HONDA CBR600F (2000 - 2007) Review

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £180

Great reliable fun bike..gives me a smile every time I ride it

Buying experience: Private. 3000 pound..paid same

Version: CBR600F Sport

Year: 2002

Excellent bike, has been great for me as a beginner. Insurance cost was reasonable especially as I was looking at R6’s and ZX6R’s and the cost of insurance was £600 more. The excitement of opening the garage to go for a ride hasn’t waned in the months I’ve owned it, it looks modern considering it’s 21 years old, and the performance is excellent. It has no rider aids which is something to consider, but riding during winter knowing this, I feel as if it will help me become a better rider long term. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a fuel gauge, so when you see the reserve fuel gauge come on, you know you need to get to a petrol station quickly. Despite that, I would recommend to anyone.

Buying experience: Purchased privately from a gent who no longer rode, him and his partner were very good to deal with. Paid £2350 with the bike having covered 17k. From a dealer you can expect to pay £3k+.

Version: Fi

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £100

I had no phone calls, emails, text messages... Nothing from the dealer after having purchased my bike for cash. No service reminders at all, nothing. When I asked them how I could lower the bike to bea better fit for me, all I got were shrugs and "well... It's not really recommended but I GUESS you could loosen this and that" was the waffle I got. I'm not gonna recommend the dealership.

Buying experience: Bought from a Honda main dealer in London. I paid the advertised price. I paid cash in full.

Version: CBR600f4i

Year: 2006

A great all rounder comfrotable and powerful enough for me and comfortable enough for me to commute on and great for weekend blasts

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer in Peterborough (Wheels) outstanding servivce.

Year: 2002

I came from a 2008 Suzuki GSX650F, mainly for the weight reduction..but also the fact that I wanted a car since I started looking into riding. This bike is absolutely superb. Cannot fault it whatsoever so far. I have owned for about 4 months, and have done about 2k miles so far on it. It is a somewhat aggressive riding position especially compared to the GSX650F, but nothing too strenuous, and there are options to change that with bar risers etc if you wanted. I get about 50mpg, with 80% motorway commuting on a 68mile round trip. The bike is fast. Very fast if you want it to be, but also happy plodding along at inner city speeds. The ride is soft, and has adjustable preload on front suspension, so can tailor your needs. The throttle is very responsive and even in sixth gear from 40 pulls very well. Cheap to tax, service is reasonable, and I would highly recommend to anyone starting out on a bigger bike. I would like to have had a fuel gauge. The only gauge is the reserve tank, which, when that comes on is about 5L left..so you need to find fuel fairly quickly. I also don't really like the split headlight..the amount of people telling me I've had one light out is very annoying..

Version: Cbr600f 4i

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £300

Absolutely love this bike. Does everything well and has quite a bit of grunt for a 600. It handles well, pulls well and when you give it the revs it can go. Has great wind protection for me I'm 5ft 7". I have no faults at all. I put a back box and my young pillions are impressed with the bike as well. Is comfortable over longer rides to. Would recommend this bike.

Buying experience: There not costly to buy but are a better bike than the new 650 that's out now. The new bike feels cheap in comparison.

Version: F4i F2

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £350

Great all rounder, I use it daily as a commuter, weekends out with the mates having fun putting it through it's paces. It's easy to maintain, loads of 2nd hand spares available. It's 16yrs old but looks not out of place with a modern line up. I'm amazed still at how many people look at the reg & say "no way...thought it was a new bike!)

Buying experience: Dealer 2.5 yrs ago: I could sell it now & only loose about 20% as the good examples hold their prices.

Version: cbr600fs1 split seat

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £130

It's fast and keeps up with bigger machines. Practical. Looks good even now! Not out of date. Split seat version not the comfiest. I can 230 miles and still walk but do i feel the numb bum. Not built for touring but great fun. Recommended. Fitted luggage rack as cant carry much. Also bagster tankbag and use Kriega tailpacks which are all great. Great bike

Year: 2002

I love, love, love riding this bike. She is my first big bike and I am so happy she is.

Buying experience: Dealer. Good priced bike in excellent condition

Year: 2004

I've had 3 cbr600f's a 99, 00 and now a 2004. ( i've also had an r6 and r1 to compare). I do find the 04 best of the bunch as it has the speedo etc is all digitised now and more refined. However i do find the fuel injected ones are slightly worse on fuel. I've done trackdays on them, toured on them (including a 500 mile day) and always been comfortable even at 6ft. Again the usual points of the cam chain and rectifier unit but other than those if you want the perfect bike for the everyday rider this is it. Just a shame they're becoming more of a collectors item since production stopped.

Version: Y

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £90

Great all-rounder.

Buying experience: £1200 Dealer

Version: fy carbed

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £300

rectifier's a problem/fitted 1 from an R1 as honda ones are bad,and got manual camchain tensioner fitted,for the hassle ive had i might have been better gatting a yamaha thundercat, have owned a R1 5pw previously and it never let me down, bought the honda to commute, so hopefully it will be more reliable

Buying experience: private,1700 pounds june 15 black/red decals, full delkevik exhaust,new chain/sprockets,dbl screen 14k miles, needed tyres at 200 cost mitchelin 2ct's, and i got it full service and cam tensioner250 cost

Version: F-Sport

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £350

Lovely all rounder, working well on two trips to Europe, and carrying me 15 miles each day to work. The F-Sport is fast as hell, suprisingly easy to master and very nimble, both in heavy traffic or the motorway. Bulletproof and cheap enough to service (maybe apart from plugs) Only problem I had was the charging system overheating, when on my last trip to Europe, during a week-long heatwave. Another thing I am not happy with, it's the pillion's accommodation. The seat is properly tiny, and the grab rail was replaced with a leather strip, which does not provide any meaningful grip for the passenger, forcing her/him to hold on to you rather than the seat. Ok if you're riding with your lady of choice, a bit awkward when you're giving your mate a lift from the pub. Due to being made mostly out of alloy, the bike ages gracefully, and even now, being 14 years old is still a looker, and I get people complimenting her looks. The F-Sport version, being a predecessor to the CBR 600RR, has a nicer narrower saddle, with a separate pillion seat, looking way better than the standard "banana" seat version. One of the last CBR's which had some character in the looks. Modern CBR 650F is left in the dust by this modest old lady. The engine lacks torque in 1-4k revs, but over 6k it pulls like a train, and accelerating above that RPM will rip your hands out. The bike is relatively small, which makes it great in traffic, but myself being a 6.2, 16st bloke look a bit silly on it.

