HONDA CBF600 (2008 - 2013) Review

Version: CBF600SA

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £130

It is a very reliable bike. Good for short fun trips, but not the fastest in the world. An amazing machine when looking for a daily commuter, this thing gets you anywhere you need to go.

Buying experience: Second hand find.

Version: Rr

Year: 2013

Hteat

Year: 2012

I'd recommend it as a commuter, but not as a fun bike. It's solid and reliable. I think it will last for years... but I'll probably get bored of it, and trade it for something more flickable, and not as high revving.

Version: SA

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £100

Review from Canada. Have ridden for about 45 years. Owned all of the big 4 Japanese machines. This bike will probably be the last bike I own (I am 64). Bought it 3 years ago with 1800km on it. Just turned over 10000km today. This bike fits me well - there are 3 seat heights. Foot pegs and controls well placed. Power and CONTROLABILITY of the power are great! 6 speed gearbox seems very well spaced. Windshield is just a bit short - would be nice if it was about 2 inches higher. If you want a crotch rocket then go and get one - if you want a really well tuned reliable predictable handling and performing machine then this is what you want. I am 5' 7" and weigh 135 pounds - and I do not find it too heavy or cumbersome - keep in mind that it is a 4 cylinder 600.

Buying experience: Bought private. No issues.

Version: Naked N08

Year: 2008

My first bike after a long absence from motorcycling. It does everything I want from a motorcycle and I disagree with comments about it having boring looks. On the contrary, when I’ve been out on rides with a variety of others machines, my CBF is the one onlookers and bystanders gravitate towards. It is thoroughly reliable, and with Dunlop Pilot 2 tyres recently fitted, grips the twisties perfectly. Durability of external parts is excellent and my bike looks same as it did when I wheeled it out of the showroom new 13 years ago.

Buying experience: Bought new from Honda Dealer, 2008 price was £4500.00 ( before Sterling plummeted and prices increased sharply )

Version: SA8

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £150

Headlight design could be better. Fairing panels a bit of a pain to remove and re-fit. I like the light weight and feel of the bike ( I am 73). Handles well. Getting used to the chain transmission and having to lubricate it (I had a BMW R80RT before).

Buying experience: Bought secondhand privately.

Version: SA

Year: 2009

Comfy adjustable seat. Good brakes. Styling not to everyone’s taste. My first big bike. A little heavy when you come from a 125cc. But that also makes it very stable on the road,especially motorways. Great mid sized tourer with luggage.

Buying experience: Bought from superbike factory. Excellent experience start to finish. Can’t fault them and would buy from them again.

Version: SA

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £400

An excellent middle weight bike to learn your skills on. Great fun particularly if you are returning to riding. It's no flash machine with basic suspension with only pre load adjustment, no fancy swing arm with linked suspension mount, or traction control, but has ABS. Dip beam is rather lacking at night. I'm the 3rd owner, it had 6.5k miles and now it has 64.5k miles....it has given me tremendous pleasure and continues to thrill as I my riding improves. I use it all year round. It does need a lot of cleaning especially those exposed down pipes but they are stainless steel not delicate chrome plate. I like to ride on A and B roads mostly. I like the Peaks so lots of twists, turns, up and down and less than track quality road surfaces! It's quite a heavy bike for its class and needs a bit of care at slow speed and can stall unexpectedly when pulling away if your rpms are too low... sounds obvious but I've been caught out a few times and dropped it!

Buying experience: Private purchase from a trusty friend so no issues.

Version: Naked

Year: 2009

Good bike for shorties both feet on floor MCN review way out, first bike in 15 years great bike.

Buying experience: Searching for ages wasn't sure if i really wanted this style bike, so glad i did spur of the moment £2495 +£50 delivery +tank of fuel , private dealer, one owner, low mileage great looking bike.

Version: SA8

Year: 2009

Comfortable and steady

Version: N8

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £200

CBF600N8. This bike is function over style and as such is a very useful bike that can do most things very well. However, with round headlights and retro looks back in fashion perhaps it's now more stylish than it used to be. This was the last CBF version produced, having an aluminium frame and detuned RR engine.

