Honda CBF 600 S 2005 — Specifications

Does a motorcycle necessarily have to shock you with every acceleration to deserve a place in your garage? In 2004, Honda answered negatively with the CBF 600 S, a model designed for use more than for showing off. Faced with the dominance of the Suzuki Bandit 600 S, the Japanese giant released a road bike accessible, built on the foundations of the Hornet but with a radically different philosophy. The 599 cm3 inline four-cylinder engine is reworked here, limited to 78 horsepower, with a torque of 58 Nm that arrives earlier. The objective is clear: to prioritize flexibility and availability from low revs, at the expense of the nervous character of its sister. As a result, this engine behaves like a perfect gentleman, ideal for traffic or long straight roads, but it will never make you shiver. This is the price to pay for exemplary versatility.

The true genius of this CBF 600 S lies in its adaptable ergonomics. Seat height adjustable in three positions, adjustable handlebars, and above all, this famous high screen that can gain 5 cm with a simple turn of a key. For a Honda CBF 600 S test ride, it is often this trick that marks people's minds. With its 19-liter tank and a seat 78.5 cm from the ground, it targets a wide audience, from beginners to experienced touring riders, including those aiming for an A2 license via a restricted version. The mono-backbone frame and HMAS suspensions, although not very exciting, ensure reassuring stability. On the braking side, the dual front disc does its job convincingly, and ABS, a rare option in this segment at the time, adds a welcome safety margin. We just regret the absence of a fuel gauge, a frustrating detail on a motorcycle so well thought out otherwise.

On the road, the CBF 600 S assumes its role as a Swiss army knife without complexes. It swallows the daily grind with disconcerting ease, whether for urban journeys or weekend getaways. It is less biting than a Yamaha Fazer, less temperamental than a Bandit, but it compensates with a homogeneity and comfort that make it a companion for all occasions. The suspensions may show their limits on degraded roads, but on smooth asphalt, it goes straight and true. With the raised screen, the wind is well managed, allowing you to brush against 200 km/h without violence. It is an honest motorcycle, which never lies, but which will not surprise you either.

Today, looking for a used Honda CBF 600 S is a sensible approach. Models from 2004 to 2011, sometimes with ABS, represent a safe bet on the used market. They age well, are economical and of proven reliability. Whether you are attracted by the full fairing of the S version or you are looking for an original Honda CBF 600 S screen to complete your mount, this motorcycle remains a rational and difficult to contest choice. It doesn't make you dream, that's a fact. But it makes the rider happy, day after day, kilometer after kilometer. And sometimes, that's what matters.