Buying experience: Got the bike privately, it had 6k miles and a knackered cam chain tensioner, otherwise mint. Price was £1500 - knocked down to £1400. I still believe this was the bargain of the century.

Version: CBR600 F Sport

Year: 2001

I bought this bike as my first bike after passing my test, it's a good solid all rounder but I have found after 5 months and 2500 miles of hard riding that I need more power. There is a definite flat spot about 6k rpm but keep it in the power band and I can keep up with the guys I ride with who have litre bikes. The handling is well balanced and I find I can throw it around the twisties with confidence.

Buying experience: I bought the bike privately in May 2015, a 2001 F Sport with 22k miles and 2 prev owners for £1600. Feel it was a great buy and have spent a few hundred quid updating it with new exhaust and new rear tyre. Looks very modern for a 14 year old bike and gets plenty of looks in the red and black colour scheme.

Version: PC41 2014

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £100

I have this bike for 1 year and a half so far. Im very impressed how "all around" she is. Very very good at everything but not perfect at a single section. I mean sure there are much more powerful machines out there, much better commuters, much greater tourers, bikes with far more greater fuel consumption BUT...CBR600F is 85% of everything! end of story! Thats the advantage of this bike. Excluding off road use (off course) you can do eve-ry-thi-ng! Go to work everyday, travel, race on track, wheelies, burnouts, you name it. Perfect riding position and passenger's too. your girlfriend won't regret traveling with you.

Year: 2000

Version: CBR600F1

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £120

Buying experience: Dealer, had to return to sort Front Brake judder and a new set of tyres.

Had the bike only a few months now. i brought a 2000 cbr 600f for 1800 Pounds. it has full service history and its in excellent condition. i was fortunate enough to be able to spend a bit more than average for a cbr of this age and reason being the massive amount of upgrades it has and work that has been done. heated grips, real carbon front and rear guards, fully adjustable levers. uprated cam chaon tensioner, full upgrade exhaust system, upgraded double bubble, blah blah you get the picture. a great great bike. i cant comment too much on reliability. my bike has 16k miles and im very comfortable knowing they clear 50k on a regular basis with no big issues so the honda reliability is proven. the handling is great. my tyres are not the best and probably are due replacement if im honest with myself but the bike still handles stunning in the dry. i do lose a bit of balls in the wet with these tyres tho. the engine is lively. my bike has excellent pick up. could do with a hint more torque down low but typical 600 is lively up top. my bike has a full beowolf system and pipercross filter and it sounds stunning. brakes are good but my bike has braded lines front and back and ive just changed the discs and brakes so i expect it to brake a little sharper than it does but im still bedding the pads in so im not grabbing them by the horns yet. this bike gave me my first real wheelie! I opened it up and i didnt even realise i was doing a wheelie until the feont touched down and it made complete sense to me why the front felt light. yes it wasnt a big wheelie but i cleared the ground for a few seconds and it was a brilliant feeling. ove been riding for 4 years and had a yamaha xj600 before this and yeh it was heavy and boring but reliable. great great bike. i cant even imagine upgrading it ever right now its truely making me very happy.

now had it for 6 months,bought for £850 in a scruffy state, had been used as a track bike for a while so came with brokern plastics and plenty of scuffs and scars, but was all straight and despite its 44000 miles runs and rides really well does not use any fluids and starts on the button every time, great feed back from brakes and chassis, light and nimble trundle to the shops commute or weekend blast it seems happy do either.im getting mid 40s mpg but the weather has been shit, overall very happy with it,stepping down from a 900 you do notice the lack of grunt but you soon adapt your riding style to suit.recommended.

Bought a 2003 with 17,000. Now 22,000 on the clock. Very nice, smooth engine, fuel injection makes easy winter starts. Only issue is the camchain tensioner has gone a couple of times, this is a known issue though. Cheap to replace. Lack of fuel gauge abit annoying - I tend to reset the mileage counter after each fillup. A little juicy on petrol - about 105 miles before the reserve light comes on. But do i care? No, its very light, makes turning circle and commuting through london a doddle. Engine is smooth and bullet proof. Centre stand very useful. Good feedback through the bars, breaks are nice and reassuring. Suspension not too hard and absorbs what are the british roads. Manages luggage / pillion without issues. Sometimes I wonder if I am better off with a VFR800, but this is possibly better? lighter, cheaper to run, and the fairings are better than you think down a motorway. Highly recommend this bike.

This is a phenomenal bike, the Ultimate machine. But just to be fair lets start with the bad. (There's not much) If not used the battery will go down. When starting the engine revs high for a few mins. The turning circle could be better when weaving through stationery traffic. That's all I got, (And that took some serious brain racking). Now the good. (I'd make yourself comfortable if I were you!!) This is a beautiful bike, stunning to look at, a real head turner. It can suit any style of riding, if your commuting, keeping your revs low and sitting upright with straight arms its perfectly happy and if you choose to bend your arms put your head down and rev the pants out it, it will reward you total power and excitement. Very comfortable for any size rider (and passenger) with loads of leg room. (I'm 6"5) Clear displays with digital speedo/trip comp/reserve fuel gage/clock and clear rev counter and engine temp gage. Both centre and side stand and decent under seat storage makes this bike so practical for everyday use. But its an animal when unleashed with amazing handling. Great security with remote alarm and immobiliser. Stunning reliability and solid body, with servicing this bike will go on forever.

