Honda CBR 600F

Since its introduction in 1987 the CBR600F has become a modern legend, renowned for offering exhilarating performance with user-friendliness on the road. It has achieved this by remaining true to the concept of total control - throughout its evolution the CBR600F has never lost sight of this guiding principle, because regardless of a rider's level of skill or experience, their riding satisfaction is linked directly to the motorcycle's ability to do exactly as they ask, when they ask. Only by building this trust can a machine be both accessible and rewarding for a broad range of different riders. It is not an easy goal to achieve, requiring a thoroughly integrated engineering approach. However it has resulted in a unique sports motorcycle: the CBR600F.

In 2001 the CBR600F Sport recognised that, for some riders, racetrack performance takes priority over practicality on the road. That bike pushed the CBR further from its all-rounder DNA than ever before, a shift completed in 2003 with the introduction of the first CBR600RR - an all-new motorcycle dedicated to the ruthless domination of the world's racetracks. But for 2011 the concept of total control returns with a new middleweight sportsbike.
For the new CBR600F Honda engineers were assigned the task of combining the timeless qualities of the total control concept with the very latest motorcycle technology. In other words, create a CBR600F true to the ideals of its predecessors. It offers the neutral handling, near-Supersport levels of performance and the refinement and practicality so vital to the CBR's appeal. These qualities are combined with the rider and passenger comfort traditionally denoted by the 'F' in its name.

The CBR600RR could have been re-engineered to this new purpose, but why compromise such a single-minded machine? Instead the new CBR600F took as its start-point a compact all-alloy 599cc engine and Mono-Backbone aluminium frame. This high performance core package was then painstakingly developed to meet the new brief - to create a high performance 21st century road sportsbike with the accessibility that has always defined the CBR600F.

Development concept
In recent years the middleweight motorcycle market has diversified considerably, with many new models offering practicality and reasonable performance together with value for money. At the same time development of the Supersports concept has seen those bikes become increasingly extreme, with little or no thought to day-to-day practicality. Instead they are characterised by focused riding positions and highly tuned engines dedicated to the production of top-end power.

Between these two classes of motorcycle - middleweight Naked and Supersports - there exists the demand for a machine that combines the best aspects of both. A motorcycle with much of the exciting style and riding thrill of a Supersports bike, but with enough comfort and practicality to make weekday chores and commuting a pleasure. Honda's response to this demand is a new motorcycle for 2011 that marks the return of a legendary concept: CBR600F.
The new CBR600F is a carefully honed package developed to satisfy a wide range of motorcyclists, from new licence holders keen to develop their sport riding skills to highly experienced riders who have owned such machines and now want something more comfortable and road-focused. The stunning design of the CBR600F will also appeal to riders who love the track-bred look of the CBR600RR but cannot justify its unflinching focus on performance. And, being based on the hugely versatile chassis and engine package of the CB600F Hornet, the CBR600F will also attract riders who demand comfort from their motorcycle. Because for all its performance and style, the CBR600F is also a desirable bike to own and to live with, offering outstanding reliability and fuel economy.

Main features

- Compact, lightweight 599cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-4 engine tuned for class-leading power and linear delivery.
- Prestigious aluminium Mono-Backbone frame contributes to a slim, easy-to-handle and sporty chassis.
- Inverted front fork and aluminium swingarm for intuitive handling and unrivalled agility.
- Floating front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers for strong, secure braking.
- Combined ABS version features 3-piston front brake calipers and an advanced C-ABS system for safe stopping in all conditions.
- Supersports design incorporating a full fairing and windscreen.

