Honda CBF 600N

Honda has chosen the first day of the 2007 Paris Motorcycle Show to unveil the Hornet-derived 2008 Honda CBF600 and 2008 Honda CBF600S.

The two machines were unveiled alongside the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR FireBlade and 2008 Honda XL700V Transalp.

Although the styling of the unfaired 2008 Honda CBF600, and the faired 2008 Honda CBF600S stays fairly close to the original motorcycles launched in 2004, almost everything is new. The engine is taken from the Honda CBR600RR and CB600F Hornet; which is lighter, smaller, and tuned for stronger low and mid-range.

The Honda Hornet was also the inspiration for the chassis; as the innovative cast aluminium Mono-backbone frame has been adapted to the more relaxed riding position of the 2008 Honda CBF600 and CBF600S.

The half-faired 2008 Honda CBF600S gets a sleeker and lighter front fairing; both motorcycles get a larger 20-litre fuel tank, shorter gear ratios to aid acceleration, smoother and narrower seats, and a new combined-ABS version with three-piston front brake calipers.

The 2008 Honda CBF600 is available in Pearl Nightstar Black, Pearl Sienna Red, or Quasar Silver Metallic. The 2008 Honda CBF600S comes in Pearl Nightstar Black, Pearl Sienna Red, Quasar Silver Metallic, and also Dolphin Grey Metallic.

Totally redesigned for 2008, Honda’s entry-level street bike remains the renowned motorcycle that we are all familiar with, but its new engine and strengthened chassis now give it an extra measure of fun.

Improvements throughout
You really need an expert eye to tell a 2004-2007 model CBF 600 apart from this new 2008 version! Except for the engine’s new aluminium colour and a longer silencer, there is no clear sign to give you a clue. And yet there is no shortage of modifications.

The engine – still an in-line four-cylinder – is now borrowed from the 2007 model Hornet 600. Powered by electronic injection, it delivers 76 hp. The chassis has a new, more rigid aluminium frame and a longer swingarm for greater stability at high speeds. The overall increase in weight is in the region of 8 kg, which should benefit ease of riding, one of the main strong points of this motorcycle for everyman, intended to satisfy both beginners and all those simply seeking a good all-rounder, suitable for weekday and weekend riding alike.

The CBF remains available in two versions: the N (naked), a typical street bike, with a round headlamp with chrome surround, and the S, which is slightly more road-orientated with its half fairing, whose lines have been subtly remodelled. In line with the “Just Fit” concept, seat and windscreen are height-adjustable (tools required) to better suit a wide range of riders.

HondaAn accomplished city bike It only takes a mile or so astride the CBF 600 to get to grips with it. Everything is easy and natural, from the riding position to the smoothness of the controls, including the sharpness of steering and flexibility of the engine from the lowest engine speeds. Traffic jams become a mere formality. No jolts caused by the fuel injection tarnish the pleasure of low-speed manoeuvres, the gearbox responds to the slightest touch of your boot. Without a doubt, the CBF will appeal to young motorcycle licence holders, but city-dwelling bikers shouldn’t be immune to this general ease of riding.

Particularly since the practical aspects have been carefully thought out, with the CBF 600 offering everyday users all the essentials: sufficiently extensive instrumentation with petrol gauge, space beneath the seat for an anti-theft device, central kickstand and electronic coded key immobiliser.

Of course, a combined ABS-CBS braking system is among the equipment on offer – a highly recommended option, since it makes deceleration so much more serene. The ABS curbs any hint of wheel lock, whilst the CBS function ensures optimum distribution of brakeforce between both wheels when you press the pedal. The right-hand lever, for its part, controls only the front brake. A real advantage over the competition, since the CBF 600 is the only one in its segment to offer a combined braking system.

HondaAn efficient little road bike
It would, however, be a shame to restrict a 600cc motorcycle to purely utilitarian use in an urban environment. The CBF, especially the S version, encourages you to get away to make the most of its precise handling and livelier-than-ever engine.

The ever-intuitive chassis proves reassuring on all kinds of terrain, with more seasoned riders also finding it fits the bill when they get the urge to have a little fun on a winding route. The new fork with adjustable preload no doubt contributes to this riding precision, without the rear shock absorber showing its limits too quickly.

In terms of comfort, the 2008 CBF does a little better than the old model, particularly thanks to better upholstery, but regrettably there is still insidious vibration at stabilised mid-range engine speeds. Passengers will make the same criticism, though offset by a pleasant seat and well-designed set of grab rails and footrests.

HondaThe four-cylinder engine makes a much more virile sound, but proves to be as distinctly linear as before. A feature making it easy to get to grips with and never intimidating, but that can also be taken for a lack of personality...
It is true that under 7,500 rpm, the character is somewhat erased – a small reproach that can also be made regarding rival engines of this architecture. Having said that, selectively making the most of high revs to overtake or spice up a series of bends will bring back a taste of the mischievousness of the Hornet 600.

All in all, this reliable motorcycle will no doubt enable Honda to place itself favourably in the versatile mid-displacement road-bike segment again.

An easy-to-manage all-rounder that is very affordable (naked version from ÂŁ4,499), the 2008 CBF 600 will clearly satisfy a broad customer base.