Great review lads. This is my first bike and it's a great introduction to the more hardcore 600 class bikes. 100hp is definitely enough for road riding. I use mine for commuting too and the riding position is perfect for that, but you can tuck in behind the screen for B roads too. Perfect bike for newbies and much less boring than typical alternatives like the SV650, MT-07, Diversions as it has much better power.
Hey mate, how do you find it as a first bike? I really want this as a first bike and believe the high power band and forgiving nature makes it a strecth, but still doable as a first bike. Most disagree though.... saying it's too powerful. How you finding it?
@@BySixa it's a very forgiving first bike. The biggest difference coming from an MT07 or SV650 type naked that you pass on is the clip ons and ergonomics; it's definitely not as upright as those bikes but not as intense as a full on sportsbike so good for beginners. The engine and gearbox are very smooth so no issues there. The bike is also very capable and I'm doing my first trackday on one. I highly recommend.
@@BySixa it should be quite a hood fist bike. It's power is higher up in the rev range so it doesn't go unless you want it to, it wount accidentally pull your arms off. It's quite forgiving easy to get along with.
About to buy one of these in the black colour scheme. The white and blue combo looks great though. They are like hen's teeth to get hold of though, especially original unmolested examples. I personally think Honda have oversold this using the legendary CBR600F brand, but I still think it's a solid choice for those progressing beginner/intermediate riders. I had a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F, which was a direct rival back in 2010 but the extra 20bhp in this plus the fuel injection versus carbs sold it as the better option.
At last! Someone else who is singing the praises of the CBR600F. Got mine last year and loved every second of owning it. Handles well and is plenty quick enough for me. Combined breaking also feels a big difference to the gsxf I had before as well.
Hey so many 600f owners in here, i got an 2011 plate. had 4 years since getting licence and honestly its perfect and the lads hit nail on the head about everything. including how quiet it was (decated mine) We should all have a meet up and ride, all 11 - 13 cbr600f's :)
Picking up my 13 plate CBR600F tomorrow. Using it for my commute and local country roads. Got a tiger 1200 for those bigger trips. Cheers boys, useful vid.
Thanks! The 650f was more beginner friendly, since becoming the 650R it has become more like the 600 spec wise with a bit more mid range, and is probably the better of the three, but they are all great!
Great video guys!! checked with honda directly CBR Stands for Cross Beam Racer becuase of the four cillender engine placed across the motorcycle frame beams. does not stand for City Bike Racer.
City bike racer fucking brilliant.....I never knew that Ha Ha I had a second hand 98 600f which I kept for about 4 years then I got a second hand "City bike racer 954 rr Fireblade best bike I have ridden .....so far..... thanks lads like the video I like Honda sports bikes too well done
@@CAMS5642 I guess you didn't understand because I 'm a Greek . - I mean when you put an exhaust on a motorcycle, what do you gain? Top speed ? Best time at 0-100 kilometers? ...?
@@vengeancejustice5329 ah. A few minor benefits. Better sound, aftermarket exhausts are usually lighter than stock and there is a minimal power increase.
Hello all. Great review. For some reason there is very little videos about this bike and I watched this one twice now. I bought one, 12 plate in white/red 3 weeks ago as my first big bike after passing my test month ago. Previously owned a cb125f for 5 years. For me this bike is amazing to look at, sounds great and it's crazy fast enough. I would like to use this opportunity to ask a question. Has anybody that owns this bike has a PDF version of owners manual or would be able to send me some photos of few pages? Mine came without the book and since I will be riding with my wife I would like to look into to the suspension settings and how to adjust it etc. I have tried cbr FORUMS, EBAY etc but sadly got no help. I could send my email address If someone would be kind enough to do it for me. Much appreciated in advance.
Turned 40 and decided to do a DAS course soon. I’m considering this as a first bike, good idea or not? I’m not sure a 600 super sport like an RR or similar would be a good start point. I’m loving the look of the 2011-2013 600f
Not a bad idea. Toward the top end of what I'd recommend to a new rider power wise. Enough power to stay entertaining as you develop, where bikes around 70bhp might get a bit dull.
@@CAMS5642 yeah that’s kinda my thinking. I want to spend a good 18 months or so on this before considering moving up to anything near fireblade level acceleration.