Ergonomic design

The most rewarding riding experiences are defined by an unspoken understanding between the rider and the motorcycle; a confidence that the machine will respond to the rider's inputs instantly and accurately. The riding position has been perfectly designed to create an intimate connection between rider and machine for a feeling of total control.
Balanced riding position

The CBR600F riding position combines relaxed ergonomics with a level of integration and control usually reserved for Supersports machines. Thanks to the careful sculpting of the surrounding bodywork, the 800mm seat height is comfortable for a wide range of riders. In turn the handlebars are set higher on the CBR600F than they are on most Supersport machines, taking weight off the rider's wrists and ensuring day-long comfort together with an enhanced feeling of control when manoeuvring at low speeds. Together the seat, handlebars and footpegs create a riding position that is both comfortable and confidence inspiring.
Full fairing
A full fairing, sculpted equally by the heart of the style-conscious designer and the head of the engineer, also plays its part in the bike's considered ergonomic package. It protects the rider from windblast while also contributing to a low drag coefficient.

Considered passenger comfort
Passenger comfort is integral to the versatile character of the CBR600F. The pillion seat is bigger and more deeply padded than is the case on Supersports machines. It is also lower and closer to the rider, which makes climbing on and off easier and helps passengers feel more comfortable once on the move. Specially designed recesses on the underside of the tail unit further enhance this sense of security by providing points of contact for the passenger to hold. These help make the CBR600F an accomplished pillion machine without resorting to conventional grab handles, which affect the look of a bike when riding solo.
Low kerb weight

The advanced engine and chassis solutions help deliver a low kerb weight, an attribute that brings with it a raft of advantages, from improved acceleration and agile handling at any speed to confidence when undertaking low-speed manoeuvres.

Styling

Supersport inspiration, timeless style
The Supersport look is the most dynamic in motorcycling, embodying the scintillating performance and the glamour of the World Supersport Championship race series. The CBR600F takes the stunning lines associated with Supersport bikes and develops them into an exciting new design language that perfectly fits the CBR600F brief - race inspired but focused on the road. The full fairing - a defining feature of the CBR600F since the very first model - has sculpted surfaces that combine clean lines with a multi-layer look that hints at the depth of engineering within. At the rear of the bike the high tail gives the machine an athletic stance on the road.

Designed in Honda's Rome studio, the CBR600F was shaped by chief designer Valerio Aiello. "We wanted to create a design that will remain attractive for a long time, not just for a year or two," explains Valerio. "The bike has the speedy proportions of a Supersport bike but there is also a timeless elegance to the new CBR600F. Key to this is the multi-layer design of the fairing, which brings a visual richness to the bike. At the same time the positive and negative surfaces of the fairing create strong, dynamic lines inspired by the sophisticated style of premium British sports cars. Overall we wanted to create a strong single shape, like a piece of sculpture. I think of the finished design like a cobra ready to attack; compact, fluid and full of dynamic potential."

Instead of the twin headlights common to Supersport bikes, the new CBR600F uses an advanced one-piece headlight design with cool blue lenses for the position lights. The headlight design flows into the screen to give an original and classy look to the front of the bike. "I am very proud of this area of the design," says Valerio. "It was a challenge to create a sporty look with a single headlight but we did it. The headlight itself is nicely detailed, and the blue lenses for the position lights are a cool touch, again inspired by luxury sports cars. The headlight and screen combine to create a striking transparent surface that helps give the bike a lightweight feeling."
Modern, comprehensive instrument display

The rider's view ahead is dominated by the stunning digital instrument panel. This combines a digital speedometer with an easy-to-read digital tachometer, letting the rider check speed and engine revs at a glance. Backing up these primary displays are dual trip gauges, an odometer, a highly accurate multi-segment fuel gauge and a digital clock. As befits a multi-role sportsbike that's as likely to be found flitting through traffic-packed city streets on the daily commute as it is chasing excitement on the open road, the instruments also include an instantaneous fuel efficiency display and average fuel efficiency and fuel consumption functions for Trip A.

