Honda CB600 (CB 600 F Hornet) review and specifications

The Honda CB600 road motorcycle was first talked about in 1998 . The model was produced for 14 years, production closed in 2012, but stocks were sold out on the market for another year. Starting in 2014, a successor, the cb 650, goes on sale.

Many considered the 600 to be the successor to the legendary four (HondaCB400), but the concept of the bikes was different. And the new product is based on a sports car model - cbr600, later CBR600RR.

Name confusion

Honda CB600 is a fast, light and moderately “evil” naked model that gained unprecedented popularity immediately after its debut back in 1998.

The Cb 600 became the "middle" sister in the Hornet line, which caused some confusion with the names. Found in various publications:

• Honda Hornet 600.
• Honda cb600f hornet.
• Honda cb 600.
• Honda cb 600 f.

But it was all one bike - the Honda Hornet 600. Only one modification , which is described below.

Middle class: which motorcycle to start with?

Honda CB 650F

Honda CB 650 has the highest power
If you want to fly fast, you will have to spin a lot. However, this is not a problem because the motor reaches almost 12,000 rpm. Although the CB 650 F collects fairly well, I wish it showed more spontaneity. Of course, the Honda has the highest power, so it's better to accelerate, but in terms of flexibility you have to give up. Where rivals spin freely around corners in third gear, the Honda needs to cut it down to two.

Luckily, with the suspension, the CB 650 F doesn't have to smell exhaust fumes from a distance. It provides easy handling, flexes all types of struts consistently and accurately conveys what happens at the interface between the tire and the asphalt. Like the competition, only the rear spring preload can be adjusted, so whether you're flying fast or during a summer ride, you'll need to rely on the factory settings. Fortunately, they are not the worst in Honda. The suspensions could only react more precisely and provide a little more comfort. As for the brakes, the Honda has no reason to be ashamed: they perform confidently and reliably, although its ABS is too sensitive.

Honda CB 650F

Smart rocker, wave-type disc brakes and a good chain tensioner - you have to commend the Thailand-made Honda CB 650 F for that. The Honda's taillight is massive and clunky. This element just needs to shine and nothing more. There's no grace in this.

Specifications

The engine was completely taken from sports motorcycles. In the first versions, fuel was supplied by carburetors.

The engine on the bike is completely open, there are no plastic pseudo-cooling fins.

In 2007 an injector began to be used . During the adjustment process, the stroke and diameter of the cylinders were changed, which made it possible to squeeze more than 100 horses out of 600 cubes.

Arranged in a row, the operating pattern is 4 cycles, which gives:

• working volume - 599 cm3;
• power - 94 (up to 102 in 2007) hp;
• number of valves - 16;
• cylinders - 4;
• cooling - liquid;

  There is only one radiator in the cooling system, covered with a stainless steel casing.

• fuel supply - Keihin carburetor 34 mm (PGM-Fi injector since 2007);
• ignition - transistor;
• start - electric starter;
• fuel tank - 19 l.

Transmission and clutch

The chassis did not say a new word in development. But thanks to this, repairing the motorcycle did not cause any problems.

The traction force from the engine is transmitted to the rear wheel via a classic chain drive.

The bike had a 6-speed gearbox . According to users, the numbers were chosen so that the motorcycle turned out to be universal. You could drive around calmly, and if you wanted, you could also “go crazy.” Moreover, the latter was achieved even with the second number.

• Clutch - multi-disc , oil bath, power transmission - cable.
• The main drive is a chain .

Brakes

Front brakes.

Rear brakes.

Brake hydraulics were standard on the 600k.

Front: brakes:

• number of disks - 2;
• diameter - 296 mm;
• support - 2-piston.

Rear brakes:

• number of disks - 1;
• diameter - 220 mm;
• support - 1-piston.

Versions collected after 2007 had the possibility of modification.

Combi-breaks (when one is clamped, the second one is activated), only on the front axle. The brake caliper needed to be replaced to install the third piston.

And also ABS. Possibility of installation on one or both wheels.

Thanks to the detailed documentation prepared by the developers, you could install what you wanted upon purchase or after.

Second generation (2003-2006)

The manufacturer started thinking about the first modification of the Honda CB 600 Hornet after 2000. Then the main emphasis was on lengthening the base and redesigning the front fork to accommodate 17-inch wheels. A little later, the Honda cb 600 line was supplemented with an S version with a front fairing. True, in 2003 its production was discontinued due to the release of the second generation of the theme hero. The new Hornet differed from its predecessor in its fresh design, improved instrument panel, upside-down fork, immobilizer, universal brake pads from Nissin, as well as a larger 17-liter gas tank.

