New Generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD)

The new CBR600RR receives another significant innovation from the CBR1000RR Fireblade in the form of its new Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), which helps maintain smoothly predictable high-speed handling while having remarkably little effect on control at slower speeds. In a further innovation from the CBR1000RR Fireblade's system, the CBR600RR's new, more compact HESD unit is secreted away underneath the steering head, where it is mounted to the frame and connected to the lower triple-clamp by an articulating arm that moves the unit's damping vane within its oil chamber.

As before, handlebar movement directly actuates the vane built inside the unit's oil chamber to move oil from one side of the chamber to other through a tight circuit of oil lines regulated by an electronic solenoid. As vehicle speed and acceleration increase, these oil lines are gradually constricted by the solenoid to provide an effective damper against sudden movement of the front fork and handlebars, such as might occur when encountering a large bump in a high-speed corner. As vehicle speed slows, the lines gradually open, reducing the damping effect to virtually undetectable levels.

This new generation of the Honda Electronic Steering Damper offers an exceptional level of technological sophistication and seamless operation that effectively demonstrates Honda's commitment to pursuing advancements in riding ease and comfort in highly competitive Super Sports machines like the new CBR600RR.

New, More Compact Instrument Panel

The new CBR600RR also sports a totally new and more compact instrument panel design, with its tachometer featuring larger, more easily distinguished odd numbers and smaller even numbers for easier recognition and differentiation. As before, a large LCD panel provides a high-visibility readout of vehicle speed, odometer, trip meter fuel gauge and clock. Brilliant ISO-marked LED indicator lights are positioned around the perimeter of the panel. The instrument panel also comes alive when the ignition key is switched on with an eye-catching startup routine that flashes the indicators and sweeps the tachometer needle.

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)

To help keep the new CBR600RR out of the hands of thieves and joyriders, Honda's effective HISS anti-theft system features a fail-safe electronic interlock that prevents the engine from being started with anything other than the motorcycle's two original keys. Totally disabling the engine at the very heart of its ignition system, the system cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module, thus effectively deterring joyriders and greatly reducing the chance of ride-away theft.