I'm in Australia. Bought this thing (the split seat F4i version, equivalent to the FS in the UK) at 30,000km early in 2010; been riding this thing for 15,0000km since, with just about zero problems. For a sports bike, it is very comfortable posture-wise - leaning forward enough for sports corners, but still upright enough when cruising; it's probably the last of the 600 supersports that was comfortable (I'm 175cm, 80kg). Tall riders (6 foot or more) may find this bike small, but if you're medium like me, it's a great fit. Most of my riding is 200-300km outside metro areas, on weekends. Reliability wise - it's been almost bullet proof. I installed a set of Oxford Hot Hands and cigarette lighter power point (under the seat) - mechanically it was typical Honda - easy to install a relay to control the items I installed above. The fairings are quite easy to remove and reinstall (a service manual off the Internet helps a great deal), giving easy access to most things. Servicing of the bike is quite sraightforward - the fuel tank does have to come off to access the spark plugs, but once there it's fine. I changed my cam chain tensioner (a well known issue on CBR600's in general, but does not affect every bike) once, but the old one was still working fine. The engine "rattle" may just be more a characteristic noise than a problem. Touring wise - it's not as comfortable as a genuine sports tourer, but for a sports bike, it's quite comfortable - I've done 300-500kms a day and not felt sore on my bum or my back. Fuel consumption is around 5-6L per 100km, depending on how you ride it - city use is generally good (5L/100km), on the highway at 110km/h thanks to poor aerodynamics for any bike, it's closer to 5.5L/100km. Still gives a comfortable range of 250km before the reserve light comes on, which is quite a good range if you're in a country like Australia where servos are not necessarily every 10kms ... Engine performance is again very solid - not the torquiest of engines under 3000rpm, but ample enough for general acceleration. Engine spins from 2000rpm smoothly, gets wild at 6000rpm, before going dangerously ballistic at 10,000rpm (redline is about 14,500rpm). If you complain about not having enough power after riding this bike, you need to question your riding, not the bike ... All in all, it's an incredibly fine all rounder, with a good array of features(the dashboard has ample info), such as fully adjustable suspension on the front and back. I fitted an excellent (read affordable!) Renntec sports rack and top box; soft panniers also wrap around the pillion seat quite snugly (I use generic ebay ones; the branded ones I think will work very well too). My last ride was just last week, to the Snowy Ride in the Snowy Mountains - a total 1500kms and the bike did not miss a beat (weather was generally fine, with the odd shower). I felt very comfortable all the way through; the bike took in the long cruising roads very comfortably, but handled the tight roads in the alps just as brilliantly. The biggest test the bike had was a 12-hour ride in unrelenting and blinding storms on the way to the Philip Island Moto GP in 2010 - the bike again did not miss a beat, and the Oxford Hot Hands are STILL working till this day! All in all, if you're after a do-it-all bike that will last almost forever - there's a couple of American riders on the CBR Forum who've been touring on the F4/FS's to beyond 250,000 MILES with no major engine rebuilds ... this is one bike you will not regret. Yes it was "bland" when new, but people forget it was a Honda, which means it's "ideal" now. Find a well serviced one, and go for it.

Bought this as my first bike after passing DAS. Have loved every second on the thing; use it daily as a commuter all year round (yes, even at -20°C) as well as weekend blasts around the Scottish scenery. Has performed faultlessly for over 20k miles, and would be a 5* bike if only it didn't suffer from Death-rattle - cam chain tension lifter has been replaced 5 times now. Wish I could afford a new one.

I have a 1997 Cbr 600 f and to honest I use it all year round and treat it like a bitch I leave it outside all year.It starts and gets to the places i need to go, good solid engine regular servicing is the trick.

Purchased my FS2 "2002 FSport" as my first step off of the 125 :D wow what a machine. I use this for my daily commute. It looks like a racer but is still comfy, show it some bends and it feels so agile. Point and Squirt is great fun, I still havent red lined it mainly through fear of sliding of the back, lol. A truely amazing and great handling machine with plenty of power on tap.

As my first big bike i couldn't of made a better choice to start with, it's comfy and easy to ride like a tourer but get the tacho needle up above 8-9 thousand rpm and you'll be able to keep up with it's rivals i.e. the R6, ZX6R and the GSXR600. Althought it is extremely easy to handle i would recommend a steering damper if you live in a village surounded by pot hole covered roads because as soon as you hit the power band you get some god aweful steering wobbles but the damper accompanied with a good set of tires and there shouldn't be anything in the way of giving you a superb ride and because it's honda the bike should be able to keep it's performance long after any of it's rivals!

my cbr 600f gets me to work round the track fun need down sundays anything you want. I admit i want a bigger powered bike but my cbr 600 is not going to leave my garage! it might just get a few friends.

great all round bike. top build quality, super reliable.

ive had my cbr 600 for a few months now and i don't think i could have picked a better bike,i've only been rideing big bikes for a few years so my expeiriance is ltd its not as quick as its rival sports tourers, but they are certainly a better ride than most,equipment choice is more varied,handling is brilliant,economy is good and the power is just right.In fact the only thing that i could possably pick up on, is when i go to put the indicators on, sometimes i catch the horn, but that could just be my sausage fingers!