Colouring concept
Pearl Cool White/Hyper Red
The first and sportiest of the 2011 CBR600F colour concepts calls to mind Honda's incredible racing heritage, combining an eye-catching bright red with a cool, clean white to stunning effect. Minimalist graphics accentuate the aggressive styling without complicating the carefully sculpted surfaces that are key to the bike's visual appeal.
Pearl Cool White/Moody Blue Metallic

Another timeless colour concept, the cool white/blue option available on the new CBR600F will appeal to trendy riders with an eye for style. Like the other two colouring concepts, the relationship between the two contrasting colours accentuates the stunning multi-layer fairing design.
Pearl Nightstar Black/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic

The final colour concept offers a moody alternative, combining contrasting gloss and matt surfaces to stunning effect. The sultry, menacing palette of black and grey perfectly fits with the bike's personality, cutting a confident and understated dash in any environment.

Engine

Supersports-derived
The CBR600F's DOHC inline-4 engine was originally developed alongside the 2007 CBR600RR's power unit and is also found in the CB600F Hornet. It is tuned for an ultra-broad spread of power and a lightning-fast yet predictable throttle response. Regardless of gear and engine revs, the ultra-smooth unit delivers exactly the amount of drive the rider asks for. Strong, instantly accessible torque is available from very low revs, ensuring absolute control regardless of speed or road surface. The CBR600F delivers 75kW at 12,000rpm and an extremely smooth and glitch-free power curve. The result is an engine that satisfies on every level, offering both the civility and ease-of-use demanded by the novice while also satisfying the most experienced riders with its exhilarating performance.
Mass centralised

As befits such an important part of a uniquely balanced machine, the CBR600F engine is an integral part of the chassis package. Its race breeding is obvious in its low weight and compact dimensions. The unit's low weight helps trim the bike's all-important kerb weight figure to a minimum, a key factor in the bike's exceptionally easy handling at any speed. At the same time, the engine's compact size gave Honda's engineers free reign to position it perfectly within the chassis, for an ideal front/rear weight distribution and neutral handling feel. Because the engine itself is so small, other components such as the fuel tank and exhaust can be tightly packaged around it, further centralising the mass and benefiting handling.
Fuel injected
The engine's impressive combination of performance and refinement is due in no small part to the advanced PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system. The bike's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) works in conjunction with the engine's digital electronic ignition to ensure accurate fuelling. The benefits are startling performance, a flawless throttle response and low fuel consumption.

Environmentally responsible
Exhaust gases leave the engine via a low-slung 4-2-1 exhaust system. Incorporated into the exhaust is a highly effective catalyser that virtually eliminates the emission of polluting hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. The CBR's emissions are further reduced at source by the PGM-FI system, which works with the exhaust system's oxygen sensor to maintain the air/fuel ratio at the ideal for clean combustion.
Practical in everyday use
With an accurate fuel injection system, the CBR600F is remarkably economical for such a high-revving and powerful engine. The result is superb range from the fuel tank and fewer trips to the petrol pumps, saving time and money. The engine is also reliable, having been proven over hundreds of thousands of road and race miles. It also requires very little maintenance, helping make the CBR600F ownership experience hassle-free and rewarding.

Chassis

Total control
The driving concept of total control placed unique demands on the CBR600F chassis, asking that it perform flawlessly in a huge range of riding scenarios. The qualities of low weight, easy handling and sophisticated suspension are universal, and it is these three key attributes that underpin the chassis of the CBR600F.
Mono-Backbone frame
The engine is bolted into the die-cast aluminium frame to create the basis of a light, slim and compact machine. The Mono-Backbone's lightweight but rigid diamond configuration incorporates the engine as an integral part of the frame itself, using the engine's inherent strength to further boost chassis integrity for no additional weight penalty. The aluminium frame is manufactured in three sections using Honda's advanced gravity die-cast procedure, which allows engineers to accurately tune the structure for the perfect blend of rigidity and rider feel.
Neutral CBR handling

