2001 Honda CBR600F

Another 60 limits. In 3rd, on a wide, opening right hander. Roll it on

slowly, all the way to the stop; the noise grows quickly from a growl to a full blow wail as the lean angle increases – shortshift easily into 4th at 12000rpm then back onto the stop, the bars flap slightly as you crest a

small rise on the exit – just enough to remind you’re using full throttle.

Your head is in the tank looking through the double bubble, wind roaring around the top of the helmet – you see the 90 degree left approaching in the distance, and just catch the rev needle touching vertical – enough to reach 5th before changing down.

That moment arrives quickly – head up, knee ready, two fingers on the

brakes, a couple of strokes of the smooth clutch and a 2 jabs down on the gear lever with a blip of throttle and move into position. Leave it late, swing the knee perfectly down onto the apex tarmac, then wind-on slowly at the apex right to the stop; the noise gets angry again you can feel the rear dig in and suck you forward with the turbine effect – the front leaves the tarmac completely on crest at the exit; you’re still not fully upright. Keep it pinned for a smooth, if slightly flappy landing and shortshift into 4th for the short bumpy flat section. 3rd is too short – 4th is perfect.

But only for a second – onto the brakes hard this time, down 2 to 2nd for the 120 degree right, with bumps. Relax and ride the bumps – knee down used to be possible before the trucks came – then pin it again after the apex, shortshifting at ‘vertical rpm’s’ all the way to 6th for the next ½ mile, head in the tank. Silly speeds appear quickly.

A long left hand bend appears – it’s hardly noticeably at car speeds – head up, look over the field and back onto the tank again – this will be tucked in, throttle on the stop and slightly bumpy- the CBR just flows right over them (an R6 would be squirming, and you’d be lifting), engine note rising as you accelerate but it’s wavering as you skim over long undulations- at the apex you’re almost looking up at the blurred hedges not across at them, before you lift and drop to 5th for the right/left.

You can do it in one radius but not today. Engine braking from far enough out loses enough speed – don’t look at the speedo – ride it on feel, taking up the throttle again and over you go – down right, lift it up, it flaps a bit if you yank it or have too much throttle on but still changes direction in a split second, then down left, then lift and freewheel quietly into the next town.

And this is the beauty of the CBR600; trickle into town, the bike hardly murmurs, it looks sharp but not boy racer, and nobody is none the wiser to your indecent progress in previous 2 miles. It rides the UK roads better than most. Town riding is almost commuter bike easy. 110-120miles per tank is practical at respectably illegal speeds, and comfortable enough to ensure petrol is all you need to stop for on motorways. Your girlfriend thinks you are the most considerate guy ever, having compromised your usual steed to buy a practical bike with a comfy rear seat and a handle just for her. It starts first time, everytime. Even your mother will like it.

If only they knew what you did when you ride alone…