Honda CB 600 F Hornet 2013 — Specifications

Remember 2007. As the Kawasaki Z750 and Yamaha FZ8 increased their displacement to gain torque, Honda made a bold, almost retro bet: sticking with the 600cc configuration. The 2013 Honda CB 600 F Hornet is the ultimate culmination of this philosophy, a motorcycle that embraces its stripped-down sportbike character to the end. Its price of €6990 at the time positioned it as a premium option against competitors often with larger displacement and a bit less expensive.

Under its new mask inspired by the CB 1000 R, which finally earns it the Hornet nickname with a truly mean-looking face, beats a heart unchanged since the 2007 redesign. It’s the famous 599cc inline four-cylinder engine, borrowed from the CBR 600 RR, but recalibrated for road use. It delivers 102 horsepower at 12,000 rpm, a power that requires exploiting the rev range, and a torque of 63.7 Nm quite high in the revs. That’s where the debate with a Z800 or an FZ8 becomes clear: the latter deliver their force earlier, while the Hornet requires playing with the 6-speed gearbox to flourish. For a lover of pure sensations and a screaming sound, it’s a delight. For those seeking ease in the city or gearless overtaking, it may be less obvious.

The technical specifications reveal a well-equipped motorcycle. The aluminum monobackbone frame, adopted in 2007, lightens the structure for a dry weight of 173 kg. The 41mm inverted fork and the dual 296mm disc braking system, available with ABS as an option, confirm the sporty heritage. With a seat height of 800 mm and a 19-liter fuel tank, it remains accessible and suitable for everyday journeys. This versatility is what has made the Hornet a success since its birth in 1998, a success that numerous searches for used models from 2006, 2009 or 2012 still attest to today.

So, who rides this Hornet? For the motorcyclist who seeks a nervous roadster, with a genuinely sporty character, without the constraints of a clip-on riding position. It’s an excellent motorcycle to progress on, as it forgives but educates the wrist. It can even be restricted for the A2 license, broadening its audience. Faced with the trend of easy high torque, the 2013 Honda CB 600 F Hornet stands out as a resistor, a vibrant tribute to engines that like to live fast. Its drawback? Demanding involvement. Its quality? Giving it back to you, with each increase in revs.