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Honda CBF 600N

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Make Model

Honda CBF 600N

Year

2004 - 05

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Capacity

599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 67.0 x 42.5 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.6:1

Induction

Electronic fuel injection 32mm throttle body

Ignition 

Computer-controlled digital transistorized 
Starting Electreic

Max Power

55.8 kW / 76.4 hp @ 10500 rpm

Max Torque

58 Nm / 43.5 ft.lb @ 8000 rpm

Transmission 

6 Speed
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

41mm telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in

Rear Suspension

Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload.
Rear Wheel Travel 125 mm / 4.9 in

Front Brakes

2x 296mm discs 3 piston calipers (ABS)

Rear Brakes

Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper (ABS)

Front Tyre

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tyre

160/60 ZR17
Dimensions Height 2160 mm / 85.0 in
Length 2160 mm / 85.0 in
Wheelbase 1490 mm / 58.7 in
Seat Height 785 mm / 30.9 in
Ground Clearance 130 mm /5.1 in

Dry Weight

213 kg / 469.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

Consumption Average

 22.3 km/lit

Standing ¼ Mile  

 12.6 sec

Top Speed

 199.8 km/h / 125 mph

The Honda CBF600 is undoubtedly a supremely competent motorcycle but lordy, is it dull! Bulky and heavy for a 600cc motorcycle, the Honda CBF600 lacks any real “go”, despite being well designed and built. It’s a good, safe choice for a new biker but, for those with more experience, it’s unlikely to satiate your need for a rush. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the Honda CBF600 is unlikely to inspire you with passion. It really is a bit soulless.

The Honda CBF600's engine is taken out of the Honda CB600F Hornet, so you’d expect more from this “retuned” (read detuned) engine. Whilst the power band is broad and it can shift well enough, there’s a distinct absence of any real go. Overtakes are hard work, leaping off from the lights doesn’t really happen and even at higher speeds, the Honda CBF600 is wheezing around over 7500rpm.
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Ride and Handling

The motorcycle is comfortable enough with it’s upright, “in the bike” seating position. At lower speeds you can really feel the weight of the Honda CBF600 whilst on the move. The handling is stable but unexciting, but that’s good news for novice bikers. The suspension is a bit wallowy, though. The fairing on the Honda CBF600S works well, making motorway riding quite tolerable, and the gearbox is sound.

Equipment

The Honda CBF600's adjustable seat and bars come in handy, the dash is littered with useful functions, the mirrors work well: it’s all there. A lack of decent bungee points lets it down as a touring motorcycle, but there’s ample room for two if you’re taking a pillion. There are plenty of extras on offer for the Honda CBF600, including heated grips, luggage and a fly screen. A centre stand is standard.

Quality and Reliability

The Honda CBF600's finish is still very good, despite reports the paint isn’t up to the quality of previous Honda motorcycles. Everything has its place and works well: you feel you’re riding a well-built motorcycle and you are. Top notch reliability for the ex-CBR/ex-Hornet engine, too.

Value

The Honda CBF600, especially with ABS (about £300 extra) is pretty pricey compared to its counterparts. You can pick up a Suzuki GSF600 Bandit, a Suzuki SV650 or a new Kawasaki ER-6 for less, whilst a Honda CB600F Hornet costs roughly the same: all of which offer the benefits of “first big bike” practicality but with the (staying) power to keep you interested after you’ve left the first, nervous flushes of biking behind you.

Source MCN