Producing 89kW (119hp) at peak, the engine pumps out a direct shot of 14,250rpm adrenaline – and searing top-end speed – and a strong 63Nm torque, with broad spread for smooth drive on hard corner exit. Tuned inlet ports are fed by 44mm throttle bodies ensuring maximum high-rpm gas flow and the cylinder head, valve gear and timing, crankshaft and exhaust are all optimised together. For the road, the engine is also EURO5 and OBD2-2 compliant.

It looks fast. Because it is fast. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade was our start point for the way the CBR600RR would look but, more importantly, slip through the air at high speed. And as the RC213V-S was the Fireblade’s base line that means an aggressively chiselled frontal area, reducing wind resistance, fairing winglets to produce consistent downforce during corner entry and going side-to-side while accelerating. Road or track take the advantage. This bike has race pedigree.

You think it. The CBR600RR does it. That’s how it feels through a set of turns. Kerb weight is just 193kg. The aluminium twin-spar frame sites the fuel load low for optimum mass centralisation while the engine is close to the centre of gravity, giving instant reaction to steering input. Fully adjustable suspension – Showa 41mm Big Piston USD forks and Pro-Link rear shock – and aluminium swingarm deliver fingertip feel for tyre grip, right on the edge. Four-piston radial-mount front calipers provide huge stopping power.

Carving corners is about building speed. Which is what the CBR600RR’s electronic package does. With the MotoGP-spec. Throttle-by-Wire system – and 6-axis IMU – there are 5 levels of Power, and 3 levels of Engine Brake to choose from. 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) gives natural feedback as it manages rear wheel traction. Cornering ABS, a slipper clutch and Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) deliver the confidence to push hard into, and out of, turns.