The 2011 Cbr600F

[RED21]

After sorting through some passwords, I stumbled upon the old password Honda Europe gave me to access their online Virtual Press Office. It was given to me a few years back when I was still working for a motor sports magazine in the Middle East. Surprisingly, the password still works. As I was browsing the press information on their current line-up I happened to come across this:

Total control, unrivaled comfort

Since its introduction in 1987 the CBR600F has become a modern legend, renowned for offering exhilarating performance with user-friendliness on the road. It has achieved this by remaining true to the concept of total control – throughout its evolution the CBR600F has never lost sight of this guiding principle, because regardless of a rider's level of skill or experience, their riding satisfaction is linked directly to the motorcycle's ability to do exactly as they ask, when they ask. Only by building this trust can a machine be both accessible and rewarding for a broad range of different riders. It is not an easy goal to achieve, requiring a thoroughly integrated engineering approach. However it has resulted in a unique sports motorcycle: the CBR600F.

In 2001 the CBR600F Sport recognized that, for some riders, racetrack performance takes priority over practicality on the road. That bike pushed the CBR further from its all-rounder DNA than ever before, a shift completed in 2003 with the introduction of the first CBR600RR – an all-new motorcycle dedicated to the ruthless domination of the world's racetracks. But for 2011 the concept of total control returns with a new middleweight sports bike.

For the new CBR600F Honda engineers were assigned the task of combining the timeless qualities of the total control concept with the very latest motorcycle technology. In other words, create a CBR600F true to the ideals of its predecessors. It offers the neutral handling, near-Super sport levels of performance and the refinement and practicality so vital to the CBR's appeal. These qualities are combined with the rider and passenger comfort traditionally denoted by the 'F' in its name.

The CBR600RR could have been re-engineered to this new purpose, but why compromise such a single-minded machine? Instead the new CBR600F took as its start-point a compact all-alloy 599cc engine and Mono-Backbone aluminum frame. This high performance core package was then painstakingly developed to meet the new brief – to create a high performance 21st century road sports bike with the accessibility that has always defined the CBR600F.

Main Features

- Compact, lightweight 599cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline-4 engine tuned for class-leading power and linear delivery.

- Prestigious aluminum Mono-Backbone frame contributes to a slim, easy-to-handle and sporty chassis.

- Inverted front fork and aluminum swing arm for intuitive handling and unrivaled agility.

- Floating front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers for strong, secure braking.

- Combined ABS version features 3-piston front brake calipers and an advanced C-ABS system for safe stopping in all conditions.

- Super sports design incorporating a full fairing and windscreen.

Engine

Supersports-derived

The CBR600F's DOHC inline-4 engine was originally developed alongside the 2007 CBR600RR's power unit and is also found in the CB600F Hornet. It is tuned for an ultra-broad spread of power and a lightning-fast yet predictable throttle response. Regardless of gear and engine revs, the ultra-smooth unit delivers exactly the amount of drive the rider asks for. Strong, instantly accessible torque is available from very low revs, ensuring absolute control regardless of speed or road surface. The CBR600F delivers 75kW at 12,000rpm and an extremely smooth and glitch-free power curve. The result is an engine that satisfies on every level, offering both the civility and ease-of-use demanded by the novice while also satisfying the most experienced riders with its exhilarating performance.

Mass centralized

As befits such an important part of a uniquely balanced machine, the CBR600F engine is an integral part of the chassis package. Its race breeding is obvious in its low weight and compact dimensions. The unit's low weight helps trim the bike's all-important curb weight figure to a minimum, a key factor in the bike's exceptionally easy handling at any speed. At the same time, the engine's compact size gave Honda's engineers free reign to position it perfectly within the chassis, for an ideal front/rear weight distribution and neutral handling feel. Because the engine itself is so small, other components such as the fuel tank and exhaust can be tightly packaged around it, further centralizing the mass and benefiting handling.

Fuel injected

The engine's impressive combination of performance and refinement is due in no small part to the advanced PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system. The bike's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) works in conjunction with the engine's digital electronic ignition to ensure accurate fueling. The benefits are startling performance, a flawless throttle response and low fuel consumption.

Chassis

Total control

The driving concept of total control placed unique demands on the CBR600F chassis, asking that it perform flawlessly in a huge range of riding scenarios. The qualities of low weight, easy handling and sophisticated suspension are universal, and it is these three key attributes that underpin the chassis of the CBR600F.