Thanks for the video. Nice bike. I have one. Mine is a 2012 CBR600F and love it. I compared mine to the latest 2021 CBR650F and didn't like the new one. Uploaded the video yesterday. I am thinking of getting a blue seat cowl and blue levers. Where did you get yours?
Hi, I'll take a look at your video. The seat cowl was on Lee's bike when he got it, it is the official Honda one. He can't remember the brand of levers, but they were mid priced.
I got a power bronze cowl for mine. Looks great, not 100% convinced on the fitting though, but at the end of the day it is just a plastic shell hanging onto the seat.
I totally agree with you. I can't compare directly the 2012 cbr to 2021 650f, but I had a 2012 hornet and I ride sometimes the new 2022 cbr 650r (my wife's bike). I'm definitely older and mature, I have a lot more throttle control now, but I definitely remember have a lot more fun with the hornet. I found the 650 engine maybe too "smooth". Definitely a good bike for new riders. AS a huge fan of honda 600cc engine, since my first 2003 hornet, I'm probably going to buy myself an used 2011/12 600f as a second bike.
Is the windscreen an aftermarket mod or the original? I have one of these bikes and I'm thinking of getting a touring windscreen because the wind at speed almost threatens to blow me head off.
I come from an 07 mt restricted by the licenses of my country, would it be a step backwards to change to this CBR 600F? I have doubts between the CBR 650R and this 600F, one is more expensive and the other older than my own mt 07 and I don't see any reviews of this bike.
The 600F is more powerful, but the MT has more mid range. It would be a step up, but if you have ridden the MT derestricted it won't feel much more power wise, but the 600f handles a lot better, the MT is a pogo stick.
Just found your channel, nice little chat about the bike. Did any of them come with abs or are they all linked brakes? I'm thinking of getting one for commuting into and around London. How would it stand up to London commuter traffic.
They are all linked and have abs. Should be fine in traffic, narrow enough, water cooled so prolonged stop start isn't an issue. It isn't that weighty on the wrists either, but comfort will always be subjective. Best advice with any bike, try one if you can 👍
@@CAMS5642 thanks for the reply. I've a handful of bikes shortlisted so trying to get opinions from riders that know them better than just a test rider would. But yeah, getting on one is the only way to be sure
I've ridden it through town's, city no problem. As Chris said, it isn't heavy, there isn't much weight on your wrist and the leverage on the bars is good to swing the bike around. Having a slightly forward riding position your head isn't as high as on flat bar bikes so visibility over cars isn't quite as good but it's really quite good for commuting. Not as good as a bandit I owned but that wasn't anywhere near as much fun to ride out in the twisties
Naked bikes are crap at long distance, especially at speed. Good bike though. In MCN around 2007 Nevesy said if they put a faring on the hornet it would be the best road oriented sports bike......
The RS was released in 2015, by that time these had turned into the softer steel framed 650. The original RS colours are similar, but side by side the RS is much much bigger
![spank' the HONDA CBR600F !! [RAW Onboard]](/img/1.gif)
Great review lads. This is my first bike and it's a great introduction to the more hardcore 600 class bikes. 100hp is definitely enough for road riding. I use mine for commuting too and the riding position is perfect for that, but you can tuck in behind the screen for B roads too. Perfect bike for newbies and much less boring than typical alternatives like the SV650, MT-07, Diversions as it has much better power.
I agree about the power. We both love the SV but it slightly lacks 80+. This CBR can just about hang with the street on the road.
Hey mate, how do you find it as a first bike? I really want this as a first bike and believe the high power band and forgiving nature makes it a strecth, but still doable as a first bike. Most disagree though.... saying it's too powerful. How you finding it?
@@BySixa it's a very forgiving first bike. The biggest difference coming from an MT07 or SV650 type naked that you pass on is the clip ons and ergonomics; it's definitely not as upright as those bikes but not as intense as a full on sportsbike so good for beginners. The engine and gearbox are very smooth so no issues there. The bike is also very capable and I'm doing my first trackday on one. I highly recommend.
