the most power. They say a 2011 cbr600- has 100hp and 44lbs of torque.
New brake pads, ebc.
Version: C-ABS
Year: 2009
This is a nice supersport, it's comfortable, agile and the engine is powerful enough to make it exciting. I like the centre exhaust as well. It's not the best 600cc on the market, but then again I am talking about 2009 model and did no t ride the current model with BPF. I prefer the latest Daytona 675 to the 2009 CBR600RR. Would I recommend it? Yes, but one would be wise to test ride both the Honda and the other 600s to make own opinion.
Very agile bike while also very comfortable.
I like the engine a lot. Typical 600cc mill with corresponding sound and I like it for this. One problem - it is pretty jerky on/off throttle, maybe light internals are the culprit, but it feels like there is too much engine braking. This is not particularly confidence-inspiring in corners and even on the straights it bothers, the bike is not smooth on/off throttle, like, say, latest Daytona 675.
Normally Honda is considered to be top quality and reliability. When it comes to my CBR600RR the side fairing on the right side pops out from under the tank, I've checked forums and it seems to be a relatively common problem. I've never had something like this happening on any of the other bikes I ride.
I bought it real cheap with very low mileage so value was great. :-)
No gear indicator. No slipper clutch. I think for 2009 model these should have been standard equipment. IMHO, the shock spring is too soft as well.
Buying experience: So far so good.
Version: Non-ABS
Year: 2014
I'm looking for a single reason to give my 600RR a rating which is less than 5 stars, but I would be doing an injustice because it's just an incredible bike which triggers my emotions to the absolute max. I highly doubt another supersport would be a better overall choice. It has the build quality, the sounds, the performance and adrenaline, the looks, center exhaust, the exotic performing motor... The list is endless, and if I had the means, I would by another in a heartbeat. That's how much I truly appreciate this one, no joke.
Year: 2011
only down side to many plastics
Version: ABS
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £500
Comfortable riding position for a sports bike. Very light so helps confidence when moving around on foot. Plenty of power - tricolour paint scheme gets admiring glances. Plenty of power and light weight combine for exhilarating performance. 100% happy with my bike and would buy another
The seat is firm so not a long distance bike. 45-mins in the saddle is about what I would choose with an hour tops. Pillion sits high and is exposed to wind so again suitable for short blasts rather than longer distances. Bike is great as a commuter, mirrors are lower than a van but above a car's so filtering through traffic is a breeze. I would say this bike is a better commuter than my previous ER6F with improved wind protection and greater manouverability
Have read the reviews saying the engine is unexciting to ride. I think if you ride lots of bikes you become more fussy - all I can say is that the power delivery is linear and until you hit 8K and then it picks up rapidly. The power is exhilarating but always feels controllable and the bike remains easy to ride. Standing quarter matches GSX750R so its no slouch. Personally I think the power of a 600cc is perfect for road use as 1000cc sports bikes can only be thrashed on the track
Went for a Honda due to renown build quality. Unfortunately generator failed 2 months out of warranty at 15000 miles so loses a star. Otherwise, very happy with the quality of finish - ridden daily through one winter so far and still looking like new after a bit of TLC
Needs a service every 4000 miles and getting about 40 - 45 mpg so not the cheapest bike to run. However using for commute, 21 miles each way 50/50 mix of motorway and getting a big fat smile on my face every day so happy to pay that little bit extra for the fun factor
There's no traction control or other electronic rider aids with the exception of ABS. The ABS works well and I like the dual wheel control for stability. There's a factory immobiliser but not a lot else. The storage in under the pillion seat and is tiny. My bike is fully standard except for bobbins i've fitted for the rear paddock stand. Using Bridgestone Battlax and very happy with these, both in the wet and dry. All in all not a lot of gizmos, just an honest bike that's lots of fun
Buying experience: Bought from Bob Minnion in Derby - really friendly and accommodating service and I would definately buy from them again. Paid £6,300 about a year ago which I felt was a good price as older bikes are still selling for similar or more
I can't believe how good my 2010 600RR is. Engine is so flexible/useable for a 600 and it gives so much feedback and confidence in the wet or dry and being a comfortable riding position. I tried a lot of bikes like the triumph daytona 675 and the honda 600rr blows them away IMO. Don't hesitate just buy one.
