Ideal world scenarios would see governments encouraging people onto two wheels to cut down on traffic and pollution, but the Irish weather, the death rate among two-wheelers, and the sheer costs involved are putting many people off.

There was a time when someone who started their motoring days on a small cc machine might then go through the ranks onto bigger machines.

But now, although sales of 50cc mopeds remain high, the transition from there is more likely to be towards small cars rather than more powerful bikes.

But for those that do make the brave move forward there is plenty to tempt they eye and pocket.

Engineers and designers are always developing creations of absolute magic and perfection that make everyone cry "perfection!", and then they ask themselves - "How can we make it better?"

Motorcycles are no different in this regard, so when Honda first developed its CBR range of sportsbikes back in 1992 it then decide to constantly improve what most thought was un-improvable.

The CBR 600RR is the product of such passion, and today when it comes to the high end of the lucrative 600cc market, it is still one of the fastest and most powerful machines in its class.

The CBR started its genesis as a 900 back in early 90's, but the demand for the top class quality build and performance meant Honda weren't long bringing the technology to a 600cc model.

Now there are different spec CBR 600's to choose from, but the RR is the cream of the crop.

It's not that the new CBR RR is radically different from its predecessor, although Honda would disagree.

It has now gained upside down front forks to add strength around the headstock and improve handling and road feedback even more.

And the brakes have been uprated as well.

But the differences to the machine are there, with a new range of colour schemes to choose from, and their overall impact on the finished package is obvious.

The RR is so balanced and powerful that when riding it the machine seems an extension of yourself.

It doesn't seem to run on petrol, but a rich mix of blood and adrenaline.

Higher spec and greater tech do increase the price to deep-intake-of-breath status, but the resultant grin is wider to boot.

The 6 speed, in-line 4 cylinder, 16 valve DOHC engine on the RR churns out 115bhp compared to the 109bhp of the standard CBR600F, and it's a kilo lighter too.

With a top speed of almost 160mph, from an engine almost half the size of a Nissan Micra's, you have to give respect where it is due!

Even turning the key in the ignition is a flashy affair, with LED indicator lights momentarily switching on as the tachometer needle jumps around to maximum scale and the speedometer flashes to a maximum readout of 288km.

Then the fuel pump audibly comes 'online', and the tacho and speedo wind back down to zero.

Following this 'welcome, ' the engine can be started normally.

With its race-bred technology the RR model of the CBR 600 is around a grand dearer than the more standard F model, costing E12,300.

The 600 RR feels as small as a 250 in both dimensions and weight, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is tame. Many high-revving speed machines make a high whining sound that tell you they are only happy at the top end of the rev range. But the RR still has a bark.

A deep exhaust note, that just sounds better and better as it is accelerated.

Every tilt of the bars, every lean into a bend, and every flick of the throttle are a joy.

The CBR gives the rider that confident feeling of control.

Keeping the Honda within legal limits requires a high level of self-control.

If Oscar Wilde said he could resist anything but temptation then even he would find it difficult not to break the speed limit on this machine!

The suspension on the RR is also very impressive. It is firm but still soaks up all the vibrations and bumps. It is the sort of machine you would buy if you have the opportunity of doing some quick miles on open road, or if you're into track days at your local race circuit.

A commuter it ain't, so if you just want to take it to work and use it as a traffic buster you would be far better off with something else.

It's not that the RR couldn't do it.

It's just that if you can't give it the decent miles it deserves its like buying a racehorse to pull a plough.

This thing wants to stretch and breathe.Anything else is cruelty!