I purchased this bike new in September 2008, after test riding both my more favoured choice, the GSXR600 and the CBR600RR. The trouble was the CBR was so much better, it felt so planted on the road, a roomier riding position, mid range felt cleaner and what appeared to be better build quality. Head won, heart lost. A year later, I still love the CBR and during that time I have added a few minor tasteful extras like a puig double bubble screen and some carbon effect pieces but to stop me from selling the bike I needed more comfort. I changed the clip ons for Helibars as I suffered from achy wrists and a strange neck problem which felt like I was craning my neck to see the road head. The heli bars have made a huge difference, whilst you are slightly more upright, it makes the usual traffic queues and two up riding bearable and not painful. This hasn’t turned the CBR into a tourer, it still loves the twisties but now it can also do the dull bit of riding easier. It has been said that this is an easy bike to ride and it can flatter your abilities through corners and I can’t disagree with that comment, it really is a doddle to ride and I’ve never felt the need to change any of the suspension settings. Like all 600’s sports, the CBR isn’t lightening quick off the mark unless you’re that way inclined, but this just makes it easier for novices not to feel scared. For me the mid range is ample, even two up, to over take without having to go berserk through the rev range. Not something most people care about but the mirrors are brilliant and Honda really do know how to make a quality machine, the finish is still superb. Economy, another thing people don’t usually mention, I get around 45mpg on my varied rides and insurance costs can be reasonable with the right circumstances. I guess my only minor gripes are the exhaust note circa 3k, it feels like your ears are about to burst, it’s that bad, the vibes through the bars at low revs and the low standard screen which impedes the view of the speedo.( Puig screen looks good! )