In parallel with the Honda cb 600, the range of the Japanese manufacturer was supplemented by the Honda SBF 600, which was intended to push aside the model with the “500th” engine. In particular, we are talking about the Honda cbf 500.

Driving performance

The developers announced a maximum speed of 225 km/h.

Users note that the power reserve is large. Surely it is possible to reach 260 km/h indicated on the speedometer, only the lack of wind protection hinders it.

Acceleration to hundreds

The dynamics are clearly reflected in the motor's sporting past. Acceleration to 100 km from standstill - 3.5 seconds .

Fuel consumption

Consumption is average for the class - 5.8 liters . During normal cruising (~ 160 km) on the highway it may be less than 5 liters. Specific numbers depend on driving style.

Verdict

pros

• a professional pilot can reach a speed of 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds!;
• the layout of the motorcycle allows you to get away with almost only light scratches on the body if you fall on your side on a flat road;
• good traction at all speed ranges;
• rigid suspension that allows you to maintain stability on sharp turns with large inclinations.

Minuses

• the design of the legs makes you literally “cling” to them with your feet when accelerating quickly;
• strong wind loads on the pilot already at a speed of 120 km/h (at maximum speed, all the efforts of the motorcyclist are spent on staying in the seat, and not on control);
• at high speeds the front fork begins to “play”;
• the luminous flux of the headlight is weak at high speeds.

Dimensions and weight

On the road, the Honda CB600 feels like a light and balanced motorcycle.

In the process of evolution, the bike gained weight by only 2 kg. Dry weight:

• 196 kg for 1998;
• 198 kg for 2007;
• 205 kg - ABS installed;
• 207 kg - ABS, combi-breaks.

Equipped added 10 kg to each value.

Overall dimensions changed from generation to generation:

• in length - from 2080 to 2085 mm;
• width - from 740 to 760 mm;
• in height - from 1055 to 1090 mm;

Ground clearance and wheelbase remained unchanged - 135 mm and 1435 mm , respectively.

The saddle height is worth mentioning separately. The bike was not positioned for a specific market, but the initial height at this point should have satisfied all buyers - 795 mm . In the process of evolution, it grew to 800 mm, which slightly narrowed the sales market, and the Japanese, afraid of failure, returned the height to the original.

For whom is it intended?

The ergonomics of the bike are very relaxed, but taller riders may find it a little tight, especially the distance between the footpegs and the saddle.

Due to the position of the Japanese, described above, the CB600 has become a universal bike, suitable in size for both tall and broad-shouldered motorcyclists and their smaller colleagues.

Appearance

The founder of the naked class is the Suzuki Bandit bike.

In contrast, another Japanese company, Honda, created its own naked bike, the factory designation of which was CB 600 F, and the full name of this bike is Honda Hornet CB 600 F.

The appearance of the Honda Hornet CB 600 F is truly impressive.

The bike doesn’t have many color options; a two-tone color scheme is often used – most often the main color of the motorcycle is black or blue.

But some elements of the motorcycle create contrast with their golden color.

The rims and front fork of this motorcycle have a gold finish.

The plastic elements on this bike include a small front fairing with an arrow-shaped headlight installed in it, the side covers of the glove compartments under the seat and the rear fender trim.

The engine is open, with a massive cooling radiator installed in front of it.

There are four exhaust pipes coming out of the cylinders, but under the motorcycle they are combined into one common pipe.

The exhaust pipe on this bike is protected by chrome trim and runs along the right side of the motorcycle.

The tank of the Honda SB 600 Hornet is high, with a small amount of space on the seat. The seat itself is double, stepped.

Modifications

Studying consumer requests in 2000, the developers proposed the Honda Hornet 600 S - a version with identical filling, but more body kit.

Externally, the S series differed from the base model by the presence of a front fairing with a windshield.

However, they didn’t guess right - the consumer either took the original one or looked at a completely different model. In 2003, production of the modification was curtailed.

Hornet line

The Hornet series includes three models.

Honda Hornet-250.

Honda Hornet-900.

1. Honda Hornet 250 - steel frame, 250 cc, production years - 1996-2007, bike for Japan.
2. Honda Hornet 600 - described.
3. Honda Hornet 900 - steel frame, 900 cc, production years 2001-007. Starts as a Japanese version, after which 2002 moves to other markets.

Prices

The price of the Honda CB650F motorcycle on the Russian market, according to the KYUTO auto-motorcycle portal, is now 434,400 rubles. However, this figure can quickly change upward or downward depending on currency quotes on the world market.