The motorcycle is concentrated around the core created by the engine and frame, creating a mass-centralised package that behaves intuitively at any speed. Reducing inertial mass at the machine's most extreme points in this way brings huge benefits to the handling. As a result the CBR600F changes direction effortlessly, while also offering superb stability and cornering control.
Sporty geometry
Because the engine and chassis are so compact, the CBR600F can combine the long swingarm required for sure-footed handling with one of the shortest wheelbase figures in its class. 1437mm. Supersports-derived chassis geometry backs up the bike's credentials as a genuine contender on even the most demanding roads.
Adjustable front and rear suspension
At the front, the 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork gives unrivalled rider confidence, effortlessly soaking up imperfections in the road surface while also providing the feedback that is essential to rider comfort when cornering. The damping and spring rates are unique to the CBR600F, as are the characteristics of the rear Monoshock. Compared to the CBR600RR compression damping is decreased, for better bump absorption, while the tension damping is increased for enhanced control of the unsprung mass. Using the spring preload and tension damping adjusters the rider can also tailor the fork's behaviour specifically to suit the way they ride. The result is a front end that delivers on the promise of total control. The rear suspension system consists of a tapered dual box-section aluminium swingarm controlled by a Monoshock damper. Tension and spring preload adjusters on the Monoshock let the rider alter its precise characteristics to suit their weight and tastes, while a dual rate spring optimises touring comfort. Together these cutting edge suspension systems provide an inspirational handling feel while also ensuring the CBR600F never loses its cool, however rough the roads.

Race-derived wheels and sophisticated braking systems
The CBR600F rides on lightweight cast aluminium wheels, which contribute to the bike's low kerb weight while also reducing unsprung mass, directly benefiting the ride quality and ease of handling. Tyre sizes are unmistakably Supersport: 120/70-R17 at the front and 180/55-R17 at the rear. Strong and consistent braking performance is provided by a pair of 296mm floating discs with dual-piston calipers at the front. At the rear a 240mm disc and a single-piston caliper offer both stopping power and the fine control required for low-speed manoeuvring.
Combined ABS CBR600F

The CBR600F is also available in a Combined ABS version, featuring an advanced Antilock Braking System. Combined ABS links the front brake control to the rear brake, ensuring smooth, progressive and powerful deceleration in all situations. The system's ECU monitors the speeds of the front and rear wheels using sensors. Should one wheel begin to rotate more slowly than the other, suggesting the first hint of tyre slip, the Combined Braking System modulates the braking effort to ensure full grip is retained, maximising braking ability while retaining control.

Equipment

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)
Fitted as standard to the CBR600F, the Honda Ignition Security System is an electronic security measure that makes the bike impossible to start without one of the two original keys. Without one of those keys the ignition system remains completely immobilised, preventing hot-wiring and ride-away theft.
Antilock Braking System
Honda has introduced ABS systems throughout its motorcycle range. The Combined ABS version of the CBR600F will appeal to novice and advanced riders alike while effectively broadening the bike's multi-purpose versatility still further.

Optional Equipment
The CBR600F is a machine of unrivalled all-round ability, but the opportunity exists to tailor it to any number of tasks, from year-round commuting to dedicated sports riding, with a range of optional equipment from Honda Access Europe.
- Seat cowl
This optional colour-matched seat cowl covers the pillion seat and gives the CBR600F a more aggressive, sporty look when riding solo.
- Tall screen
While the standard CBR600F screen is perfect for the majority of people, taller riders intending to ride long distances at speed will be drawn to the optional tall screen. Designed to blend into the lines of the fairing cowl, the optional tall screen is 34mm higher than the standard screen for increased wind protection and reduced buffeting at speed. The tall screen is also smoked to shade the digital instruments and enhance the striking fairing design.
- Hugger
The dual-tone, colour-matched hugger protects the Monoshock from dirt and debris, easing maintenance while also enhancing the bike's sophisticated lines.
- Undertray
Designed specifically for the 2011 CBR600F, the optional undertray smoothes out the lines of the bike's rear end and creates an even sportier look.
- Red/white wheel sticker set
The stunning CBR600F wheel design can be further enhanced with these sticker sets, underlining the bike's sporty DNA.
- Seat bag
Versatility is key to the appeal of the CBR600F. This tough, easy to fit 19-litre seat bag is ideal when using the bike in a commuting or touring role and does not compromise the bike's comfort or ride qualities.
- Heated grips
Unobtrusive but powerful enough to make cold-weather riding pleasurable, these heated grips further boost the practicality of the CBR600F.
- Tank pad
The tough tank pad protects the bike's fuel tank from accidental damage by jacket zips or belt buckles, preserving the paintwork.
- Security
An optional alarm security system further enhances anti-theft measures. The unit deters potential thieves with a powerful siren and features 8 sensitivity settings and a sleep mode to prevent the battery from draining when not in use.
- Cargo net
Loads can be secured to the pillion seat quickly and easily with the optional cargo net.