@@BySixa it should be quite a hood fist bike. It's power is higher up in the rev range so it doesn't go unless you want it to, it wount accidentally pull your arms off. It's quite forgiving easy to get along with.
Is it clutch slippery?
got a used cbr 600 f pc31 1997 a week ago and legit fell in love with it the first time I took a seat
About to buy one of these in the black colour scheme. The white and blue combo looks great though. They are like hen's teeth to get hold of though, especially original unmolested examples. I personally think Honda have oversold this using the legendary CBR600F brand, but I still think it's a solid choice for those progressing beginner/intermediate riders. I had a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F, which was a direct rival back in 2010 but the extra 20bhp in this plus the fuel injection versus carbs sold it as the better option.
At last! Someone else who is singing the praises of the CBR600F. Got mine last year and loved every second of owning it. Handles well and is plenty quick enough for me. Combined breaking also feels a big difference to the gsxf I had before as well.
do you mean combined ABS ? or does it have combines breaking !
A fellow Welsh man,
I got a CBR 600 and I love it.
Hey so many 600f owners in here, i got an 2011 plate. had 4 years since getting licence and honestly its perfect and the lads hit nail on the head about everything. including how quiet it was (decated mine) We should all have a meet up and ride, all 11 - 13 cbr600f's :)
Looking at one of these for my first big bike! Beautiful looking motorbike and 100bhp is plenty compared to my 14bhp CB125R 🤣
I started on a CBR 125, you won't go wrong stepping up to one of these, it's like the bigger, bigger, bigger brother after the 250 and the 500!
@@CAMS5642 Perfect! That's exactly what I am wanting! Cracking review anyway!
Picking up my 13 plate CBR600F tomorrow. Using it for my commute and local country roads. Got a tiger 1200 for those bigger trips. Cheers boys, useful vid.
Thanks!
Excellent video here! I learned a few things as I was in the box that thought the 650 version was the better of the two.
Thanks! The 650f was more beginner friendly, since becoming the 650R it has become more like the 600 spec wise with a bit more mid range, and is probably the better of the three, but they are all great!
Great video guys!! checked with honda directly CBR Stands for Cross Beam Racer becuase of the four cillender engine placed across the motorcycle frame beams. does not stand for City Bike Racer.
Thanks. A quick Google confirms this. It appears Lee has a false memory from somewhere
@@CAMS5642 No problem m8 I thought it was what Lee said as well ha ha
City bike racer fucking brilliant.....I never knew that Ha Ha I had a second hand 98 600f which I kept for about 4 years then I got a second hand "City bike racer 954 rr Fireblade best bike I have ridden .....so far..... thanks lads like the video I like Honda sports bikes too well done
Thanks! Lee was wrong, we have been corrected in the comments, turns out it's Cross Beam Racer 😂
Can't wait to see the grand unmasking and see those faces! Great chat guys! 👍
I'm not sure people.will appreciate being subjected to that! 😂 what's the target before we do? 200 subscribers?
@@CAMS5642 What is the exhaust for?
@@vengeancejustice5329 what do you mean?
@@CAMS5642 I guess you didn't understand because I 'm a Greek .
- I mean when you put an exhaust on a motorcycle, what do you gain? Top speed ? Best time at 0-100 kilometers? ...?
@@vengeancejustice5329 ah. A few minor benefits. Better sound, aftermarket exhausts are usually lighter than stock and there is a minimal power increase.
100% that's all I have to say.
Great review lads. Subbed 🥳
Thanks!
Hello all. Great review. For some reason there is very little videos about this bike and I watched this one twice now. I bought one, 12 plate in white/red 3 weeks ago as my first big bike after passing my test month ago. Previously owned a cb125f for 5 years. For me this bike is amazing to look at, sounds great and it's crazy fast enough.
I would like to use this opportunity to ask a question. Has anybody that owns this bike has a PDF version of owners manual or would be able to send me some photos of few pages? Mine came without the book and since I will be riding with my wife I would like to look into to the suspension settings and how to adjust it etc. I have tried cbr FORUMS, EBAY etc but sadly got no help. I could send my email address If someone would be kind enough to do it for me. Much appreciated in advance.
I'm sure Lee can sort something out. Could you fine my profile on Facebook and DM me your email?