Buying experience: Purchased 2nd hand from a Triumph dealership in Woburn. It was advertised to sell and at the time was the cheapest around but they still negotiated to clear it quickly off their forecourt.

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £35

A very good bike, reliable even with high miles, mine had 30000 on it and it operates as almost new. Servicing is easy and the work shop manual is online as PDF. Its cheap to insure and tax. It was my first bigger bike and there is plenty enough power and speed to make me happy. It does not get out of control but is enough to make you think a bit.

Buying experience: Private, £2300, ride it before you buy it!

Version: CBF600SA8

Year: 2008

Comfy and reliable bike with reasonable suspension and weather protection. Economical with enough performance for most.

Version: CBF 600NA

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £250

Excellent for born again biker. Does what it say's on the tin.

Version: CBF600N8

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £100

Good middleweight bike that's easy and comfortable to ride. Good on all roads but is not the most flickable of machines and correct tyre pressures makes all the difference to the handling.

Buying experience: Picked it up from a Triumph dealer in July 2013 with 3,400 miles on the clock for £3,500.

Version: SA

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £288

This is my first motorcycle, bought it two years ago at its second anniversary with 10k miles on the clock. I've used it for commuting and for the two up occasional weekend and vacations. 17k miles afterwards, with some of them done over seven countries without the need of topping up the oil level, I can't understand why did Honda stopped production for this model.

Buying experience: Bought from a Honda dealer.

Owned mine for nearly a year now. Bought at a year old with full Honda luggage for just over £4k with virtually no miles on it. over 10,000 miles later I offer my views. As a commuter (50 miles each way into London and back) it performed faultlessly for 6 months. Returns 55mpg average, slightly less if you are over enthusiastic with the throttle, a bit more if ridden gently. I've added a gel seat, tall screen and heated grips. These make all the difference for year round riding, I've managed a couple of 4-500 mile days with the additions so touring is a very plausible use too. For a bit of a blast it has plenty enough power for me, I'm running it on Michelin Road Pilot 3s now and the cornering is much improved as is the wet weather handling. The engine is the real star in many ways, it has torque everywhere in the rev range, you can do 60 in 1st or 30 in 6th (neither recommended, but both possible). It is smooth, easy to ride and above all fun without being silly.

The CBF is not only an awesome commuter, but it's also a great traveller, very cheap to own, top quality material, has a great engine and is much more exiting than the new twin Hondas.

Lovely bike to own. Looks good and literally does everything, a fun commuter. Very smooth 4-cylinder engine provides ample power whilst giving about 65mpg and has never missed a beat. The bike pulls easily in 6th gear from 30mph thanks to the very good PGM-FI system, even uphill. Combined ABS system is phenomenal. Few problems; control pedals corroded after a couple of weeks, electrical problems at about 7 months and Honda offered very poor customer service in both cases. Genuine Honda top box well worth the money. All round competent machine for clocking lots of miles though perhaps lacking a little soul.

I sometimes despair reading "expert" reviews of motorcycles which end up being in the same vain as Top Gear reviews of cars. If it isn't a Ferrari or Lamborghini then they are crap. In the real world, most savvy motor cycle riders want a reasonably priced, reliable, cost effective and fun machine. The CBF ticks all the boxes. Having just returned from a two up trip to Assen in Holland having done some 1,300 miles in total i am very happy i went on the Honda. It was comfortable. It was sure footed in some miserable, wet and windy weather. It cruised effortlessly at 70 - 80mph when the conditions allowed. It didn't let me down and was thrifty on fuel. Filtering through the usual gridlocks around Antwerp had me smiling at the depressed looking car drivers. Having returned home a quick check over saw limited wear on the tyres, no chain adjustment needed and no oil used. A quick wash had it looking like new again. A short solo blast out after it had dried had me grinning again having fun on the local back roads. This is a bike that has plenty of useable power for our overcrowded roads. If you need the urge for speed and an adrenaline rush then pay twice as much for a more powerful bike and book some track days.

I had one of these for a few weeks and It has to be forces into turning which is really really horrible. The suspension was nice and the dash was good, The seat was horrible quality and look awful but was ok to sit on.

