2008–2011 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Bulletproof Reliability, Zero Drama
The CBF 600 is Honda's answer for riders who want a 600 four without the supersport attitude. Its 599 cc liquid-cooled inline-four comes from the CBR600RR and has been detuned to 78 hp and 43 lb-ft. It has adjustable suspension at both ends and a seat you can set to your own height. Electronics are simple: ABS was an option, and that's the whole list. No ride modes, no traction control. Among middleweight nakeds this is the rational pick, built to make daily life easier instead of louder. Honda at its most sober.
It rides the way it looks: predictable, soft-edged and easy. Power comes in smoothly, the suspension is set up plush and the riding position is relaxed, so new and returning riders find confidence fast. It also ages well. Reliability is this bike's strongest card, the engine lasts and running costs stay low. The honest caveat: if you want the kick of a sporty 600, you won't find it here, and at 489 lb (222 kg) wet it's no featherweight. On a used one, check for corrosion on the fasteners and around the left-side frame earth point. A tool, and a very good one.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 78 hp (57 kW) @ 10,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 43 lb-ft (58 Nm) @ 8,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 599 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 296 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Seat height | 30.3 in (770 mm) |
| Wet weight | 489 lb (222 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) |
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
I've listened to CBF 600 riders for years: in paddocks, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages they send me directly. The picture is consistent. Owners praise durability and comfort, and the complaints start when the pace goes up.
Two things come up again and again. Owners report very few breakdowns and describe the bike as durable over the long run. The second is comfort: riders say the suspension soaks up bumps on rough roads, and the upright position keeps you relaxed over distance. Both come up constantly.
The most common gripe is the engine. Riders call it bland, missing a top-end rush and flat when you ride it hard. Handling complaints follow, though less often. Some owners find it heavy for a 600: ponderous at low speeds and more work to maneuver than lighter rivals. Others say the soft setup dives under hard braking and lacks damping control for aggressive cornering. That's what owners tell me.
Wiring loom corrosion near left-side earth point
Water can become trapped where the loom earths against the frame on the left side, causing corrosion and electrical shorts. Symptoms include speedometer malfunction or erratic ABS warning lights. Honda issued a service advisory to apply a protective seal.
ABS sensor damage from disc locks
Forgetting to remove a disc lock before moving the bike can damage the ABS sensor or its ring, causing the warning light to illuminate. Replacement cost is moderate.
Cosmetic corrosion on bolts and pedals
Owners report surface rust on control pedals, fasteners, and some bolts within the first year, especially when ridden in wet or salted conditions. Regular cleaning and lubrication can mitigate the issue.
Where this Honda CBF 600 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the CBF 600 is actually built for.
If you ride for technique and not for speed, this works: predictable, easy to place, decent lean clearance. Just know it's 489 lb (222 kg) and tuned for calm, so don't expect it to feel light or sharp.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
Straight talk: if performance is the goal, look elsewhere. 78 hp, plush suspension and no sporty edge. As the reliable weekday bike that still handles a Sunday canyon run without stress, it makes sense.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
Relaxed ergonomics, a 5.3 gal (20 L) tank and a smooth four suit long scenic days well. Luggage was an option, cruise control isn't available, and the engine never gets exciting. Comfortable, though.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2004–2007
Honda's Workhorse Inline Four
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