I bought a brand new CBR600RR with C-ABS. This bike is great to ride, very fast, and perfect handling, great torque. BUT i have had problems, the black powder coating is comming off the rear swing arm, so the silver is showing through. My local dealer Branson Honda will not help, and have no interest. Honda UK will not help so my warranty is worth nothing. I am gonna have to buy a new rear swing arm, very expensive. The fairing is very flimsy, with many silly clips, the paintwork is so thin, that any small chipping will remove the white paint work and leave a black mark. Any owners of the 2006 CBR600F will be dissapointed with the quality, but the ride is good. Do not buy, thinking a Honda is reliable, because if it isn't Honda will not be interested. Anymore info i will be happy to pass on much more information!!!
I had a short test-ride last week just to see how it compared with a CBR600FV that I bought in 1997. I can only say it's got smaller, so much so that for a tall lad over 6 foot after 10 mins I couldn't wait to get off. Everything hurt - ankles, back, wrists, neck. Nice little bike, mind. Goes where you point it. Ride's not bad for such a track-focused bike. Really good engine too. So tall blokes - forget it.
I was lucky/daft enough to purchase a new 600RR10 in March. This followed on from a 600RR7 which was a superb machine to own. As you will no doubt know the changes are miminal with slightly re-designed lower fairing panels covering more of the engine, different indicators and more mid range grunt. I wasn't too sure if the extra grunt was noticeable but now the bike is run in, I would say yes, it has more mid range grunt but I was very impressed with the RR7 so this is even better. Having hand/wrist issues, I had the helibars transferred from the RR7 to the RR10 so upon delivery the bike felt no different from the old one. This was the first time that I had just updated to a newer model, usually I have a total change but the 600RR is such a great bike to ride, it's not often I don't have a smile on my face whilst I'm on it. MCN have pretty much said all you need to know about this fantastic bike and I'd agree with the lack of slipper clutch but that's a small issue that most of us probably don't need in every day use. The economy seems similar to the RR7, around 45mpg for me and the ear bleeding exhaust note that I suffered with at 3000rpm on the RR7 whilst driving through the local roads seems to have been muffled on the RR10. Overall a great machine that I highly recommend you try and see how easy and fun they are to ride. Was it worth moving from a RR7 to a RR10? Well financially probably not but the classy tricolour version I have is even more stunning than the blue and white version it replaced.
I bought the 2009 honda from Al-futtaim Dubai on the 5th of November, got it delivered to my address in Pakistan on the 27th. From that day on, i have ridden its bike daily, for work, for 1000km trips and for general blast around the city. The bike will never disappoint you. Its fast and if driven responsibly, its too much joy for the money. On the downside, after riding it 8000kms in 4 months, is the wrist pain. Every time you brake in traffic and you'll have pain with in the first half hour, and because of that i give the handling and ride 4*. But none the less i'm hoping that a stompgrip and helibars will get rid of this problem for me. i love the bike and want to tour as much on it as possible. So if Mr. Honda hears his customers then how about adjusting the seat angle to make it more rider friendly. 9 out of 10 (1 away because of the wrist pain)
Cracking looking bike!! My dream bike!
I have just purchased the 2009 CBR600RR in the Black/White/Blue Limited Edition colours also. What a bike. Just finished running it in and its booked in for its first 600 mile service. Then I can start giving it some full beans. Everything about it is fantastic. The way it leans into bends is better than all the 2009 600's. Yes I did test drive them all. Some might have marginally more power at the top end. But the Honda has significantly more mid range which makes it so much better as a road bike. To add to this fabulous brakes and a cracking riding position make it a sure fire winner from me.
Got this years limited edition, love the paint job as it stands out. The Bike feels more comfortable leaning into bends than my 2007 zx6r.