The first 20,000 kms on the Honda CBR600RR 30^th July, 2008

As the Honda just clicked over 20,000ks on last week’s ride, I thought I would put a few words together on how she has performed.

I bought the bike from Freestyle Honda last November with only a 1,000 kms as it was an ex demo. It already had had its first service, so no running-in or extra cost of the first service.

This bike has really run very well with no problems or massive expenses incurred. It has never stopped or refused to start. The only real incidents have not been the bike's fault and I will list them shortly.

When I picked up the bike, the suspension was very soft. I set about setting up the pre-load and playing with the clickers. It was a lot better from then on. Good mileage of 3,000 kms was achieved from the first set of tyres. They had more left but I needed a fresh set for the Melbourne Cup weekend; otherwise I would have been riding on canvas. The original set of Bridgestone 015s lasted better than expected. Next I put on a cheap set of Dunlop 208GPs. Along with the new tyres I changed the oil and filter, fitted heated grips (don't knock `em!), bought a clear contact kit from the States to cover the body work and lastly, fitted a quick action throttle as I felt there was too much travel with the standard one. I ran a quick action throttle on my race bike many years ago and it worked a treat.

The first problem I encountered with this bike was not the bike but the heated grips. When we were away up in NSW they kept cutting out. It was due to a faulty connection. Danny Hawker, my best pal, fixed it up for me, much to the disgust of the other members who were feeling the cold!

I changed the oil at 6K. The bike had no issues right up to the 12K service other than tyres again. At the 12K mark I did the usual fluid and air filter change. But I was not expecting to see the front brake pads down to metal. I could not believe this as the Suzuki front pads were only half down at 17K. What made it more alarming is that the Honda had not done as many track days as the GSXR and the price of genuine pads is $160 - discounted! I have since been told that CBR6 pads are soft and that this rate of wear is normal. If the pads are gone at 24K, I think I will check out other brands.

From 12 to 18K there have been no extra costs other than, you guessed it, tyres! What has been surprising is that the bike wears out both front and rear tyres simultaneously, not two rears to one front as in the past. I have had a selection of different tyres on the bike and am not fussed about what I run so long as I get them cheap!  As I run two bikes, I get whatever I can get by looking around for both second-hand or run-out stock. I have had two sets of Dunlop 208 GPs, one set of Dunlop Qualifiers, one set of Brigdestone 015s (the original set) and a couple of ex-race rears. At present, the bike has a Michelin 2Ct front with a Pilot Road 2 rear tyre which I should get good mileage out off.

My mechanic, who looks after all my bikes and also works as a service manager at New World Honda, has informed me that the head-stem bearings and chain and sprockets may need replacing at the 24K mark. He has had a few bikes come through the shop with mileage of 60K km plus and notes that the bike may need a cam-chain tensioner around the 35K mark. I’m not sure if I will still have the bike by then anyway.

The next problem I had was a holed radiator on a Walhalla ride caused by flying rock. I still got home okay with the assistance of Ben and Ian. No cost to repair as I have mates.

When the bike had its 18K service I decided to get the suspension done by KroozeTune. Not that it really needed it but I felt that while we were changing the oils I may as well get the lot done. This included replacing the fork front springs with lighter ones and revalving the rear shock, all for 600 bucks. The price was good considering what other bikes have cost me. The difference was immediately noticeable with the bike steering with less effort. I still had to soften it up; a couple of clicks and it was done.

Is the Honda a better bike than the old GSXR600 Suzuki? As far as I'm concerned they are both great bikes. The Honda's ride position suits me better as I like to be on top rather than the sit-in position. I feel it is a better Club bike because it has a bigger fuel tank and more room to move. The power feels the same but the brakes on the Honda work better than the Suzuki.

The bike has stone chips galore on the fairings, and the wheels are marked from tyre changes. Other than that, it cleans up well for the type of riding we do. The CBR may not be the best looking bike out there but I am more than happy with the way it stops and goes. Would I buy another one? Yes.

Dave Ward