Updated Post: Details On U.S.-market 2003 Honda CBR600RR

Updated Post: Details On U.S.-market 2003 Honda CBR600RR

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press kit released by American Honda:

CBR600RR

Introducing the all-new CBR600RR! Inspired by Honda’s conquering RC211V five-cylinder MotoGP bike, the CBR600RR’s revolutionary GP-derived technology and design is destined to dominate on the track and street.


Features & Benefits

Unique CBR600RR Features

• Unit Pro-Link(r) rear suspension and swingarm design inspired by RC211V.

• Dual Stage Fuel Injection system features two injectors per cylinder.

• High-revving engine redlines at 15,000 rpm.

• New-style center-up exhaust system.

• Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization and allows more compact frame design.

• New Line Beam Headlight features three-piece reflector design.




Engine/Drivetrain

• All new liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 599cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine features oversquare bore and stroke of 67mm x 42.5mm.

• High-revving engine has 15,000-rpm redline (CBR600F4i redlines at 14,200), wider powerband and more over-rev than CBR600F4i.

• New engine is more compact-engine length is now 236mm vs. 266mm-which helps move the rider forward 70mm.

• New iridium-tip spark plugs improve fuel combustion and performance.

• Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) system features two injectors per cylinder-one upper and one lower-controlled by an ECU that senses rpm and throttle opening. Lower injector enhances rideability while upper injector improves top-end horsepower. At lower rpm only the lower injector is working. Above 5500 rpm both injectors are activated. The system uses 40mm throttle bodies.

• New Denso injectors with 12 laser-drilled holes deliver a finely atomized fuel mixture for optimum combustion efficiency and power.

• Auto enriching system is integrated into PGM-FI module, eliminating the need for a manual choke.

• Two-stage ram-air system provides a high volume of cool air to the airbox for linear power delivery and incredible engine performance.

• Airbox volume increased to 15 liters (compared to CBR600F4i) for improved performance.

• Cylinder head features angled valve inset to improve air flow.

• Cylinder head features two springs per intake valve and two springs per exhaust valve for optimum high-rpm valve operation and durability.

• Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation ensures high-rpm performance and durability and offers 16,000-mile maintenance intervals.

• New lighter pistons, piston pins and nutless connecting rods contribute to higher revving engine.

• New double-pivot cam-chain tensioner improves cam chain durability.

• Starter gears moved to the right side for increased lean angle.

• New lightweight aluminum oil cooler.

• Center-up muffler design increases lean angle and reduces wind drag.

• Smooth-shifting close-ratio six-speed transmission is closely matched to the engine’s powerband.




Chassis/Suspension

• Completely new die cast aluminum frame utilizes new manufacturing methods to provide optimum rigidity while reducing weight. Frame is tuned for precise handling characteristics.

• Large, 45mm cartridge front fork offers rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustability.

• New Unit Pro-Link rear suspension system is patterned after RC211V GP racer. In this system, the upper shock mount is contained within the swingarm rather than the frame. With no top frame-mount for the shock, this unique system eliminates negative suspension energy from being transmitted into the frame, allowing optimum frame rigidity and improved rideability out of corners. The HMAS shock offers rebound and compression damping, and spring preload adjustability.

• Rear swingarm technology derived from RC211V.

• Braking system features twin four-piston front calipers, dual 310mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc for optimum stopping power.

• New center-up exhaust system features four-into-two-into-one design for increased performance and aerodynamics.

• Handlebars located below top triple-clamp for precise handling.



Additional Features

• Industry-leading ergonomic design features maximum rider comfort for minimum fatigue in all riding conditions.

• Centrally mounted 4.8-gallon fuel tank is positioned low in the frame, increasing mass centralization and allowing a more compact design. This design positions the rider 70mm forward for optimum handling.

• New plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.

• New Line Beam Headlight features three- piece reflector design (first in the world) utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution, and unique compact design.

• New instrumentation is more compact and features tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauge.

• Attractive hollow-spoke aluminum alloy wheels feature race spec 3.5 x 17-inch front and 5.5 x 17-inch rear dimensions.

• Increased radiator capacity to match increased engine performance.

• New one-piece fan assembly increases cooling efficiency.

• Maintenance-free battery.

• Optional seat cowl.

• Compact rear cowl storage compartment for U-type locking devices (lock not included) under the passenger seat.

• Folding aerodynamic mirrors.

• Integrated ignition switch/fork lock for added security.

• Convenient push-to-cancel turn signal switch.

• Transferable one-year, unlimited mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

• Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America(tm). Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA(r) details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.


Specifications

Model: CBR600RR

Engine Type: 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

Bore and Stroke: 67mm x 42.5mm

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Carburetion: Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI)

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorized with three-dimensional mapping

Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed

Final Drive: #525 O-ring-sealed chain

Suspension
Front: 45mm HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Rear: Unit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Dual 310mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear: Single 220mm disc

Tires
Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial

Wheelbase: 54.7 inches

Rake (Caster Angle): 24.0°

Trail: 95mm (3.7 inches)

Seat Height: 32.3 inches

Dry Weight: 370 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve

Colors : Red/Black, Black, Pearl Yellow

California version Meets CARB 2004 emissions standards.




