Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2012 — Specifications

Who would have thought that a wasp could take thirteen years to find its true stinger? That’s how long it took this Honda CB 600 F Hornet to display a style worthy of its nickname. In 2012, the roadster finally boasts a striking face, a direct and assumed inspiration from the CB 1000 R, with an aggressive headlight and a fully digital dashboard. This is a far cry from previous generations, such as the 2006 or 2009 Honda CB 600 F Hornet, which were still searching for their identity. Here, it's clear, sharp, and it catches the eye.

Underneath this invigorated bodywork, the soul remains faithful to the Hornet DNA born in 1998. The engine still comes from the CBR 600, an inline four-cylinder that likes to rev and delivers its 102 horsepower at 12,000 rpm. A courageous choice at a time when the competition, such as the Yamaha FZ8 or the Kawasaki Z 750, were betting on larger displacements for low-end torque. Here, you have to play with the six-speed gearbox to get the best out of this engine, which isn't a punishment considering how lively and sonorous it is. For braking, the two 296 mm front discs do the job, with ABS as an option on this Honda CB 600 F Hornet ABS, a welcome safety feature.

The aluminum monobackbone frame, adopted as early as 2007, and the 41 mm inverted fork ensure precise and reassuring road handling. With a declared weight of 200 kg fully fueled and a seat height of 800 mm, the motorcycle remains accessible and maneuverable, a primary quality for a roadster intended for daily use and winding roads. It's a forgiving and encouraging machine, perfect for a rider who wants to progress without being intimidated. For those looking for a used Honda CB 600 F Hornet, the 2011-2012 model years represent a good balance between modernity and proven mechanical reliability.

So, what is the price of a Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2012 in France? At the time, it was listed at 6990 euros, a competitive price compared to rivals often more powerful but less refined. Its audience? The urban and touring rider looking for agility, legendary Honda reliability, and a style that is now established. It doesn't seek straight-line battles against the 750s, but it will offer you more authentic sensations in the curves. A sure value, this wasp, which has known how to age while retaining its character.