At the same time, used motorcycles are more affordable for domestic consumers, the cost of which can differ almost several times from the prices of new motorcycles. Honda models on the used motorcycle market are presented in a very wide range. This is a lightweight urban option, a reliable iron option for a biker, and a rather menacing-looking sportbike. Latest data on prices for used Hondas from the largest portal Avito.ru:

Prices for Honda Hornet of different years. Screenshot from Avito.

Price for cb 600 (Honda Hornet) of different years

A characteristic feature of Japanese production is the annual changes made to production models of both cars and motorcycles. The changes are aimed both at increasing operating parameters and technical characteristics, and at changing the design of the product in accordance with the trends of the times. At the same time, prices for goods change. The cb 600 is no exception.

Read other motorcycle reviews We are waiting for two new motorcycles from MV Agusta

A wide range of offers for sales of Honda motorcycles of different years of manufacture is available on the Auto.ru website. Here are just some of this information:

Prices on the Auto.ru portal. Screenshot No. 2

Specific information on some offers:

Screenshot 3

Screenshot 4

Screenshot 5

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Competitors

Despite its wide popularity, competitors were unable to clearly evaluate the model. Therefore, each of them released 2 models in order to at least partially achieve Honda’s capabilities:

Yamaxa

1. Yamaha XJ6 Diversion . Steel frame, tourist class, production years 2009-2017.
2. Yamaha FZ6N. 600 cc Fazer. Aluminum frame, naked class, produced from 2004 to 2009. Replaced by the 800 cc variant, which is also considered a competitor.

Suzuki . Two versions of the bandit.

1. GSF 600 Bandit . Steel frame, road class, 1995-2004 Replaced with a more powerful version, which is also considered a competitor.
2. GSR 600 . Aluminum frame, naked class, produced in 2006–2009.

Kawasaki did not stand aside. His couple of proposals featured larger engines.

1. Kawasaki Z750. Steel frame, naked class, production 2004-2013. Engine capacity - 748 cm.
2. Kawasaki Z800. Became a continuation of the previous one. Steel frame, class - naked, production 2013 - current time. Engine capacity - 800 cm3.

Honda cb 600 tuning

The wide popularity of the model directly affects the creative and technical abilities of motorcycle tuning enthusiasts. First of all, the external design elements of Honda motorcycles are subject to tuning. This is not as closely related to owner dissatisfaction as it is to the almost inevitable damage to motorcycles as two-wheeled vehicles that are less stable than cars. This happens both when driving on roads and during sudden falls in parking lots.

Some types of tuned Honda models:

Flaws

In the 20 years since the model was launched into production, users have not found any serious problems.

Fans of long-distance driving note that the volume of the fuel tank does not correspond to their routes. But since the latter is a changeable quantity, this cannot be considered a disadvantage.

and dignity

The large, round and glass headlight shines quite adequately even with stock lamps.

There are quite a few advantages mentioned. The most frequently indicated:

• maneuverability;
• dynamics;
• fuel consumption;
• straightforwardness (although this depends on the person).

Design, fit, dynamics and, of course, safety and comfort - these are the qualities that describe this bike.

Video

Do you want to see with your own eyes how this bike reaches 245 km/h?
Then watch this video and see how easily he succeeds. A pleasant summer day, a smooth road, what else is needed for happiness? Did you like the article? Tell your friends!

Comments (1)

1. Denis:
   11/23/2016 at 10:29 pm

   I'll sell my soul for your motorcycle!

   Answer

Honda Hornet - a motorcycle built for speed

Honda motorcycles The moment when Honda introduces its new Hornet

, have been waiting for quite a long time.
Moreover, even those fans of “bikes” who are not fans and admirers of motorcycles of this series were waiting. The reason for this was simple - Honda promised to present something incredibly powerful and at the same time stylish, which, in principle, it did. In 2007, the company not only introduced a new clone that has more powerful characteristics, Honda introduced a completely new model in all aspects - the Honda CB 600 Hornet
.

There was also quite a lot of interest in this model for the reason that after the presentation of the original model in 1997, the motorcycle immediately became popular and famous. After all, it was a wonderful “bike” with excellent driving characteristics, a very high level of reliability and durability, as well as an acceptable and affordable price.