More, from a press release issued by American Honda:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honda unveils 2003 motorcycle models in Chicago

Chicago, IL— American Honda’s Motorcycle Division unveiled 8 new and updated models — including five early-release 2004 models — at the company’s annual dealer show Thursday night, September 12, at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

Representing the continuing theme of Honda’s branding strategy “Performance First”, the new products are designed to strengthen Honda’s position in the American powersports market. Since 1999, Honda has introduced or redesigned
more than 70 percent of its motorcycle, scooter and all terrain vehicle (ATV) models.


Included in Honda’s announcements are two cruiser models, one super-sport motorcycle, two off-road bikes, one scooter, one ATV, and a new 2-passenger 4-stroke personal watercraft model.

The assembled dealers, who have already benefited from over 30 new Honda product launches in the previous 3 years, were enthusiastic about the new offerings. Honda’s product lineup, already the broadest in the industry, grew to over 60 motorcycle, scooter, ATV and personal watercraft models.

Honda Motor Ltd. President, Mr. Hiroyuki Yoshino, reminded dealers of the importance of the U.S. market, “It was Honda motorcycles that established the Honda brand in America. The U.S. market has always been important to our motorcycle business — not only as a place to sell our products, but a place that influences our product direction”

Yoshino continued with a strong environmental message, “Together with ‘performance first,’ we also put the environment first. Introducing 4-stroke technology throughout the lineup and other new technologies that will make our products more friendly for the environment – even as we advance our performance image.”



2003 New Model Preview


CBR600RR
With the CBR600RR and the CBR600F4i in the line-up for ’03, Honda has aimed both barrels at the middleweight class. The new CBR600RR is a masterpiece of technological innovation, designed to supplement the wildly popular CBR600F4i. The CBR600RR borrows heavily from Honda’s very latest racing technology, in the form of the V-5, RC211V that has practically worn a hole atop the MotoGP winner’s podium.


Ruckus
If you’ve got the merest pinch of mechanical sense running around your brain, you just have to split an ear-to-ear grin when you see the new Honda Ruckus. This scooter fairly drips with personality, and your imagination immediately begins to work overtime dreaming up possible uses and applications. Trips around town, wheels for the college campus, a little runabout on family camping trips-the Ruckus can do it all.


AquaTrax R-12X
Leave it to Honda to come up with the world’s first two-passenger, intercooled, turbocharged, four-stroke, personal watercraft. The AquaTrax R-12X follows in the footsteps of the AquaTrax F-12X, and carries the promise of one of the most agile and stable hull designs imaginable.

For sport-minded riders, the 2003 AquaTrax R-12X is going to set new–and higher–levels of performance that will take the market by storm.


2004 New Model Preview


Valkyrie Rune
Do you remember the T2 concept bike Honda revealed in the March/April 2001 issue of Honda Red Rider? Essentially, the Valkyrie Rune takes the T2 concept to the production line, and will be available in limited numbers. The Valkyrie Rune incorporates a unique diamond-shaped aluminum frame for robust strength along with light weight, plus a fuel-injected 1832cc engine based on the GL1800 power plant. Before you think the Valkyrie Rune is merely a hot-rod exercise in radical style, take a look at the bike’s innovative suspension systems.

Meanwhile, styling element after styling element tears at your eyeballs, vying for attention. Where to look? At the chromed cylinder head covers evocative of muscle car hardware? The gorgeous, smoothly flowing six-into-two exhaust system so artfully sculpted into place? The brawny disc brakes, which are the largest ever mounted on a Honda motorcycle? Or how about the gracefully flowing lines of the neo/retro low-slung bodywork with the solo seat that beckons you to slide aboard for the ride of your life?

The Valkyrie Rune redefines the ultimate performance custom.


VTX1300C
The new-for-2004 VTX1300C capitalizes on its forerunners’ success in two different areas: the mechanical soundness and fine overall balance of the recently introduced VTX1300, plus the muscular hot-rod styling treatment of the original VTX1800C.


CRF250R
Honda, the undisputed leader in four-stroke Performance First power, introduces the latest innovation in no-compromise motocross race bikes: the all-new 2004 CRF250R. Hot on the heels of the race-winning and award-winning CRF450R, this new all-out racer will dominate 125cc-class competition alongside the CR125R.

Whether you’re a Veteran Class racer looking for the inherent advantage of a broad four-stroke power delivery or you’re a young gun seeking a traction advantage in the ultra-demanding 125 class, with the new 2004 Honda CRF250R you’ll dust the guys who aren’t Riding Red.


CRF250X
Take what is basically the all-new CRF250R and put a button on the handlebar that’s connected to a lightweight, electric starter. That’s a sure-fire formula for building the most serious off-road motorcycle to enter the dirt market in a long, long time. Meet the brand-new CRF250X: X marks the spot where you’ll find a full-on, competition-oriented, off-road machine, coming from Honda.

FourTrax Rancher AT
Just because the FourTrax Rancher has been the best all-around ATV the world over for years doesn’t mean Honda’s hard-working engineers couldn’t carve out a little room for improvement. So 2003 brings the new 2004 Honda FourTrax Rancher AT with redesigned styling, a larger engine and a next-generation successor to the legendary HFT automatic transmission, plus an optional version with GPSCAPE®, a GPS unit to ease navigation chores.


About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through Honda authorized dealers. For further information about Honda products, racing teams, programs, and dealer locations, visit the Honda web site at: www.honda.com.

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