Honda’s CB600F is the ‘street’ version of the firm’s CBR600RR supersports bike. So it uses the same compact, advanced inline-four cylinder engine, with fuel injection, water-cooling and six-speed gearbox. That motor is taken from the RR’s twin spar frame, and mounted in a simpler ‘spine’ type frame, with streetbike suspension and naked styling. This chassis is cheaper to make, yet has more than enough capability for spirited, sporty street riding on the highway and in the city.
The most striking part of the Hornet’s design is its underslung exhaust system. This is essential to give the necessary volume for emission-reducing catalytic converters, while also keeping the heavy exhaust components down low. The exhaust also helps ‘mass centralisation’ – keeping most of the bike’s weight near its centerline, which gives extra sharpness to the handling.
Honda also offers the CB600F with an optional ABS-CBS braking system. This system links both the front and back braking systems together, and adds a computerised anti-lock setup for foolproof, extra-safe braking on all road surfaces and conditions.
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