CBF600 anyone?

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llaen

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I'm considering getting a new CBF600 to upgrade from my GS500 so looking for some opinion/experience sharing from CBF600 owners.
I did about 21k km on the GS, so I suppose I'm patient at heart.

It's a good time to buy new as manufacturers have all kinds of discounts going on in the winter.

My worries about the CBF:
* Underpowered - 76 hp? Is this honda's answer to the fz6r or something? I know anything is an upgrade from the 500 twin but if I'm buying new I'm worried about growing out of it by next year.
* Ugly - I suppose it will grow on me.

My other alternative is the fazer 8 which is obviously a much more powerful bike and not *that* much more expensive, but no ABS brakes which actually kind of annoys me.
What happened, Yamaha?

Falling in love at first sight is so hard these days. :D
Tell me my fears are baseless!

Thanks!
 
I take it you've never ridden a bike faster than your GS500, because 76hp is more than enough to thrash around and have fun on the street without getting bored.

With that said, personally if I were looking at a 600cc naked bike I'd go with the Triumph Street Triple. (Yeah it's 675cc, but whatever)

-More power
-Better looks
-Awesome sound

All of that would make it so much more enjoyable that the CBF600.
 
Oh, I definitely agree that the triple would be funner. My problem is wind protection as I'd like to be able to go on extended trips, some of them on the highway.
It was actually my initial plan back when I got the GS.
 
I ride a 2006 Honda 599 (CB600F; the stock engine is a CBR600F3) and had a SV650S prior to my Honda. I can say that the wind at first felt extremely overwhelming. My first few times on the highway with my cb600f and I felt crazy amounts of wind on my chest. After my 3rd trip on the highway, I didn't notice the wind protection difference. It's something you get used to fairly quick. I did about 30k of touring this year with no complaints.
 
I've only test ridden the CBF 600. I really liked the bike. I ride and '01 Bandit which is style of bike and if I were in the market for a new bike, the CBF 600 would be on my short list for sure. It had great wind protection, it was smooth and powerful and lots of fun for street riding. Lots of luggage options available to make touring a comfortable and easy reality and one thing I really like is that there is no lower fairing, which makes oil changes a breeze!
 
I was looking at a CBF600 but in the end couldn't do it. Just not a bike I'd enjoy looking at.

I went with another VFR and am glad I did.

You should too ;)
 
If you're worried about wind there is always aftermarket wind screens. I got this for my monster and i'm sure they make something like that for the tripple or the honda. http://www.nationalcycle.com/catalogue/zoom/VS-N28213-600.html

It just clamps around the forks. On and off in a couple minutes and very strong.
 
They're nice bikes from what I've read and seen. However I've only found one online used and the price was basically new bike price. The 599 is one of my fab bikes I wish we had the post 2007 models here as they're gorgeous in Europe.
 
I just got the CBF1000 and still thinking about the bandit that I'm used to.
Depend on what kind of riding your will be doing but the CBF will be great for weekend jaunt and a solo coast to coast touring rig.
Aftermarket for this bikes are limited to Canada and Europe since they were not sold in the US, but still lots of stuff you can get from Ebay, givi, twistedthrottle.
If the 600 is the same as the 1000 the 3 way adjustable screen and seat is a great plus.
Only one thing I'm still not used to the honda(cbf/ hornet) is the foot/footpeg position.
 
slowbird said:
I was looking at a CBF600 but in the end couldn't do it. Just not a bike I'd enjoy looking at.

I went with another VFR and am glad I did.

You should too ;)
Click to expand...

You know, I was looking at the VFR at some point, but I have my gripes with its looks as well.
I think I can get used to the cbf's design. I've stared at enough pictures and videos by now to be able ignore some things. Plus, as my looks fade with age, the bike will fit me even better :p.

djez said:
I just got the CBF1000 and still thinking about the bandit that I'm used to.
Depend on what kind of riding your will be doing but the CBF will be great for weekend jaunt and a solo coast to coast touring rig.
Aftermarket for this bikes are limited to Canada and Europe since they were not sold in the US, but still lots of stuff you can get from Ebay, givi, twistedthrottle.
If the 600 is the same as the 1000 the 3 way adjustable screen and seat is a great plus.
Only one thing I'm still not used to the honda(cbf/ hornet) is the foot/footpeg position.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it has the adjustable screen and seat which I found out recently - very nice features.
In terms of riding style, I did 20k km on the gs500 and I just want more pull off the line and less of a feeling like there should be a 7th gear when cruising. I think the cbf should manage that.
Definitely not interested in ss bikes as I don't have a car, so the bike is both for fun AND utility in almost any weather and temperatures (hence the need for wind protection).
 
I did a tour on one of these in Edelweiss Europe...rode 1k kms on her and found that the cbf600 was just underpowered for quick acceleration to pass people.

I had to downshift twice and get it really high up on the revs before i felt i was confident in passing people, nothing like the r6 i ride but that's just me.

Other than that, it's a very very forgiving 600.
 
Just jumped from SV650s to CBF two weeks ago. At first: much lower center of gravity, and scooter-easy handling, nevertheless share bit of extra bulk that reminds only in acceleration.
No power below 3k rpm, but i was told it is normal for honda's inlinefour... followed by a boot kick at 3200rpm.
Wind protection, not much despite the factory cover. It needs an extra shield +3"~ +4"
ABS is an amazing feature (gave it few tries on gravel) and brakes seem to be front-to-rear integrated, just like car.
Fuel: i bet naked would burn little less, but the well-faired SA does 350km on 19L and something is still left in it (from my measurement) with two up and a beer box behind

bottom line. ..This is a fine bike in every way, for either touring and commuting, but I miss low end torque and rumble of the twin. With some tuning exhaust (four into two) and injection remap it may be just the right fit, otherwise it feel too "normal"
 
mimico_polak said:
They're nice bikes from what I've read and seen. However I've only found one online used and the price was basically new bike price. The 599 is one of my fab bikes I wish we had the post 2007 models here as they're gorgeous in Europe.
Click to expand...

After riding a CBR600RR I'd love to get the euro new CBR600F -- still lots of power, and more comfortable for longer rides. Given options here though, I'll probably end up on a 600RRA unless Honda decides to bring us the 'new F' next year (which I doubt given the new CBR500R).

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/honda-cbr600f-2011
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