Well, i have a 2010 model. Bought it with original luggage, side and top boxes, averto alarm, CABS as standard. Great engine for a 600 considering its a detuned cbr600rr motor. Some ppl reckon it needs a 6th gear but i think its fine. Torque is good throughout the gears and re range, no issues there. Adjustable seat and small standard screen are fine. For a spin out its good enough to keep up with sportsbikes on B road twisies and touching down your sliders with a set of BT021's ! Fuel economy is returning appx 210 miles on the 20 litre tank. This is both commuting and some two up riding. I have MAJOR two issues, the oxidisation on the bolts is rediculous after a year (no matter how much you keep it clean ) even some parts have paint worn off where your feet are ! The suspension on the front is fairly soft. But then its not a sportsbike so i suppose the suspenion is adequate ? Rear supsension can be adjusted for pre load which is handy. Lights etc are great, dash needs updating but fuel guage is perfect. Upgrades include aftermarket SW Motech engine bars and MRA Vario screen. I am a little disappointed with the finish to be honest. Really only big drawback. Oh, there is a issue of handlebar weave...cant figure that out AT ALL

Well, i have a 2010 model. Bought it with original luggage, side and top boxes, averto alarm, CABS as standard. Great engine for a 600 considering its a detuned cbr600rr motor. Some ppl reckon it needs a 6th gear but i think its fine. Torque is good throughout the gears and re range, no issues there. Adjustable seat and small standard screen are fine. For a spin out its good enough to keep up with sportsbikes on B road twisies and touching down your sliders with a set of BT021's ! Fuel economy is returning appx 210 miles on the 20 litre tank. This is both commuting and some two up riding. I have MAJOR two issues, the oxidisation on the bolts is rediculous after a year (no matter how much you keep it clean ) even some parts have paint worn off where your feet are ! The suspension on the front is fairly soft. But then its not a sportsbike so i suppose the suspenion is adequate ? Rear supsension can be adjusted for pre load which is handy. Lights etc are great, dash needs updating but fuel guage is perfect. Upgrades include aftermarket SW Motech engine bars and MRA Vario screen. I am a little disappointed with the finish to be honest. Really only big drawback. Oh, there is a issue of handlebar weave...cant figure that out AT ALL.

have got one of these as a hire bike atm while my street is repaired. got to say more impresed than i thought id be, carrys really good corner speed very stable. cons it takes a bit of force to turn in there isnst alot of torque anywhere in the range but the main problem which is driving me crazy is the foot peg height. ive had it four days and now both the balls on the bottom of the pegs are almost gone :(. otherwise good bike

just bought a new cbf 600 n after trying out all its rivals i.e. diversion, er-6n,gladius although not the triumph!. And by far it was the best quality and the 19 ltr tank and mpg was the best by a mile. Its comfortable fast enough for most riders I have put a small screen on mine ,dont like faired bikes might as well buy a car. Added heated grips as well. I commute 20 miles a day and I am a motorcycle courier for the NHS in the evening and its definitely the bike to choose for reliablity mile munching without buying an all out tourer machine. Would recommend this bike way above the others in its class regardless of what the experts say. Okay not to everyones taste in the fashion department but not everyone wants a manga looking bike. Its a unsung hero of a bike. Ride safe out there Gareth. (THE JAM BUSTER)

I have to say that my CBF600 SA8 has been an absolute star. However, I can understand what the press mean when they describe it as a bit bland......bland as in you don't have anything to worry about at all! It is really well built, it is absurdly easy to ride and tour on, it is economical for a 600 (I am averaging 45-55mpg depending upon the percentage of motorways I am covering). It has pleanty of power but puts it down linearly rather than in a lump anywhere in the rev range. V twin enthusiasts will say it is lacking torque in the bottom end and it sounds very revvy....yup! it's a 4 cyl inline, that is what you get with them. I don't know anyone else with one of these, but all of the bikes my friends own seem to need some living with in some areas despite their claims of 'brilliant cornering', massive accelleration' etc. Usually in the areas of reliability, economy, stopping and riding comfort, the CBF is great in all of these areas. If you are looking for a bike that will explore Britain's country lanes as well as tour then this is one for you to take a long hard look at. The gears do seem very close if you are on your own on a motorway, but not if you are fully loaded and two up in Wales. Also, 0-60 in 4 seconds (just timed it yesterday)is not slow in my opinion. However, if you want an out and out sports bike this is not what the CBF was designed for, but then I find even light touring on a sports bike uncomfortable. So have a long think about what you want it for and if a flexible tourer is what you want then have a look at the CBF600 SA8. Great bike! Get it if you are looking for a tourer, a commuter, an all rounder, a roamer or a working bike.