I had 2 CBR 600's. Excellent bikes to hone your skills on. Honda's are forgiving, smooth and reliable. Make a mistake, and you get the chance to correct it. Fall off, and you can replace the broken bits! A good machine for any one of any age.

brilliant bike, does everything thats asked of it. i can comfortably commute, go long distance and go for a quick blast on it and it always brings a smile to my face.

i am now on my second cbr 600f and consider it to be the best all rounder on the market. How some people can call it bland is beyond me. I,ve tried the R6, GSXR600, ZX6R and allthough they may be marginally quicker on a track,they just dont match up as an everyday machine. The bike is allday comfy, quick enough for most, as well built as they come and an easy bike to ride quickly ( very forgiving). I would recommend this bike to the most experienced of riders and as a first big bike

i thought of buyibg a cbr600f but couldnt fit on it as it is 2 big! had to lean way over the tank to reach handle bars plus my feet barely touched the ground! Was gutted as i really love honda

I bought my CBR600F in September 07, so not had that long in riding it, but for the small amount of miles i have done on it i wouldn't swap it. It is just a perfect ride, a very good bike for my first. It has been in the garage for ages now, i go out occasionally to start it up and it always starts first time no problems. I just think it's a good all round bike, good handling, comfy ride, and is a good looking bike! It will be my bike for many years to come just love it!

I bought mine in 2002 - CBR600F-1.Kept it for just under 5 years during which I rode the 60 mile round trip to work in to London most days,did 2 track days and went around Europe on a 2000-miler every summer.This bike is the complete package.It's really comfy,light and fast with excellent protection from the weather.Commuting I was filling up every 130 miles but the tank gives you 150+ on long trips.I added a longer screen,hugger and blue flame end can.Rode woth Oxford soft luggage -this bike gives you anchor points galore,a centre stand and grab rail.Brakes good,engine faultless,quality and reliability never an issue.I'm looking for another one as I've looked around and can't find anything that compares.

Bought new in 2006, had it for two years now and no problems. On the plus side it's comfy and capable of keeping up with my mates more sporty bikes on the road. On the minus side the brakes are ok but not brilliant, the engine only gets lively in the upper rev range, but worst of all is the fuel consumption - I get about 110 miles to a tank, with a worst of 90 miles. The newer bikes from 2006 onwards no longer have fully adjustable suspension, only the rear spring can be adjusted for precompression.

On my third cbr6 now the FS model,Got it new in 2002 for £5200 and it's never missed a beat,look's the same as the day I bought it with very little TLC and can just about hang with the bigger 07 bikes and that's not bad for a 02 600 but that's the cbr6 for you, Top bike!!

I have had one of these for 5 years now and I still love it!! It was the first bike I got on after a big accident in which I broke my back and basically was paralysed down my right leg by. I was desperate to get back on a bike, as well as scared witless, and this is the first one I went for. I rode a ZX6R before my accident and I have to say they are entirely different while staying kinda the same. If that made sense?? There is comfort in abundance (for a sporty anyway) it has a solid engine that pulls right through the range, apart from that really annoying blip at 5000-6000 revs! The power delivery is smooth, where the Kwaker could be a bit fierce at times, all this adds up to some serious confidence, which is what I REALLY needed at this point. After the initial bimble, crapping myself at the sight of every car, I settled down and began to actually ride the bike, from that moment till now I fell in love! It has everything you could want, power, handling, and a bit of comfort and it handles 2 up brilliantly! Bearing in mind I also own a GSXR1000 and a GSXR600, both of which are all about revs and screaming speed, I still love my 'plodder'. Comfy and fast says it all about my blue girl!!

Just got one of these, and already am so impressed. Such a massive jump up from 400cc sports bikes, comfortable riding position, superb vision in the mirrors. The build quality is absolutely first class, mine is a 1997 bike, and the fasteners and paint finish still looks great, the switchgear works perfectly. This is the first Honda I've owned but I am already won over by their build quality reputation.

I bought this bike just over a year ago and it aint let me down. It is my first bike and i have used it all year round. I found it to be an excelent all rounder doing well at every thing. The build quality is superb its lasted all through the winter with out missing a beat. The only thing i thought it needed was better handling but i suppose you could fix that with a bit of adjustment. I loved it so mutch that i am now getting a cbr600rr hopefuly its just as good as the FX

I bought my 600Sport new in 2002 and did 20,000 miles in the 3 years I owned. I did 3 European tours on it, and just couldn't fault it -totally reliable, superb build quality, handles well, more than fast enough for road use and comfortable enough to tour on. A better all-round bike than the VFR800 I had before - cheaper, lighter, quicker, more fun and just as comfortable on a long trip. Honda do a good touring screen if you do longer trips. Bridgestone BT020's are a good tyre for road use and last very well.

This bike is all you need. An all day ride or a flick-it about blast, it does it all. You can get a faster R1 or a better handling super-moto but nothing does it all like a CBR. I had one prob, the rectifier went and it died at trafic lights (Embarasing!). Otherwise the Bike's been a dream. I change pads at about 7000mls and tyres as and when, 'tween 4 & 6k but choice can make a big difference especialy on front end feel. Much to my surprise Dunlop D204's brought as a cheap pair from Busters have been the best so far. I am lucky that (now) ex road racer Tony Moss has his bussiness near, and he services it for me.. What he's forgotten abuot CBR's etc etc. Can cost £100 to £200 but every time I get it back it goes just a little bit better!! Cleans up great with the old elbow stuff but as mentioned elswhere the paint can chip (front guard) so dollop on the polish. Strengths: Best mid range sports-tourer by far. Weaknesses: Lack of storage/side panels off to get at tools.

Just passed my test in July and wanted a sports bike. A CBR600 seemed like the best of both worlds, sportsbike performance but not to much for a first big bike. A few people told me it would be too much, but I've been pleasently suprised, although its a massive step up for me (last bike was a CBR125!!!!) It's really user friendly. The performance is more than enough for me at this stage and the handling is superb. It's also very versitile, plenty of fun on a Sunday blast but I also do a 3 hour journey on a Sunday and back again on a Friday and apart from a slight wrist ache, the bike is excellent for distance. The only things that seem to let it down are a low screen and a short tank range. Despite being 8 years old the finish seems to be bullet proof, and so far mechanically it seems sound. I would definetly recommend this bike to anyone just passing a test and wanting a sports bike, not to aggresive, cheapish insurance, still looks good and will feel unbeleivably fast for a new rider. Strengths: Ease of riding, Finish, Versitility. Weaknesses: Clunky Gearbox, Tank Range.