Evolution of a legend
1987- 1988 CBR600F-H/J
The original CBR600, a landmark machine and one that brought previously unimaginable levels of performance to the middleweight class. This model also established the CBR600F reputation for intuitive handling.
1989-1990 CBR600F-K/L
A more powerful evolution of the first CBR600F, the revised 1989/1990 version further cemented the bike's position as the dominant 600cc sportsbike of the time.
1991-1994 CBR600F-M/N/P/R
An all-new short-stroke engine configuration with dramatically reduced levels of internal friction yielded yet more power. Meanwhile a sophisticated new chassis maintained the motorcycle's essential balance.
1995-1998 CBR600F-S/T/V/W

The first CBR600F to boast a Ram Air intake system, the 1995-1998 CBR600F remains the definitive steel-frame middleweight sportsbike, and still makes a competitive road-focused sportsbike today.
1999-2000 CBR600F-X/Y
The CBR600F moves into the 21st century with an all-new engine and lightweight aluminium alloy frame. Glowing press reports help fuel huge sales success.
2001-2006 CBR600F-1/2/3/4/5/6 and CBR600FS-1/2 Sport
For the first time the CBR600F is available in two guises, with the CBR600F Sport gunning for track glory. Both bikes feature PGM-FI fuel injection technology.
New 2011 CBR600F
The CBR600F returns with a powerful and flexible CBR600RR-derived engine and an advanced die-cast aluminium Mono-Backbone frame.

Motoblog review

More comfortable and less aggressive than the 600RR, the 600F is essentially a sportier Hornet with a full fairing. With sales of sportsbikes showing a decline, the new 600F will definitely help Honda move more bikes from their showrooms. The CBR600F is better equipped than the Hornet and has a good mix of sporty performance and usability, which will surely be appreciated by those who love sportsbikes, but who primarily use their bikes on the street.

In terms of styling, the 600F is moderately sporty looking, which is what Honda probably wanted for the bike. The DOHC inline-four engine, with PGM-FI tech, is from the 2007-model CBR600RR, which has been refined further and has been optimised for low- and mid-range power delivery. It’s a light and compact unit and fits in perfectly in the CBR600F’s chassis. And with 102 horsepower at 12,000rpm, it really does perform.

On the road, the CBR600F is an excellent companion for those looking for a fast, sporty motorcycle, despite the fact that it is slower to react to rider inputs compared with 600cc repli-racers. The bike does feel a bit sluggish below 4,000rpm but that 600cc Honda engine really sings between 6,000-12,000rpm. And when it’s time to stop, the rear brake feels powerful and is easy to modulate, though the front brake isn’t very responsive, at least during the first few millimetres of the brake lever’s travel. Again, this is probably intentional, to keep less experienced riders from stopping too suddenly and perhaps losing control of the machine in the process.

The seat is well padded and the CBR600F feels comfortable to ride whether you’re on the street or on a racetrack. The C-ABS brakes aren’t very invasive and the adjustable suspension is up to the task of keeping things under control even when the 203-kilo (210kg with ABS, which is optional) bike is ridden very hard. The 2011 Honda CBR600F is an ‘intelligent’ motorcycle that’s all-around capable – sporty and comfortable all at the same time, without too many compromises. At €9,190 (with C-ABS), it’s good value for money.

Source Motoblog