this bike does exactly what it says on the tin,very well made,faster than you expect and comfortable over long distance-it's a sports tourer rather than a super-commuter. There are a couple of flies in the ointment from my point of view,though.Firstly,this is my first 4-cylinder bike and I can't get used to the way it screams at me all the time,it seems to be undergeared doing just on 13mph per 1,000 rpm in top.Secondly,I know this is a detuned cbr600rr engine but did they have to retain the close ratio gears? I find myself changing up two gears at a time as a matter of course,why bother with the ones in between? You'll only spend your life tapdancing on the gearshift and not go anywhere any quicker. Lastly,the original screen on the 's' model is worse than useless,the battering I took from the turbulence was criminal,I fitted an MRA vario screen which,although not noticeably larger than the original,is sooooo much better,it's still very windy but it's a constant rush of air,no turbulence.If all this sounds negative,don't get me wrong it's a great bike,the linked abs brakes are fantastic and the gear ratios make sense on the motorway,at 80mph it's turning over at about 6000 rpm and there's no need to change down to overtake,just check your mirror,look,and twist the throttle,it charges forward with the kind of acceleration you'd expect from a 3 litre car and if you're not careful it'll go straight over the ton before you realise it.But who wants to ride on the motorway? If Honda had spread the first 5 ratios and given it an overdrive 6th it would be a much more enjoyable bike.I going to try a smaller rear sprocket but I have a feeling I'll just spend a lot of time in first gear,compared to a twin there is virtually zero torque below about 3000 rpm.If you've had 4-cylinder bikes before,you'll love this,I can't make my mind up whether to sell it or get used to it.

Passed my test and promptly took my CBF125 round for REAL Bike test rides... I checked Suzi Bandits n Fazers, Triumph Speed Triple, Yammi YZF 600 and a used BlackBird. I went back to Chambers Honda in Maidstone. I tried the CBF600 and 1000, a Hornet, CBR600RR and finally lived with the CBF600 for the weekend. I put 250 miles on it care free and easy. I bought a new 2009 CBF600SA from them for a number of reasons, I need reliability for my commute to work, 80 miles round trip so needs to be top build quality. Easy to get on and ride. Adjusted seat up a notch, and rear preload a couple of clicks and been a HAPPY LARRY ever since. Picked her up in Mid-September now she has 2300 miles on her. Not the fastest bike out there, but who wants to be in the sights of the GATSO all the time and its tempting with this alone!!! I'll keep her til the wheels fall off and get another in time. Its the commute that counts. She is comfortable, leaves all cars behind, reliable and with the box, heated grips, R&G bungs and REMUS can on her its just the Mutts for going to work with a smile on my face. Terrific Learner bike, and Great For commuting long distance daily. Maybe I'll get bored in a few years but for now...So What!

Only borrowed one as a courtesy bike. Very decent of the dealer but the bike is a bit crap. Whilst clearly it is a robust bike that will soak up loads of punishment and is easy to ride (nice low seat!), it is also rather gutless and sloppy. You can get much better value for money spending a little extra and getting a Hornet or equivalent.

Tried the Honda against the Suzuki GSX650F, Honda, Dearer to buy, heavier, half fairing, expensive servicing, think you can guess which one of the two I ended up with and have been very happy with in all aspects! Try the GSXF

got my bike in June 2006. Problems and problems since then. In the very first winter the battery died. Had a new one in April'07 and yest one more battery in February'08. Ride quality is OK. I have managed to touch 3 figures on the motorway. Fuel consumption used to be 180 miles from 19.5 litres around 41 miles to the gallon on the motorways. Nowadays I am getting 32 miles to the gallon. Headbearings had to be changed at 17K as the bike had done less then 20K and was less then 3 years old so I was not charged. Honda knows about the problems and your dealer may or may not tell you about the headbearings and you could be charged. Chain and sprokets came to 380 quid at 16100 miles. Very average built quality. Honda dealers charge around 50 quid per hour. So every 4000 miles i spend around 225 for the service. The latest problem with this machine is that it starts to loose power around 6000 rpm and will not cross 60 miles per hour. So let us see what comes out of it and the bike is just 3 years old. I will say it too expensive to buy new and the build quality is not what I had expected from a Honda. So avoid if you can.