Appearance and positioning

The difference between the 1997 and 2007 models is huge, in this case the expression “like heaven and earth” would be appropriate. In the 2007 model, not just the concept changed, the positioning in the market was changed. If in 1997 the Hornet was considered a reliable and powerful “horse” that belongs to the mid-price segment, then since 2007 it is not just a powerful and reliable unit, it is a very stylish and extremely modern “bike” with an ergonomic and original design. By the way, in terms of design, we can highlight such points as very well-combined optics, a relief seat, side breaks in the gas tank and, of course, the rear part.

Technical characteristics of Honda CB 600 Hornet

As for the technical components, there are also huge changes. Since now the Honda CB 600 Hornet

2007 is a real streetfighter, then all components must correspond to this status.

Engine

Motorcycles of the Hornet series The engine here is one of the best - CBR600RR

. This unit produces 102 liters. pp., which is a fairly serious indicator. Plus, the motorcycle has an advanced injection system, which provides a very smooth response, as well as accurate distribution of all power, and, of course, increased fuel economy. It is also worth noting that thanks to the new engine, the motorcycle not only became the owner of great power, but also lost five kilograms, which is very good. The engine itself can also be called compact - this has a positive effect on weight distribution.

Mass concentration problem solved!

Engineers from Honda took a fresh look at the problem of mass concentration. Now the exhaust system, which is a four-channel pipeline, reaches only the crankcase, where it forms one single, but large, so-called “can,” from which there is a resonator branch, located under the “belly.” In this way, quite a lot of problems are solved, although new ones also make themselves felt.

Disadvantages of the design - falling is not recommended!

Hornet series motorcycles have always been known as "bikes" that are used to the maximum, which means frequent falls and other damage that the bike itself must be prepared for. So, with such an unusual design, it is quite difficult to imagine what will happen if the muffler comes into contact with the curb asphalt.

Plus, the fact that you shouldn’t fall on this bike is evidenced by the front cast brackets. They are located quite far away, which increases the chances that they can easily break off if dropped. And of course you won’t be happy about this. So it is not recommended to fall on this “bike”, since even a slight fall will require the owner of the motorcycle to take it for repairs.

Honda CB 600 Hornet

New frame

Regarding innovations, it is worth noting the new frame. The CB 600 uses a special backbone frame with aluminum subframes. Thanks to it, high strength is ensured, so even at high speeds you will not have to worry about reliability. Also worth noting is the advanced braking system. At the front there are two discs with a six-piston caliper, due to this you can feel the excellent deceleration dynamics. And all this despite the fact that the total dry weight is only 173 kg.

To summarize, we can say the following: despite the disadvantage in the design, which is not intended for falls and damage, the Honda CB 600 Hornet

- great bike. This is a motorcycle that has excellent performance and also good features that allow you to use it to the maximum.

005_moto_0411_030

Three-piston calipers are installed on the version with ABS, but only the outer pistons “work” from the lever on the steering wheel.
The central one is operated by a pedal. In general, the braking system lacks information content, especially on the lever. Traditionally, for roadster and sports cars, the rear brake is ineffective. Three-piston calipers are installed on the version with ABS, but only the outer pistons “work” from the lever on the steering wheel. The central one is operated by a pedal. In general, the braking system lacks information content, especially on the lever. Traditionally, for roadster and sports cars, the rear brake is ineffective.

Brief history of the model

• 1998 – start of production and sales of the Honda Hornet 600. First generation of the motorcycle
  . The model has a steel backbone frame and a 16′ front wheel.
• 2000 - The Honda Hornet 600 model is slightly updated, receiving a 17′ front wheel, a slightly longer wheelbase and a modified front fork. In parallel with the usual modification, the S version (with fairing) is produced.
• 2003 – second generation of the motorcycle
  . The Honda Hornet 600 gets a major update, with a slightly more modern design for both the bike and the dashboard. The fuel tank capacity increases by 1 liter (up to 17 liters), an inverted fork is installed instead of the usual one (since 2005), the brake system is slightly updated (instead of the 2nd generation Nissin, the 3rd generation Nissin is installed), and a HISS immobilizer appears. The S modification is no longer offered for purchase.
• 2007 – third generation of the motorcycle
  . The Honda Hornet 600 is being seriously updated both externally and technically. The appearance becomes similar to modern naked cars, the engine is now installed from the sports Honda CBR600RR (producing 102 hp), an injector is used instead of carburetors, the brake system is updated (a combined anti-lock braking system - C-ABS is optionally available), the fuel tank increases to 19 liters .
• 2012 is the last year of production of the Honda CB 600 Hornet model (official sales continued until 2013).
• 2014 – The Honda CB650F motorcycle was introduced as the official successor to the Honda CB 600 Hornet.