Had ccm604 before this my first sports bike,l ove it to bits. Tank range is some times only 128 miles before fuel light come on if you push it hard, but have got 160 miles before it comes on! Done 138 miles with out stopping and comfort was ok. Fitted rentec rear rack, crash bungs, end can, DOUBLE BUBBLE SCREEN. Strengths: Easy to ride, Great confidence, looks and styling, handling, speed, the handlebars just about right, not like on the rr6,gsxr6 or r6 -  you dont feel as if you're being thrown over the front end. Weaknesses: No grab rail, no rear Hugger, tank range ?

This is F5i is my second CBR (I previously owned an FY carburetted model). I've also owned a Thundercat, 600 Hornet and an R6, and other non-600 bikes. The CBR is the one that does most things best: fine for long-haul trips (e.g. to Berlin in 2 days) or long commutes (to Suffolk and back to Brighton in a day); great for short, fun rides; even capable of camping trips if you add a Renntec rack. The only things I haven't done are track days or off-road riding. They're very comfortable compared to other sports 600s, at least for anyone up to 6' tall, which is what I am (the comfort is relative: there's quite a bit of weight on your wrists). The riding position gives great forward vision and stops you wriggling about too much, but is still aerodynamic. Of the 2 CBRs I've owned, the FX/FY models are better value. I think they're slightly more comfortable/less vibey; less thirsty than the fuel-injected ones; and they're way cheaper (£3,000 for a bike with less than 10k on the clock). Strengths: Do-it-all nature; comfort; can be ridden restfully under 6,000 revs and with a lot more go over 7,000 revs; build quality/Honda dealer backup. Weaknesses: Fuel economy isn't great (150 miles to reserve); slight vibes through right-hand handlebar can put your hand to sleep on long runs (they all do that, sir: my 2 both have, and a friend's does the same to him. It does seem to depend slightly on which gloves you wear, though not sure why this would be).

Bought the FX (nice anniversary colours) off a mate when it was 3 years old. Really easy bike to ride. Smooth on the road and great for the track if you firm up the susension a tad, drop the front cog a tooth and get some risers on the footpegs for the more twisty circuits (burned a hole through the front of my boots at Rockingham due to lack of ground clearance). Copes well commuting with bags and a top box. Not convinced the finish is as bullet proof as reputation suggests. Didn't clean it massively well before storing for the winter but even so would have expected the finich to have lasted better than it has. Strengths: Easy to ride as a first bike and equally at home thrashing round circuits with a few tweaks. Rewarding - you have to work it to stay with the big bikes but the thrill when you get it right is tremendous! Weaknesses: Once you've dropped the gearing for more acceleration , raised the footpegs and you still tear off the hero blobs and start wearing down the footpegs, consider removing the main stand before it digs in and gives you cornering problems. Finish - don't think it's particularly better than any of the competition.

The CBR was my second bike. When I began riding a few years ago I drooled over a Red, White and Blue, CBR600 at the local Honda Garage but at that time could only afford a Fazer 600. Though not a Fazer review, it was a great bike, did 25,000 hard commuter miles through all weathers, and was a hoot to ride. But, like us all, there's always something else you think is going to be better than what you have. Faster, better looking, more flattering to your skills, etc, so a year ago I bought a Red, White and Blue F1. Initially I was disappointed. Where had that lovely mid-range gone I had come to enjoy with the Fazer. I was pretty fed up and thought I'd bought a dud. Of course I had tried the other 600's (6R, GSXR, 600 & 750, plus a VFR800), but I let my heart rule the decision. Anyway, there wasn't a fault with the bike, it was a fault with the rider. To get the most from these bikes, you have to ride them way up in the rev range which tends to mean going everywhere too fast, but.... Strengths: OK, so it's not the greatest 600, my new ZX6-R is, but, what a bike. Re-tune your attitude and get the thing revving and it's fast enough. The suspension is compliant over bumpy roads and adequate on the track and when the pace picks up in the corners. Reliability is incredible, as is it's dual purpose ability. Through on some luggage and a pillion, dial in the MP3 and off you go. The bike is comfy like the ZX6-R wouldn't believe. It's a great package and good value for money 2nd hand. Weaknesses: Spark plugs are hidiously expensive for a 600. The feel from the brake lever is so-so, although the breaks are quite strong. Other than that, it's all good!

I have owned this from new, now 9 years old. Apart from consumables, only header pipes have been changed to stainless steel. Makes 93bhp on dyno, and does 12 second quarters at santa Pod, so not much slower than newer ones. Have done trackdays, mostly ridden hard on sunny days, no breakdown in 9 years. Still on original battery, clutch, brake lines and shocks. Strengths: Cheap running cost, even the insurance is £75 a year. superb reliability, build quality is excellent. Weaknesses: Lots about, but being this good its to be expected.

This is my first bike and I think it was the right choice. It's looks and styling are great, in my view anyway. It's not too heavy either, which is a plus for me as I'm female. I'd recommend this bike as a first bike for anyone, only thing is the brakes don't seem that good, but as I've only ever ridden a zx7r about a mile up the road I have nothing to compare it with. Strengths: Handling, looks, speed. Weaknesses: Brakes.

Brought the cbr after my triumph was stolen. Comparing the two, the only thing the triumph wins on, is exhaust noise, but then you can buy an end can for that. Like the tt600, love the cbr f sport. My friend has an 600rr and I can keep up with him, spot on bike! Strengths: Handling, speed, style. The fact that you don't feel as if your being thrown over the handlebars like on the rr and r6. Weaknesses: Brakes not as good as the rr.