From a female perspective I graduated from the Suzi Van Van ( oh she was a sweet little bike ) to the Honda CBF600 last year. Hadn't a clue what I wanted but local dealership knew me and let me sit on as many as I wanted and then test drive the Suzi 650SA, Fazer and Honda CBF - suffering from occassional aching wrists and lower back, riding position and general feeling as though I fitted the bike were the first requisites - once that was ascertained I then tested the bikes round town, dual carriage way and country roads, for brake, accerlation, road handling behaviour. Feeling dissapointed and disillusioned by the Fazer and Suzuki I climbed aboard the Honda expecting what a lot of reviews state to be a boring lump of a ride and within the first 10 secs knew she was the one. I moulded to bike perfectly, it was smooth, controlled, forgiving, stable and with more than enough oomph for me, the gear ratios dont catch me out, levers and pedals and seating etc were exactly the right fit, and more than anything I felt SAFE. The build quality showed in everyway, as the suzi and fazer felt tinny in comparison. Taking delivery on a wet saturday afternoon I travelled 150 miles from Honda in Bridgend to Somerset and was 100% assured from go that my decision was right. The build quality lends itself to being a bit heavier than the other two so drop bungs were added along with heated grips (heaven!). I haven't stopped smiling since. I can keep up with my partner on his 750 GSX on motorways break quickly and smoothly with the combined breaks and leave cars standing at lights - good enough for me. So girls, dont be put off by the negative comments on the Honda trust your own decisions - 75% of all male riders never even test drive before they buy according to three large dealerships and many male biker friends of mine - motto TRY BEFORE YOU BUY AND BE SURE TO TRY THE HONDA.

Before I decided on the CBF, I tested all the competitors extensively. Although the Suzuki 650SA came a very close second, the Honda won on build quality and resale value. If you’re looking for a mid-range bike to scare you or turn you into ‘macho man’ this bike is probably not for you. It’s a well engineered’ refined all-rounder that will suit all experienced riders who will revel in its brisk acceleration, limpet road holding and good manners. It will also suit those less experienced as it’s SO forgiving. Even if you find yourself off-line in a corner or in the wrong gear, the CBF simply gets on with the job and will let you recover your composure. Engine – a masterpiece. It pulls from a mere 1500rpm in top without complaining and revs freely right up to the 11000 limit. Loads of torque and free revving makes it dream which suits whatever mood you’re in. The gearbox is slick, fast and never misses a change. Rgis bike will cruise all day at 90mph. Ride, handling and brakes – the ride is vibration free, even at high speed while the handling inspires confidence to try even faster corners. Although not at super sports level, the grip on the standard Pilots is more than sufficient for 99% of riders. The brakes are superb with no judder and although I can’t get used to the combined braking (been riding too long), I tried this system and it provides a well balanced stop. Quality and reliability – although it’s too soon to comment on reliability, all my previous Hondas have never let me down and this one seems at least as good. So there should be no problems. As always, the quality of the build and the finish are typically first class.

I never understand why this bike gets written off by the press as "boring" or "unexciting". It has a 600cc engine and has more power than any sensible road user would need. The problem with the new CBF600 is that it is not quite sure whether it is a tourer, a semi-sportbike or a commuter. It has quite low bars which I personally found too low. The seat is not very confortable and the gear ratios are ludicrously close together, ruining all that mid range tuning which really needs a more relaxed gear interval and made me feel it needed two more gears above 6th for unruffled cruising. The brakes are good and the throttle reponse smooth. But this bike is badly setup for its purpose. It is simply too low geared for its intention and the bars are too low for comfort. It is incredibly easy to ride with a low centre of gravity and perfectly adequate handling. But just doesn't tick any boxes for me.