Honda CBR600F

When the Honda CBR600F got fuel injection, it also had its personality split. From this point on, two Honda CBR600s would run concurrently: the Honda CBR600F and the Honda CBR600FS (now superseded by the Honda CBR600RR). One a sporty all-rounder, the other, a full-on sportsbike. The Honda CBR600F was, and remains, a brilliant motorcycle with real power and excitement but with the added practicalities to make it a contender for just about anyone’s garage.

Some reckon the Honda CBR600F’s engine is very slightly lacking in midrange but, for the average rider, there’s a lot of very useable power. The fuel injection can make for juddery starts on cold mornings but, once up to temperature, it’s as smooth as a baby’s bum. To coin a massively-used but highly appropriate (in this instance) cliché: it’s bullet-proof.

Fully adjustable suspension means customising the ride to your needs is a doddle. As it is, the Honda CBR600F handles beautifully. It lacks the razor sharp edginess of the Honda CBR600RR or other rivals but it’s still an absolute corker. Loads of power, plenty of torque but forgiving of the odd wrong gear or rider hiccup: it’s a ball to ride. The brakes are ok but may be a bit spongy on older models.

Dual seat, grab rail, centre stand… It sounds like a roll call for a big, dull tourer but the Honda CBR600F has them all, running alongside its sportier credentials. The dash is clear and clean with a fuel gauge, clock and digital speedo. Mirrors are good and there’s enough room under the seat for some waterproofs. Extras available include luggage and heated grips.

Great finish and legendary reliability mean Honda CBR600F owners spend more time riding their motorcycles and less time covered in oil in their garages, trying to fix the bloody things. Even older models, well kept, look pretty spotless and the engines just keep on going.

There’s no shortage of Honda CBR600Fs around, in all their guises, but they last and last well. They also hold their value fairly well, which is pretty unusual for a ubiquitous machine. The Honda CBR600F is a lot cheaper than rival 600s and, although it lacks their utterly balls-out performance, its everyday usability works in its favour for many buyers.

specification
 Category: Sport
Rating: 76 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)
Engine type: In-line four
Stroke: 4
Power: 108.00 HP (78.8 kW)) @ 12500 RPM
Torque: 63.00 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.5 ft.lbs) @ 10000 RPM
Compression: 12.0:1
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 42.5 mm (2.6 x 1.7 inches)
Fuel system: Injection. Electronic fuel injection?/TD>
Fuel control: DOHC
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance and HISS?/TD>
Starter: Electric
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
More details Consult a Honda repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight: 170.0 kg (374.8 pounds)
Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall length: 2,065 mm (81.3 inches)
Ground clearance: 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,390 mm (54.7 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Front suspension: 43mm cartridge-type telescopic fork, 120mm axle travel?/TD>
Rear suspension: Pro-Link with gas-charged remote reservoir damper, spring preload and compression and rebound damping, 120mm axle travel?/TD>
Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm (11.7 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio: 0.6353 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)