HRC is starting to accept reservations for the CBR600RR race base model on October 15, 2022.
Since the information is that the current model will be discontinued in 2022, will it continue to exist as a dedicated circuit model, or is a new CBR600RR being prepared?
Photo courtesy of Honda Racing
600cc is a Supersport and a Racer
According to a report on this Web site, the current CBR600RR will not be compliant with the 2022 emission regulations, which expire at the end of October 2022, and its production will be terminated. Reservations at dealers have already been filled, making it difficult to obtain one. However, since the CBR600RR is also used in production races, sales of the race-based model will continue, and HRC service stores began accepting reservations on October 15.
The current CBR600RR, which had ceased to be sold in Japan after the 2016 model year, was released in September 2020 with Euro 4 equivalent 2016 emission control measures. It was revived on the premise that only two years were left for production, and was not released in Europe, where Euro 5 emission regulations were already in place.
In other words, it can be said that the discontinuation of the CBR600RR was planned in advance, but the reason why the CBR600RR was revived is believed to have been to compete with the Yamaha YZF-R6. The R6 was fully remodeled in 2016 with enhanced electronic controls such as traction control, but the CBR600RR was left unarmed and outmatched.
Therefore, it was launched with full IMU-controlled traction control & ABS, electronic throttle, etc. that exceeded these features, mainly to regain its supremacy in road racing. Even if the public road models are discontinued, the race-based models can continue, so the battle between the CBR600RR vs. the YZF-R6 will continue on the race circuit in the future.
HONDA CBR600RR Race Base Car. The CBR600RR Race Base Car [HONDA] will be sold by HRC, which has been accepting reservations through its service stores since October 15 and will deliver the car in January 2023.
The photos are for reference only, specifications and pricing may vary by store.
YAMAHA YZF-R6 Race-Based Model. R6 also continues to sell race-based models after production ends in 2020.
Reservations for the 2023 model began on October 19.
The price is (approx.) 8585 USD and the release date is February 28, 2023.
The new CBR600RR is likely, but surprisingly the ZX-6R will also survive
It seems that the 600cc parallel four-cylinder engine will no longer be enjoyed only on race circuits. According to information obtained by this Web site, the public road version of the CBR600RR is expected to make a comeback. At least the 2023 model does not exist, but we expect the new CBR600RR to be released as early as 2024.
Another current 600cc supersport is Kawasaki's ZX-6R (636cc). The 2023 model was just released on October 1. However, since it does not comply with the 2020 emission regulations, there is a possibility that it will be the last model.
According to information obtained by this Web site, the ZX-6R is also expected to continue to exist, and a model compliant with the 2020 emission regulations is expected to be released sometime in the future. The timing of the release of the new model is unknown, but we hope for good news.
HONDA CBR600RR. Left is the public road version, priced at (approx.) 10715 USD.
The current model, which is equipped with winglets and all the latest equipment, will be back again in compliance with the new emission regulations.
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R. The 2023 model of the ZX-6R, follows the basic design of the 2013 model and has updated electronic controls in the 2019 model. If it does not comply with the new emission regulations, it will be the last model, but will it really be a ZX-6R?
