By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Honda CBR600RR (2BL-PC 40) vs CBR600RR (PC 40)
2021 Honda CBR600RR vs 2007 Honda CBR600RR: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
Tip the 2021 Honda CBR600RR into a bend and it's quick to turn, then stays settled on its line. The 2007 Honda CBR600RR folds long legs into a tighter crouch.
So which one do you buy?
The 2021 CBR600RR has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Narrow edge: 2021 CBR600RR
Track days lean slightly toward the 2021 CBR600RR. Credit better suspension and stronger brakes. Count it as a small bonus.
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: 2021 CBR600RR
The 2021 CBR600RR makes slightly more sense as a commuter. Don't read much into a gap this small.
What makes each one tick
2021 CBR600RR
The 2021 CBR600RR's inline-four spins up smoothly and doesn't stop climbing toward the redline. Around Barber Motorsports Park, the chassis talks back through the bars and doesn't hesitate on a change of direction. The brake lever hauls it down hard, and the frame doesn't squirm. The top end's where it pulls hardest.
2007 CBR600RR
There's real shove in the 2007 CBR600RR's middle revs. The shift lever sees far fewer downshifts. Weight sits packed close around the engine, and corner entry happens the instant the bar moves. Mid-corner, the chassis holds its arc.
Nils rode the 2007 CBR600RR in Hungary in 2007, in Qatar in 2008, in Croatia/Dalmatia in 2013, and in Germany in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2007 CBR600RR has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 428 lb (194 kg).
- ABS: standard on the 2021 CBR600RR, option (from 2009) on the 2007 CBR600RR.
- Cornering ABS: standard on the 2021 CBR600RR, not offered on the 2007 CBR600RR.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Neither of these is a mile-muncher. If big days are the plan, keep looking.
For twisty roads and running costs, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2021 CBR600RR
What owners say
Strengths
- Legendary Honda reliability
- Smooth, high-revving engine
2007 CBR600RR
What owners say
Strengths
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Strong midrange for a supersport
Trade-offs
- Cramped riding position
Known problems to check before you buy
2021 CBR600RR
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
2007 CBR600RR
- Fuel pump impeller may deform and cause failure Recall 24V864000 A recall covers certain 2007 and 2009-2017 CBR600RR models: improperly molded fuel pump impellers can deform, leading to sudden fuel pump failure and stalling.
What they share
- Seat height
- 32.3 in (820 mm)
- Displacement
- 599 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 4.8 US gal (18.2 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2021 CBR600RR | 2007 CBR600RR | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 428 lb (194 kg) | 410 lb (186 kg) |
| 2021 CBR600RR | 2007 CBR600RR | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 119 hp (88 kW) | 121 hp (89 kW) |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) | 49 lb-ft (66 Nm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2021 CBR600RR | 2007 CBR600RR | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option (from 2009) |
| Cornering ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Wheelie Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
