Being a CBF 600s owner, I’ve spent quite a good time looking for reviews on my bike, and unfortunately found most of them to be deceiving. It looks like most of the journalists dealing with reviews evaluate the bikes based on how fast they go and their abilities on the track. Does it go with 300 km/h? No? Then is not good.
Here is a sample of deceiving review for the 2004-2007 CBF600 from MCM Motorcyclenews : “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.” .
My opinion is totally different as I wrote on my dedicated CBF600s site: “The Honda CBF600s is probably one of the last “classic conception” bikes, with carburetors, classic instruments and naked bike look. I bought it as being the most similar Honda bike to my old CB750 Nighthawk . As you guessed, I’m one of the guys that thinks a bike should be an engine on a frame and 2 wheels and nothing more.
The CBF600s is a motorcycle that looks like a motorcycle, runs like a motorcycle and sounds like a motorcycle. You can clearly see the naked engine (painted in black) and the 4 exhaust pipes, stating is a Honda inline four.”
So bottom line, I’ve needed to find a third party positive review to back-up my sayings, and happily I found one in the 2008 Honda CBF600 s review on the TopSpeed site.
Here are the highlights of the 2008 CBF600 s as described by the reviewer:
Well, if you are into seeing how nice a CBF600 could be for you, and how cool a “Weekend” motorcycle can be, read the entire review here. Some pictures as well.
And for those thinking CBF is dull, read again the target for this bike as the reviewer (Anthony Kodack) says it so well: “The CBF also stands out as the perfect alternative for novices, weekend motorcyclists and returnees to the sport to gain a new-found feel for their own riding potential—at their own pace.”
More on the CBF600s site.
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I happen to agree with you about the classic, naked bikes. I think they’re the best. The object of my own desires — the CB919 — was discontinued (in the US) for 2008, which disappointed me greatly. I’m happy to read about another naked classic, the CBF600, and see that it still appears in the Honda lineup for 2008.
Well, you shouldn’t worry to much that the 919 has been discontinued. Hondas have usually a long life, for example my 93 CB750 still runs strong, even if it’s been discontinued since 2003.
Discontinued or not, the fun is the same!
I have a 2007 919 (2000miles) and love it. however wish the handlebars were 2 inches closer and slightsy higher for a more upright position. any suggestions
Ken,
Unfortunately I have no idea what could serve as a good aftermarket replacement. The way I do things is getting to an actual shop and tryout things and see if they fit.
How anybody can say a bike that goes from 0 to illegal in the blink of an eye and can reach 140mph in standard trim is beyond me. To say a bike that tips the scales at 222kgs is for girls HELLO . And a budget bike? this costs £5853 that isnt cheap by any standards, you can buy a decent car for that money.This is a very very good bike to do anything you want on it will easily keep up with a sports bike( how many roads do you travel at full speed on) handles the same and can cut it with the best. I know Ive been there, read the book and am still wearing the T shirt ,The costs are lower, the insurance is lower, the seats lower, the fun is what you make it, this bike is a fantastic all rounder and wont let you down, The C/ABS breaks are the best in the world at the moment, that is why others are copying them,why would you not want great brakes? Only you know what you need go and test ride them all and make your mind up and not some paid up thrill seeker because the road isnt the place to get your thrills.
Scott, I know what you are saying. I have the CBF600 since 2007 – 20k Km on it, and not a single Km boring!
I have my CBF600 since may this year and i love it (2009 FI Dolphin Gray). I have a restricted one for license reasons and it still goes from 0 – illegal in first gear in no time whatsoever. I haven’t even checked the top speed yet because 160KPH seemed like fast enough (on a test track of course).
Great bike, great fun and i’m glad I upgraded. I might possibly change my mind if i rode a CBR but i don’t think so.
I use my bike mainly for commuting. So the extra comfort of upright position and the fairing (i’d have a hornet if it had the fairing).
Haven’t had a dull or boring moment on it yet.
Exactly, if you want a bike that does what a bike is supposed to do, and that is to enjoy your (daily) ride, is as good as it gets (well, except the seat which is horrible).
If you need a bike as an ego booster, it’s not what you should get!
Mine has done 2000k.So far it is super.Fuel consumption 18k/l,was hoping for better.The seat feels hard,maybe not used to it yet.It certainly is not boring to ride.ABS is a boon.Will recommend it to any senior rider looking for a well handling bike.