Had not ridden any sort of bike for some years went on a test ride on the FS model and was hooked. It has got to be the easiest bike I have ever ridden. A few weeks (and lots of research) later, back to the same dealers (Dobles),  a new bike was bought - very surprised wife. I did squeeze them on the bike price, but I bought a lot of kit. I've added a hugger and mini indicaztors. Here I am now a Honda convert. Any way bike only done 4K miles or so, but refuses to use oil or anything else. I've ridden it 'on the throttle stop' until a full tank of fuel used, lots of two up riding, dodging the dispatchers (and everyone else) in London, and just lazy riding - it just does everything. Strengths: All round ability and quality product. To be honest, a very good first bike. Weaknesses: You will probably out grow it eventually. I need something capable of long distance two up touring - it will do this job well, but there are just better suited bikes out there.

I wanted one since I was about 15 when I got a shot on the back of a 1993 model and I'm am not in the least bit disappointed. Strengths: It's a bit early to say what it's strengths are, but I think it looks so cool, mine has a red black and white color scheme. My last bike was a cbr 400 ,so you can imagine how pleased I am with how this bike performs. Weaknesses: The only thing I dont like, is the fact that you have to take the side panels off to get under the seat!  I'd rather just open it up with a key, but its no big deal.

Bike is so far been fantastic. Looks and drives gr8 too. Havent driven any other bikes apart from a cb500, so I guess it ain't no comparison. Strengths: Reliability, looks, comfort, and acceleration. Weaknesses: No petrol gauge or clock, brakes are sufficient but could be a lot sharper.

Well what can I say, it's my first bike. It's fast, comfortable over long distances, good solid & reliable. It's only just let me down once just recently, with a defective speed sensor, which I have been told is a rare fault,  but expensive to repair £200! inc. vat & labour. All in all I think I'll be having another one shortly when Honda get some more in stock!

What a peach of a bike. It's bullet proof! I commute to work on it every day and tear around tracks at silly speeds. What other bike would fit both roles so well? Also looks and sounds the business in black and silver with race can.

It's a Canadian import in purple and yellow.Quite unusual as I don't see too many around. I love the way I can through it into corners and it sticks to the road as a sports bike should.

A bit tall for me so have had to lower front and rear. bike handles like a dream and is well sorted in Liverpool heavy traffic. Out on the motorway I clocked 161.75, mate followed with a busa and show wot u done fitted. Side pods and fairings easy to remove to service the bike. Hugger still lets crud fling up and makes a mess. Pitted forks on the paint is a pain, other than that I love this bike. People say look at the cbr wow. a superb powerful all rounder and is my best mate.

Love the handling and friendliness - it has got me out of scrapes that other machines would have slid me off the road. The engine is a peach,  despite all the damning evidence, mine doesn't have the 5000 flat spot. The tyres are going for bridge 010's soon, as the hi-Sports have way too much movement in the wet. Don't plan any changes as it does it all and keeps the grin in place.

Not had the bike to long but its great. It's so good at doing it all, what more do you need. The one thing I don't like, is the vibs through the bars. But I have fitted foam grips and they help.

After a few problems locating an electrical fault, the bike now runs well, apart from a bit of piston rattle! In my opinion it is a superb bike, ideal for your first 600cc,  Bring on the rain 'n sleet, a fantastic ride in the wet !

My first bike. Had it about a year now. Looks fantastic in Purple/Yellow Smokin' Joe's colours. Handling is fine. Likes to be revved. Only use it once or twice a week and the battery keeps flattening even though its only 6 months old! Otherwise reliabilty has been excellent. I'll probably keep it another year, then change it...for a newer CBR.

I had a Cbr600fx before this and although it's very similar, the FS feels smoother, turns quicker, loves to be revved high. At first it felt slower but I think that's the smoothness. I do like the handling, gives lots of confidence to lay it down further than you have before!

Got the CBR6 when I moved to Asia and got back into biking. Chose it for its all round ability....is great for flinging around the islands many excellent roads. Been good too for my first couple of trips up to the mighty race tracks of central Malaysia. Just come back from an incredible weekend with the local bike club (www.sbr.com.sg) at Shah Alam and Sepang. Felt a bit out-gunned by the standard issue GSXR1000 and R1's on the F1 track. The bike is also a tad small for me (I'm 6'3) so I found moving myself across the bike pretty tough on the track.....or maybe I'm crap and looking for excuses. The limited range showed itself too on the ride up. Ragged the bike to stay with my pal on his Blade and only just made the fuel refill as a result. Incredibly well put together and a storming engine. Probably move up to a GSXR750 now though....insurance here is dead cheap so be a shame not to have a bigger bike while I'm out here.

Love the bike to bits! It's comfy, fast, it's never let me down, handles well even with a 16 stone tubby like me on it! Build quality is great apart from the chips in the rear wheel and pitting on the fork legs, but it has been used in the winter and still washes up lovely. Does every thing I want from mad dashes round the countryside to commuting to work. The only problem is what to buy after this........oh well it will have to be another one!!!!!!

Back on a bike after 14 years. Things have changed a lot, my last bike was a RD350YPVS. Machine very solid and quick. Build quality has improved greatly over the year.

Love it! My first 'proper' bike, can't imagine wanting anything else! Still trying to work out best suspension fsettings for a 14 stone tub, but enjoying trying them all! Would love to fit braided hoses to improve braking & other poserablility stuff (black screen etc). Absolutely love the black & grey colour scheme & among all those other CBRs out there it seems to be the least common.

Have had four Blades over the years but had to move down a class after being involved in a hit and run and had to claim of my own insurance. Very impressed with bike overall, could do with a bigger fuel tank and keep missing second but my main gripe is the condition of the nuts and bolts that are exposed. Most have some form of corosion. I know winter salt is probably the cause but I never noticed it on the Blades I have owned. PS. Bike only cost £5399 after £200 back from Honda and it was delivered to my door!

