Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2007 — Specifications

You knew the first-generation Hornet, that somewhat raw roadster that pulverized sales in Europe? The 2007 version of the Honda CB 600 F Hornet arrives with the ambition of wiping the slate clean. Honda didn't just refresh the formula; it completely changed the recipe, keeping only the name and rebellious spirit. This is a machine that wants to revolutionize everything, from the design to the engine, and marks a complete break with its ancestors.

The first glance is a shock. Farewell to the round headlight and classic look, hello to the angular optics and dashboard unit with a design almost reminiscent of manga. This 2007 Honda CB 600 F Hornet displays an aggressive face, with its 41 mm inverted fork and radial calipers that give it a serious air. But some details are jarring. The digital speedometer strangely resembles that of the Kawasaki ER-6n, and the under-engine exhaust evokes that of a Yamaha R6. The very compact rear end could almost be signed Voxan. It’s surprising for Honda, accustomed to a more autonomous signature. But perhaps it’s the price of a willingness to surprise at all costs.

The real revolution is under the skin. Honda abandons the welded steel frame for a MonoBackbone in molded aluminum, lighter and stiffer. The swingarm follows the same logic. And the engine? The remnants of the 1997 CBR 600 block are gone. The 2007 Hornet directly incorporates the inline four-cylinder engine from the CBR 600 RR of the same year, reworked for the road. With 102 horsepower at 12,000 rpm and a torque of 63.5 Nm at 10,500 rpm, it promises a sharper character, even if Honda sought to improve mid-range availability thanks to PGM-FI injection. This radical change, combined with a dry weight of only 173 kg, aims for an explosive power-to-weight ratio. ABS is even available as an option, a rare concession to safety on a roadster of this era.

Facing competitors such as the Yamaha FZ6 or the Suzuki GSR 600, this Hornet is clearly positioned as the most radical, the most “track-ready” disguised as a roadster. Its appearance, its RR engine, and its lightweight chassis are destined for the rider who wants a nervous and incisive machine, capable of playing on winding roads. The 800 mm seat remains accessible, but the engine's aggressiveness can intimidate a beginner. It’s a machine for those who already have some wrist strength and are looking for the excitement of a sporty four-cylinder in a streetfighter format.

Ultimately, the 2007 Honda CB 600 F Hornet is a bold gamble. It sacrifices some of the balance and accessibility of the previous generation to gain sporting character and a striking look. It is more technical, more demanding, and clearly more influenced by the world of competition. For some, this will be the dreamed-of evolution. For those who were looking for the simplicity and versatility of a roadster, this hornet might seem a little too venomous. Its price, around 7300 euros at the time, placed it in the middle of the segment, but its unique character ensured it a special place in memories. The technical specifications of the 2006 to 2014 models show that this generation marked a golden age for the Japanese sport roadster.