Honda CBF 600 S 2010 — Specifications

So, the 2010 Honda CBF 600 S is a bit of an honest deception on the used market. You get the impression of seeing the same machine as the 2004 CBF 600 S, but appearances can be deceiving. Honda played the role of discreet cosmetic surgeons, simply whitening the turn signals and retouching a detail on the fairing. For those looking for a used Honda CBF 600 S, the facelift between a 2008 and a 2010 model is almost invisible. But open the hood, or rather, look under the tank, and everything changes. That's where the magic, or rather the Honda industrial logic, operates.

Because in 2008, the CBF underwent a major transplant. It recovered the heart and structure of the Hornet of the time, itself equipped with the engine of the legendary CBR 600 RR of 2007. We are talking about an inline four-cylinder engine of 599 cm3, but detuned to 78 horsepower for the road. What’s the difference with the old block? It is lighter, more compact, and above all, it breathes through injection. Availability at low and mid-range speeds is transformed, making this engine much more flexible and pleasant for everyday use than the old carburetor. With 57.4 Nm of torque, it doesn't have the brutality of a sportbike, but it delivers its power with exemplary linearity. Faced with a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer with a more pointed character, the Honda focuses on ease of use.

This philosophy is reflected throughout the rest of the motorcycle. The mono-backbone frame is now made of aluminum, gaining rigidity without adding weight to the balance. The announced weight, 217 kg fully fueled, remains within the standard for the category. The seat at 785 mm in height is accessible, and its three-position adjustment is a welcome trick. The high bubble of the CBF 600 S, adjustable on two steps, does its job of protection correctly without turning the beast into a true touring machine. The suspensions, a 41 mm fork and a mono-shock, remain simple but effective for mixed use.

Where Honda really made an effort is on the braking system. The discs are now fixed with floating mounts, and above all, the brand offers as an option a cleverly designed combined ABS (CBS) system. It links the rear brake to the central piston of the right front caliper, ensuring optimal power distribution without being intrusive. A real plus for safety, especially in wet conditions. For the rest, it's classic Honda: robust, reliable, with reasonable consumption thanks to the 20-liter tank. The dashboard gains a fuel gauge, and the center stand has been revised to be less stiff to operate. Details, but they count.

So, who is this machine for? Clearly, for the motorcyclist looking for a reliable, versatile, and without surprises 2010 Honda CBF 600 S. It is the ideal all-round motorcycle for those who want some fairing without the drawbacks of a sportbike, or for the Sunday touring rider who appreciates serenity. It can even be restricted for the A2 license, opening its audience. Its drawback? A certain lack of character and pure emotion. It does everything very well, but never makes you shiver. At 7490 euros new at the time, it represented an excellent value for money. Today, on the used market, a well-maintained 2009 or 2011 Honda CBF 600 S is a safe bet, an honest machine that will never let you down. Perhaps that’s the real luxury.