Well impressed when 1st got it and 3 years later, sorry to see it go. It was my 3rd 'real' bike and although I didn't realise at the time, I learnt how to ride properly. Soon got to my limits on the bike but the CBR never reached its limit no matter what I threw at it or mistakes I made. Excellent in the wet with 020's but must be warmed up first. Throttle was a bit 'grabby' but you get used to it, as with everything. Can't not mention the build quality ~ it's a Honda, 3years/22000 miles later and I still got £2300........from a dealer!! Not bad for an 8 yr 40k miler. Get a rear mudflap thingy if you buy one though, always got well covered in rain and mud on my back in crap weather, or take the missus! better still, take mine! It never let me down apart from a crap fuel tap that needed the diaphram supergluing down. Finish is good, speed is excellent, still shows some more modern (and bigger!) stuff the way to go, but braking hard shows a need for braided lines. Ripped through a few chains too, 3 in 14 months! Got an X ring Didi next, and should still be going strong now. I had it for 4 months and never adjusted it, unlike the others that seemed to need doing as soon as I got home! I've only given 60% for ease of working on cos I did nothing but very, very basic work. Leave it all to the pro,s I say. Thanks Gav (GBH) If I ever could afford more than one bike at a time, the CBR would be there for when you really NEED to thrash the nuts off something. Farewell Honda, I'm seeing Kawasaki now.

Poor tank range, fuel inj. not the smoothest (can & dyno needed), cam chain tensioner noisy. forget the above the handling & power make up for it.

I moved up to the CBR from a tatty old Diversion 600 and it has been fantastic. 18 months on the CBR have improved my riding no end. It's been on three track days and helped me get my knee down. It's toured all over France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy without missing a beat. I ride it all year round except in the snow and through it all it has been nothing but amazing. In 18 months, nothing has gone wrong or cused any hassle whatsoever. My official Honda dealer has been great with advice, help and anything else I could ask of him. The braided hoses have been fantastic and I can't wait to try them on the track this year. I'm even considering entering a local hill race in october with it. Fantastic machine. Even the security chip in the key has done its bit preventing my bike getting nicked despite a destroyed lock and barrel. What more can I say? PS. As I'm in Switzerland, all prices and mileages are converted from Swiss Francs and kilometres.

I dont like its weight... too bulky.. I dont like the lack of adjustment on the forks either. The forks bend too easy when I cartwheeled it thru' gerrards (mallory) graveltrap. The bike is awesome on the road tho'... hits 170+ on the clock and corners well. Outdoes most things in the right hands. The tyres r chosen for allround grip (wet and dry) and are excellent in the wet.... just right for sliding the bike around. In the dry they're enough to run the bike round gerrards at 130+. The brakes are wicked now  I've added braided hoses and EBC HH pads. Needs clearance as standard tho'. Needs handling improving tho'. But safe and stable as anything! You dont need a steering damper on this bike... all it does it shake its head a little. I love this bike, but its not quite quick enough. It's good enough for me to consider racing this year.... I don't want to coz its in good nick... but it's a very predictable and safe bike. The dealer Ii went too was shite tho' and reckoned I got ripped off. Oh.. it's NEVER EVER broken down tho'.

Bike is the "dogs"! Had a vfr750 previous to this, cbr knocks spots off it and that was a very good bike. So easy to ride. Build quality is by far the best of any other manufacturers. Black & yellow 2000 f4. Very smart. PROBLEM - what do u have next?

Never let me down so far, and I can keep up with my friends on their GSXR750, R1 and a couple of 929 on twisty road. The max speed that I have ever tried is only 262km/hr in stock condition. Worth buying for those sport orientated yet want a practical bike to run. Your girlfriend will like the pillion seat.

Had it Pretty done up with Full Race Two Brothers X-metal exhaust System, Factory Stage 1 Jets and K&N Box filter and 4deg ign. Adv. But went with a turbo setup to hang with the big boys. OverAll I'd say I'm pretty happy with the bike from stock through all the mods but it's a bit buzzy at HWY speeds but there is a sweet spot about 5500rpm where it's silky! During Mid Corner braking she likes to stand up, causing you to correct or go wide... much better with Pilots though! Drop the triple clamps about 13mm on the forks and her steering wakes up nicely! Sprockets...Best Bang for the Buck!!! Hands Down! Awesome First Bike! I'm still exploring her talents.

Beautiful handling, fantastic brakes, good midrange, good looks, and reliable. very poor tank range (100miles), when very hot after thrash sometimes struggle to pull away, noisy cam chain tensioner (1 fitted at 3000 miles) again!!

First sports bike owned. Extremely confidence inspiring as only recently passed test. Very highly recommended and very comfy in comparison to other bikes in the same league (or not maybe). GET ONE!!!

Just wrote off ZX6R J1 and thought that was the best 600 but realise that I was wrong, got the FX at the moment but will trade it in once the ZX6R is repaired and buy a FY. Unrivalled quality. WILL NOT fit an alarm as have had nightmares with the Datatool Evo not disarming.

THE BIKE'S GREAT FOR MY DAILY 94 MILE ROUND TRIP COMMUTE TO WORK. THE BIKE'S IDEAL FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF, RETURNING TO BIKING AFTER A LONG BREAK, WHO WANT SOMETHING WITH PERFORMANCE, BUT IN AN EASILY CONTROLLABLE PACKAGE. AS FOR THE TANK RANGE, I GET TO APPROX 135 MILES BEFORE THE FUEL WARNING BARS APPEAR. GRIPES, THE SAME AS EVERYONE, THE CLUTCH LEVER CABLE OBSCURES PART OF THE DIGITAL DISPLAY.

Just traded up from a Fazer, and love it.  It feels like I've had it longer than 4 weeks. Fast, confidence inspiring, comfy. The build quality is excellent and it sounds the dogs with a Quill on. The only down side is the fuel range 105-110 miles and you get the reserve bars up, but I will live with that just for the smile I get every time I throw my leg over it. Nuf said.

