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.

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.

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.

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.

Styling

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.”

Engine

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.

Chassis

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.

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.

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.

Combined ABS

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.