The rear suspension is still of the Unit Pro-Link architecture, but a new shock body promises big improvements in responsiveness. The old single-tube shock gets tossed in favor of what Honda calls a Balance-Free damper which incorporates a double-tube design. Instead of the damper piston using integral valves, the damping oil is forced through a separate damping component. The Balance-Free shock uses just a single circuit rather than main and secondary valves like most shocks. Honda says this allows better control via a larger body of oil, resulting in smoother and more responsive damping action, especially through the transition from compression to rebound. Damping adjusters are easily reached at the top of the shock body.
The front suspension also receives an upgrade, now using a 43mm inverted Showa fork with Big Piston Fork technology seen on some Kawasaki Ninjas and Suzuki GSX-Rs. Its larger damping volume reduces hydraulic pressure, resulting in more precise action during its initial stroke and less pitching during hard braking.
New bodywork is the most obvious change to the CBR. It follows the layered fairing concept to improve aerodynamic flow, helping create a large pocket of still air around the rider while also drawing in more air through the cooling system. Also new is an integrated chin spoiler above the front wheel that is claimed to reduce aerodynamic lift at speed.
Also new is the instrumentation. The LCD digital gauge pack now includes a five-level shift indicator, lap timer and gear-position indicator. The digital bar-type linear tachometer offers four selectable modes for style of readout.
The CBR’s midrange-strong motor is basically unchanged, but it did receive new EFI settings that provide response that is more linear and has smoother response at smaller throttle openings.
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