MotoRef

Demystifying Motorcycles

Honda CBR600F (1987-2002)

CBR600F 1987
Honda CBR600F 'hurricane' (1987-1990)

1987-1990

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 180kg (dry) 204kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: Carbureted (16.5L tank)
  • Frame: Steel Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 110/80-17
  • Rear Tyre: 130/80-17
  • Notes: Known in the US as the Hurricane. Along with the CBR750F and CBR1000F were Honda’s first fully faired sports bikes.

CBR600F2 1991
CBR600F2 1991

1991-1994

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 213kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: Carbureted (16.5L tank)
  • Frame: Steel Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 120/60-17
  • Rear Tyre: 160/60-17
  • Notes:

CBR600F3 1995
CBR600F3 1995

1995-1998

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 206kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: Carbureted (16.5L tank)
  • Frame: Steel Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 120/60-17
  • Rear Tyre: 160/60-17
  • Notes:

CBR600F4 1999
CBR600F4 1999

1999-2000

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 170kg (dry), 197kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: Carbureted (L tank)
  • Frame: Aluminium Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 120/70-17
  • Rear Tyre: 180/55-17
  • Notes:

CBR600F4i 2001
CBR600F4 1999

2001-2006

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 170kg (dry), 200kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: PGM-FI Fuel Injection (L tank)
  • Frame: Aluminium Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 120/70-17
  • Rear Tyre: 180/55-17
  • Notes:

CBR600F Sport 2001
CBR600F Sport 2001

2001-2002

  • Capacity: 599cc
  • Weight: 170kg (dry), 200kg (wet)
  • Fuelling: PGM-FI Fuel Injection (L tank)
  • Frame: Aluminium Twin Spar
  • Front Tyre: 120/70-17
  • Rear Tyre: 180/55-17
  • Notes: Honda fitted dual concentric intake valve springs where the F only had single springs, reducing valve float at high revs. The valve lift was also reduced by 0.3mm to 8.2mm, the valve seats strengthened and the flywheel lightened slightly with an eight-plate clutch fitted (the F has seven plates) and lowered fifth and sixth gear ratios. Three spoke wheels. Cam chain tensioner can be a problem. Occassional reg/rec issues. This model was short lived, as the CBR600RR was launched in 2003.

Variants

Only produced for 1996 and 1998 – the Smokin Joe rep or CBR600SJ consists purely of a colour scheme – it is just a CBR600F3 under the paintwork. Available in North America and Australia.

CB600F 'smokin' Joe's' Replica 1996-1998
CB600F 'smokin' Joe's' Replica (1996-1998)
CB600F 1998
Honda CBR600F Sport Rossi Replica 2001

Factoids

The all enveloping fairing of the CBR600F, inspired by the Ducati Paso, helped to reduce costs on engine beautification, as it wasn't exposed it could have pipes and wiring trailing all over the shop. At the time, manufacturers were facing increasing costs when manufacturing 750s - as they used aluminium parts. The steel frame of the first CBR600's was cheaper to produce.