Honda CBF 600 S 2007 — Specifications

Are you looking for a motorcycle that does everything without ever making you sweat? A machine that doesn’t ask for compromises between daily use and Sunday escapes? In 2004, Honda threw a stone into the pond of roadsters with a proposition that seemed almost too logical: the CBF 600 S. Faced with the Bandit 600 S from Suzuki, which then reigned unchallenged in the segment, Honda released this machine built for efficiency, not thrills. The principle is simple. Take the beating heart of the 600 Hornet, that inline four-cylinder 599 cc engine, and calm it down. Change the camshafts, modify the intake. The result? 78 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, a torque of 57.9 Nm that arrives earlier. It’s less than the Hornet, but everything is about availability. This engine becomes a refined road companion, working with docility from the mid-range. It doesn’t electrify you, it serves you.

The philosophy is clear: this motorcycle must adapt to you, not the other way around. The seat is adjustable on three heights with a simple key. The high screen of the Honda CBF 600 S can be raised by five centimeters for better protection on the highway. The handlebar supports also offer an adjustment. And to top it all off, Honda even offers ABS as an option, a novelty at this price at the time. All this for a starting price of 6490 euros. The frame, a mono-backbone derived from the Hornet, carries a wet weight of 219 kg. The seat height of 785 mm is accessible. It’s a motorcycle that appeals to everyone: beginners looking for a first large displacement engine under an A2 license, touring riders wanting a reliable base for their travels, or even couples planning rides with a top case. Tests of the Honda CBF 600 S, particularly those of the 2008 or 2011 ABS version, have often highlighted this versatility.

On the road, the impression confirms the promises. Handling is immediate, the controls are soft. This four-cylinder isn’t a thrill factory, it’s a transportation tool. It takes you to work, it goes away for the weekend with a passenger, it flies on mountain roads without drama. Compared to a Yamaha Fazer, it is less nervous, less sporty. But it offers remarkable homogeneity and stability. The suspension, a 41 mm fork and a mono-shock, can be a little dry on very uneven surfaces, but on most roads, they do their job without fuss. The braking, with its two 296 mm front discs, is powerful and precise. The ABS, if chosen, intervenes with discretion and efficiency.

The verdict is final. The Honda CBF 600 S is not the motorcycle that will give you palpitations. It is the one that will make your life simpler. It fills a gap between the CB 500 and more exciting roadsters. You could almost see it as Honda’s pragmatic response to the Bandit, with a little extra in ergonomics and safety. For those looking for a reliable used bike, the models from 2004 to 2011, or even the latest 2014 evolution, represent a solid investment. It’s a machine that has aged gracefully, precisely because it has never wanted to be the star of the show, but always the discreet and robust pillar of your daily motorcycle life.