Honda CBF 600 S 2009 — Specifications

You’re looking for the difference. In 2009, the Honda CBF 600 S boasts a facelift so subtle that you need to be a collector to distinguish a 2004 model from a 2009 at first glance. A few trim pieces on the fairing, white turn signals, that’s about it. But don’t be fooled, this road-oriented roadster has undergone a transplant of vital organs that radically transforms it. Honda subtly performed a heart transplant by offering it the engine and frame of the 2007 Hornet, itself fed with the pure blood of the CBR 600 RR. A clever strategy to modernize the machine without scaring its traditional clientele.

Under this 20-liter fuel tank, a brand-new inline four-cylinder engine takes up residence. Detuned to 78 horsepower for a more civilized approach, it remains a gem of liveliness. With 57.4 Nm of torque available relatively early, it eliminates the main defect of the old block: the sluggishness at low RPM. PGM-FI injection replaces the carburetors, bringing a more responsive feel and flawless compliance with emissions standards. Facing a Suzuki Bandit 650 or a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer, the CBF 600 S 2009 now defends itself with the weapons of a modern, compact, and lighter engine. The frame follows the same logic, trading steel for a single-backbone aluminum casting, guaranteeing rigidity and weight reduction. All this for a wet weight of 217 kg, a mass that remains reasonable for this segment.

Where Honda really plays the versatility card is with its braking system. As standard, you’ll find a classic dual disc at the front with a diameter of 296 mm. But the highlight option is the combined ABS CBS system. An ingenious device that moderately links the rear brake pedal to the central piston of the right front caliper. The goal? A more secure distribution of force, especially for a novice rider who would press too hard on the rear. This is typically the kind of innovation that makes sense on a machine designed for daily use and long journeys. The suspension, a 41 mm fork and a single shock absorber, remain simple but effective, with only preload adjustment at the front for the 2009 version.

Who is the rider of this Honda CBF 600 S? Clearly, the pragmatic globetrotter, perhaps on an A2 license with a restricted version, who is looking for a reliable, comfortable mount capable of anything. The three-height seat, the adjustable screen, and the dashboard finally including a fuel gauge speak to this target. It’s a motorcycle that devours the kilometers without drama, with an upright position and well-placed footrests. Its new price of 6990 euros positioned it as a safe bet, which explains why looking for a used Honda CBF 600 S, whether it’s a 2004, 2008 or 2010 model, remains an excellent idea for a tight budget. The legendary reliability of the Honda engine is a massive argument on the used market.

To conclude, this CBF 600 S is the archetype of a machine that is smarter than it looks. It won’t excite the crowds on a circuit, but it builds its reputation on a much larger terrain: the daily road. It takes the proven technologies of sportbikes (its engine), adapts them to a mainstream ergonomics, and adds relevant safety options like ABS. It’s a modern draft horse, tireless and economical, which has known how to evolve without betraying its accessible heritage. A test ride of the Honda CBF 600 S, especially in its ABS version, will convince you that true sophistication is sometimes the kind that disappears.