CBRWorld.net

Miguel Praia, World Supersport racer, was at Barber racetrack in Alabama testing the new 2007 CBR 600 RR. Having plenty of experience in racing several versions of the CBR 600, Praia has a unique background that allows him to give us some good feedback on what he thinks of the new RR:

"It's much better than the last model, without a doubt ! The changes to the frame resulted perfectly, and it's so much easier to ride fast now. Specially when changing directions."

He was also suprised by the engine changes, something we had already reported here:

"It's more powerful at low and medium revs, which was the weak spot of the previous model, compared to the other bikes in its category. As soon as you touch the accelerator, you feel the power right away, a significative improvement over last year's version."

Miguel is going to race in 2007 with the RR in the World Supersport Championship:

"Everything about the bike breathes quality, as everything Honda usually does. A lot of quality. I expect to have a very positive season next year!".

Thanks Miguel !

 

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Mario Sobral

geeez  06 is not that bad ! i still love my bike .. but he makes it seems 07 is da ***

Guys,

First of all, the 2006 600 RR is a GREAT bike, specially as a track bike. But the fact is that the 2007 was completely redesigned and, specially the weight reduction, contributed for a more effective bike. Naturally, a World level racer will be looking for track potential towards racing, so keep that in mind.

I just got back from Miguel Praia more details about his experience on the new 600 RR:

"As for the new bike, I think that, as a whole, it's quite superior to the previous version. I found the frame and suspensions to be really good, since I noticed it to be easier to get it into the turns and changing direction, specially in the fast corners (where the previous model would lose out a bit). Even though the bike now has a shorter wheelbase, the fact is that it didn't lose one of its strong points, which was the stability through the corners.

The engine is 'fuller' over all the rpm range, but most noticeably on the low and medium rpms. As soon as you touch the accelerator, you get instant power. It's also a bit stronger up the range, but the difference is how much more linear the power delivery is now, through the all rev range, without dips midway. Even without a slipper clutch, this bike can be ridden near its limits without showing a real need for such a solution, even on the most hard braking areas.

The brakes remain excellent as they have always been, powerful and provide great feedback. Even though it's clearly a track oriented evolution, I think it can be a great bike on the road too, due to its even more linear engine now, and also due to a still  somewhat confortable riding position (considering the type of bike), as opposed to its more recent rivals."

Thanks Miguel !!!!

BTW, on the same email, Miguel invited me to test ride his World Supersport spec 2006 CBR 600 RR next month. I hope to bring you a nice detailed review of how does riding such a world class race bike feels like as soon as possible .

 

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Mario Sobral