Cost is for 4000 service, no oil change. Slight snatchiness apparent at low speed when new, I don't notice this now, possibly due to fuel injection. Very smooth throughout the rev range. Some cam chain noise developed around 3000 miles, but seems to have disappeared. I have left all settings standard and the bike handles/corners exteremely well. You really have to nit pick to fault this bike.

Cam chain tensioner failed at 1600 miles. Again at 3500 miles. No new tensioner's left in the country. Good job winter is coming because it looks like I won't be able to ride it. Time Honda admitted the fault. ( owner ) Rob Hudson.

Had CBR600FX before this bike - totally different. I love it. Other than when I first got the bike, noticed loud rattle between 4500 and 6000 revs, went back to dealer to have a listen he said it's OK. it seems to be getting worse - it sounds like the camchain or the blades or just something loose. I'm going to take it back again. Has any body else had this problem?

Three months in and the gears have bedded and are much smoother. A few irritations though, there is a rattle from the front end, the next person who says "excuse me but do you know one of your lights is'nt working" is going to get a slap and for gods sake, dont call out Hondacare Assistance. I was still waiting after 2 1/2 hours for them to fix a puncture to my rear tyre.

Found the standard bike didn't quite measure up performance wise, but is otherwise superb. Brakes are brilliant and I can't fault them. I replaced the rear shock with an ohlins unit and fitted an akropovic race can. These mods have made the bike a joy to ride. Also fitted uprated springs and changed the fluids on front forks. I ride very hard and the bike has done 11,000 miles in 4 months and hasn't let me down once . I service the bike myself and change the oil and filter every 4,000 miles. Found the bike very easy to work on ( this is my first bike). Recommend Honda workshop manual. Also as a female rider I found this bike easy to move and get on the centre stand.

As my first real bike, this is a dream. It commutes to Birmingham daily without a problem, but is just as happy blasting around the twisty lanes...

Love this bike to bits!  Had a go on the new model last week and mine felt faster ! But this has a lot to do with the end can, worth every penny and the best mod you can put on this bike!  It's just soo easy to ride fast , a disadvantage sometimes ! Any owner cannot be dissapionted with this bike , highly reccomended!

This is my first sports bike. I passed my DAS 8 weeks ago, and having not ridden a powerful bike for over 8 weeks and was full of anticipation when I collected the bike. Once becoming familiar with all the controls I rode the bike away and instantly impressed with the seemingly total reassurance given by the bike. The potential seems to be unbelivable, once everything has bedded in I look forward to realising it.

The good: great ride, fast, responsive, turns like its on tracks. The bad: 1 cam chain tensioner at 3500 miles. complete engine rebuild at 4000 miles. apparently this is a design flaw that honda have known about since last year but have not done anything about it anyway. 

This bike has served me admirably for the last year, I commute 20 miles a day to work in all weathers. Take it to the track, do some limited touring and go out for a blast for the hell of it! The only thing I would really like to change is the rear shock - It's a bit soft for regular pillion work. I can't fault the handling, I still run out of bottle before the bike does.

All the accessories serve a purpose, and all perform a decent job. Since the Dynojet and filter, the bikes making 102 BHP at back wheel before RamAir comes in, and the HUGE flatspot has gone. Bubble screen excellent, no more wind blast! Hugger and extender keep the sh*te off as I ride all year round. Traded my Busa in for this bike, and love it to bits! (fed up with replacing a tyre a month in summer on busa...)

Couldn't have chosen a better machine. Love the looks. Have had total reliablity. Enjoy the great handling that suits my riding style. Real-world, effective, powerband between 7000 and 13000 RPM, rather than something very narrow in the pursuit of a few more horsepower. Wife finds the pillion seat comfortable, and the peg-height spot-on. Dislikes are few: Relatively wooden brakes work well if used hard enough, but lack feel. Addressed on later machines. Short range (100 miles and start looking for a petrol station) Clunky gearbox is used lazily. Solution is to be positive! The 'comfort' score below is that with the new TCP fairing fitted. Without, it would have been 80%.

Bike handles like a dream. I used to ride with 207GPs and I didn't think they could be beaten, but the Konkordes are ace and I feel confident with them from the word go.

I thought that I would require an osteopath after the trip to Slovenia - wrong. Fit some long lasting tyres (mine were Pirelli Dragon GTS) and you can easily cover vast distances. 100 mph cruising, with luggage on German autobahns. Or fit some Michelin HiSports (OE on my bike) and you have a very good Sunday scratcher. Confirmation then that the CBR600 is an excellent all rounder. Gripes: prefer a proper reserve instead of yellow light, headlight beam dispersed too much, underseat space only fits a poor value Honda U lock.

As a first bike it was easy to ride and improve on. I think the usual CBR600 comments apply-rider friendly enough power until rider gains experience. Can give hairy moments if pushed.    

The Bike is excellent. Not what you would call a master, but sufficient to take a novice into 9/10s of all situations. Once the bike was set up (which is a must) then the willing rider can really exploit the beast lying inside. The bike just needs a few tweaks and an understanding owner who is willing to learn. The bike is a true all-rounder but makes a mean grin from the short to long trips out.

IN 1991 I BOUGHT MY FIRST CBR600 FM RED & WHITE, OVER THE YEARS I ADDED BITS,CAN, DYNOJET, SHOCK, FORK SPRINGS. I KEPT THAT BIKE UNTIL 1999 IT NEVER ONCE LET ME DOWN 20000 MILES, ALL NEW CBR COMES ON THE MARKET MUST HAVE ONE OF THESE SO I BOUGHT ONE. £4000 LIGHTER IN POCKET AND A MONTH LATER I WISHED I HAD KEPT MY OLD CBR AND SAVED MY FOUR GRAND FOR OTHER VENTURES.THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO BIKES WERE MINIMAL IN MY JUDGEMENT AS FAR AS EVERYDAY RIDING AND OWNERSHIP. SO ITS TRADE IN TIME, A NEW £7200 CBR OR ZX12 FOR £6799 IMPORT?