Honda’s new V3 platform could soon power a CBR600RR supersport replacement

There is growing speculation that Honda is currently working on a new CBR600RR replacement in the form of a V3-powered 900cc model. 

If this is indeed the case, the bike would be powered by the same V3 engine that’s set to be housed by the upcoming V3R 900 E-Compressor naked. 

However, it’s expected that a supersport variant will feature a naturally aspirated power unit; in other words the same engine platform, but without the E-Compressor system. 

While it’s become clear what engine the new 900cc supersport could adopt, power figures have also been speculated, suggesting 120 to 130 hp (around 118 to 128bhp).

If true, these power figures would put the new V3 900 (expected to be named V3R 900RR) supersport in direct competition with the Yamaha R9, which produces a claimed 87.5kW (117.3bhp) at 10,000rpm.

Like the R9, the Ducati Panigale V2 is one of the most competitive supersport motorcycles in the world, which also produces 118.3bhp at a slightly higher 10,750rpm.

You might like to read our Ducati Panigale V2 review.

This is important to remember as the CBR600RR, which competes against both the R9 and Panigale V2 in the World Supersport Championship, is no longer considered one of the strongest bikes on the grid. 

And by arriving as a replacement for the CBR600RR, the new V3R 900RR would therefore take over as the Japanese company’s new dedicated race bike in the supersport class. 

The launch of the all-new V3R 900 E-Compressor is edging ever closer after it was first unveiled as part of a wide range of new and updated models at EICMA 2025.

With the new naked first unveiled last November, Honda could also be waiting for this year’s show to debut the V3R 900RR.

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