@@CAMS5642 will do, thanks a lot.
Turned 40 and decided to do a DAS course soon. I’m considering this as a first bike, good idea or not? I’m not sure a 600 super sport like an RR or similar would be a good start point. I’m loving the look of the 2011-2013 600f
Not a bad idea. Toward the top end of what I'd recommend to a new rider power wise. Enough power to stay entertaining as you develop, where bikes around 70bhp might get a bit dull.
@@CAMS5642 yeah that’s kinda my thinking. I want to spend a good 18 months or so on this before considering moving up to anything near fireblade level acceleration.
@@shawstephen585 did you end up getting one? Looking at one myself after DAS
Thanks for the video. Nice bike. I have one. Mine is a 2012 CBR600F and love it. I compared mine to the latest 2021 CBR650F and didn't like the new one. Uploaded the video yesterday.
I am thinking of getting a blue seat cowl and blue levers. Where did you get yours?
Hi, I'll take a look at your video. The seat cowl was on Lee's bike when he got it, it is the official Honda one. He can't remember the brand of levers, but they were mid priced.
I got a power bronze cowl for mine. Looks great, not 100% convinced on the fitting though, but at the end of the day it is just a plastic shell hanging onto the seat.
I totally agree with you.
I can't compare directly the 2012 cbr to 2021 650f, but I had a 2012 hornet and I ride sometimes the new 2022 cbr 650r (my wife's bike).
I'm definitely older and mature, I have a lot more throttle control now, but I definitely remember have a lot more fun with the hornet.
I found the 650 engine maybe too "smooth". Definitely a good bike for new riders.
AS a huge fan of honda 600cc engine, since my first 2003 hornet, I'm probably going to buy myself an used 2011/12 600f as a second bike.
Beautiful bike !👍
I'm going out riding with a guy who's just paid £650 for a 99 cbr600f. I'm going to review how a £650 cbr6 feels lol.
I am surprised you can get a running bike for that little money! Do share a link to your review.
@@CAMS5642 Will do, it will go on my channel ruclips.net/user/HondaEventsandRideouts
Is the windscreen an aftermarket mod or the original? I have one of these bikes and I'm thinking of getting a touring windscreen because the wind at speed almost threatens to blow me head off.
Standard, as far as we are aware
I come from an 07 mt restricted by the licenses of my country, would it be a step backwards to change to this CBR 600F? I have doubts between the CBR 650R and this 600F, one is more expensive and the other older than my own mt 07 and I don't see any reviews of this bike.
The 600F is more powerful, but the MT has more mid range. It would be a step up, but if you have ridden the MT derestricted it won't feel much more power wise, but the 600f handles a lot better, the MT is a pogo stick.
Just found your channel, nice little chat about the bike. Did any of them come with abs or are they all linked brakes? I'm thinking of getting one for commuting into and around London. How would it stand up to London commuter traffic.
They are all linked and have abs. Should be fine in traffic, narrow enough, water cooled so prolonged stop start isn't an issue. It isn't that weighty on the wrists either, but comfort will always be subjective. Best advice with any bike, try one if you can 👍
@@CAMS5642 thanks for the reply. I've a handful of bikes shortlisted so trying to get opinions from riders that know them better than just a test rider would. But yeah, getting on one is the only way to be sure
I've ridden it through town's, city no problem. As Chris said, it isn't heavy, there isn't much weight on your wrist and the leverage on the bars is good to swing the bike around. Having a slightly forward riding position your head isn't as high as on flat bar bikes so visibility over cars isn't quite as good but it's really quite good for commuting. Not as good as a bandit I owned but that wasn't anywhere near as much fun to ride out in the twisties
Get the 07-09 Hornet version, looks better, better dash, comfier, no fairing to take off and damage.
Naked bikes are crap at long distance, especially at speed. Good bike though. In MCN around 2007 Nevesy said if they put a faring on the hornet it would be the best road oriented sports bike......
What is your total mileage? Go! 😁
Total? Ever?
Looks like R1200RS
The RS was released in 2015, by that time these had turned into the softer steel framed 650. The original RS colours are similar, but side by side the RS is much much bigger
Prefer the hornet
Because you prefer nakeds or is it something else?....