CBF600S ABS - Doble Motorcycles

The chassis is a good match for the motorand the steering feels light through the widebars; it’s predictable and fluid. The firmness ofthe springing is a surprise. Throwing the bikeat the first Spanish hairpin, I was expectingthe CBF to make all sorts of funny shapes,but it controls its mass remarkably well for abike of this class.Daily TelegraphKevin AshThere is no question the bike does the jobit’s supposed to do, in giving riders an easytime. The engine has sufficient torque evenat idle to make stalling difficult, and anywaythe clutch engages over a long period oftravel and is light and smooth.The handling follows the same theme, safeand secure, with easy low-speed steering.It copes well with being hustled faster thanmost owners are likely to do, thanks mainlyto the good quality suspension that offersa decent ride quality and well controlleddamping at speed on poor surfaces.No complaints about the brakes either, atleast once you’re used to the linked systemthat has one front disc operating at thesame time as the rear whenyou push the foot pedal - thehand lever operatesthe front only, inconventional fashion. The ABS is extremelygood, preventing lock-up with as little fuss asany I’ve tried, and it’s certainly reassuring forthose new to bigger bikes.. . . . . use the CBF to enjoy motorcyclingthen, which has plenty to offer, and you doget the stamp of quality and reliability thatcomes with the Honda badge. The 4.4 gallontank should be enough for 220 miles or morewith a gentle rider, the fairing deflects thewindblast smoothly and unobtrusively and theseat comfort is fair, so you could conceivablygo touring when the weather warms up -there’s a full set of optional luggage to thatend. Around town it’s very manageable socommuting is well within its remit, giving thebike decent all-round ability.

MCNDec 2007Michael NeevesRiding the CBF is simplicity itself; it’s theepitome of practicality. The riding position isspacious and natural, with its new, narroweradjustable seat (three set seat heights)taller riders won’t suffer from knee crampson longer journeys, and shorter ones willbe able to get their feet flat on the floor ata standstill too. The throttle response isperfect too and a big step forward fromHonda’s earlier jerkier fuel-injected attemptsand makes town riding simple.Overall the CBF does exactly what itsbeen designed to do impeccably; you can’tfault it. It’s a very good bike: user friendly,comfy with decent handling and a goodperformance. Add to this a centre stand anddecent underseat storage, big, easy to readanalogue dials (including fuel gauge) and acomprehensive list of optional extras, and itticks the practicality box as well.CBF600S ABS : £5599Honda Insurance Group : 12EngineLiquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4Displacement 599.3cm 3Bore x Stroke67 x 42.5mmCompression Ratio 11.6: 1Max. Power Output 57kW/10,500min-1 (95/1/EC)Max. Torque59Nm/8,250min-1 (95/1/EC)CarburationPGM-FI electronic fuel injectionFuel Tank Capacity 20 litres (including 4-litre warning light reserve)Ignition SystemComputer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advanceStarterElectricTransmission Type 6-speedFrameMono-backbone; rectangular-section steel tubeDimensions (LxWxH) 2,160 x 765 x 1,240mmWheelbase1,490mmCaster Angle 26°Trail110mmSeat Height785mm (± 15mm)Ground Clearance 130mmKerb Weight222kg (F: 109kg; R: 113kg)Suspension Front 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm axle travelRear Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload, 125mm axle travelWheels Front U-section twin 6-spoke cast aluminiumRear U-section twin 6-spoke cast aluminiumTyre Size Front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)Rear 160/60-ZR17M/C (69W)Brakes Front 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with dual-piston combinedthree-piston callipers and sintered metal padsRear 240 x 5mm hydraulic disc with combined single-piston calliper and sintered metal padsDolphin Grey MetallicPearl Siena redPearl Nightstar BlackQuasar Silver Metallic