Mono-Backbone frame

The engine is bolted into the die-cast aluminum frame to create the basis of a light, slim and compact machine. The Mono-Backbone's lightweight but rigid diamond configuration incorporates the engine as an integral part of the frame itself, using the engine's inherent strength to further boost chassis integrity for no additional weight penalty. The aluminum frame is manufactured in three sections using Honda's advanced gravity die-cast procedure, which allows engineers to accurately tune the structure for the perfect blend of rigidity and rider feel.

Neutral CBR handling

The motorcycle is concentrated around the core created by the engine and frame, creating a mass-centralized package that behaves intuitively at any speed. Reducing inertial mass at the machine's most extreme points in this way brings huge benefits to the handling. As a result the CBR600F changes direction effortlessly, while also offering superb stability and cornering control.

Sporty geometry

Because the engine and chassis are so compact, the CBR600F can combine the long swing arm required for sure-footed handling with one of the shortest wheelbase figures in its class, 1437mm. Super sports-derived chassis geometry backs up the bike's credentials as a genuine contender on even the most demanding roads.

Adjustable front and rear suspension

At the front, the 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork gives unrivaled rider confidence, effortlessly soaking up imperfections in the road surface while also providing the feedback that is essential to rider comfort when cornering. The damping and spring rates are unique to the CBR600F, as are the characteristics of the rear Monoshock. Compared to the CBR600RR compression damping is decreased, for better bump absorption, while the tension damping is increased for enhanced control of the unsprung mass. Using the spring preload and tension damping adjusters the rider can also tailor the fork's behavior specifically to suit the way they ride. The result is a front end that delivers on the promise of total control. The rear suspension system consists of a tapered dual box-section aluminum swingarm controlled by a Mono shock damper. Tension and spring preload adjusters on the Mono-shock let the rider alter its precise characteristics to suit their weight and tastes, while a dual rate spring optimizes touring comfort. Together these cutting edge suspension systems provide an inspirational handling feel while also ensuring the CBR600F never loses its cool, however rough the roads.

Race-derived wheels and sophisticated braking systems

The CBR600F rides on lightweight cast aluminum wheels, which contribute to the bike's low curb weight while also reducing unsprung mass, directly benefiting the ride quality and ease of handling. Tyre sizes are unmistakably Super sport: 120/70-R17 at the front and 180/55-R17 at the rear. Strong and consistent braking performance is provided by a pair of 296mm floating discs with dual-piston calipers at the front. At the rear a 240mm disc and a single-piston caliper offer both stopping power and the fine control required for low-speed maneuvering.

Combined ABS CBR600F

The CBR600F is also available in a Combined ABS version, featuring an advanced Anti-lock Braking System. Combined ABS links the front brake control to the rear brake, ensuring smooth, progressive and powerful deceleration in all situations. The system's ECU monitors the speeds of the front and rear wheels using sensors. Should one wheel begin to rotate more slowly than the other, suggesting the first hint of tyre slip, the Combined Braking System modulates the braking effort to ensure full grip is retained, maximizing braking ability while retaining control.

Equipment

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)

Fitted as standard to the CBR600F, the Honda Ignition Security System is an electronic security measure that makes the bike impossible to start without one of the two original keys. Without one of those keys the ignition system remains completely immobilized, preventing hot-wiring and ride-away theft.

Anti-lock Braking System

Honda has introduced ABS systems throughout its motorcycle range. The Combined ABS version of the CBR600F will appeal to novice and advanced riders alike while effectively broadening the bike's multi-purpose versatility still further.

In three delicious flavors:

Up close:

More pictures:

Sadly, this won't probably be available locally here in Thailand.

[submaniac]

It's a cool little bike. I was a little stunned for a second because I thought this was the replacement for the RR. It seems like a nice 'all rounder' for those who don't want an all out uncompromising sport bike. Utilizing the engine from the 600 hornet, it looks like this is a bit of a 'parts bike' with no really new technology.

[RED21]

They are using an engine derived from the 600RR though, but you're right no new tech on the bike...

Edited February 21, 2011 by RED21

[JonnyF]

Kind of like an inline 4 version of the Ninja 650R. Not sure about the looks but it's probably a good bike for Thailand, let's hope Honda get it together re. big bikes over here.

[RED21]

HISS -- I wonder how much would be the added cost if they had it on the 250. Even the 150 has better keys in IMHO.