2008–2013 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
The Commuter You Never Question
The CBF 600 S is Honda at its most rational. Its 599 cc inline-four is a re-tuned version of the CBR600RR engine, and here it makes 78 hp at 10,500 rpm and 43 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm. That motor sits in an aluminum backbone frame with a six-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension at both ends and a seat you can set to your own height. Electronics? There aren't any to speak of: no traction control, no ride modes, and ABS was an option, so check the bike in front of you. In the middleweight class this is the sensible end of the showroom, built for use and not for show.
What you get in return is a bike that just keeps working. Reliability is its outstanding quality, running costs stay low, and most of the servicing is easy enough to keep the bills small. The power arrives smoothly and predictably, which makes it a great fit if you're new to riding, coming back after a long break, or commuting every day. The honest caveat: it never really stirs the emotions. I expect a naked bike to have an engine with some attitude, and this one is ironed flat. It does everything you ask without fuss. It just won't give you goosebumps.
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) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 599 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| 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) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
This isn't my own test ride. It's what I've picked up over years of listening to riders: paddock talk, owner conversations, club-night chatter, and the messages and emails that land in my inbox. For the CBF 600 S the pattern is clear: owners describe a bike that piles on miles without complaint, and the same owners say the engine leaves them cold.
Riders consistently report that the engine and cycle parts shrug off high annual mileage. Just as often they talk about the ride: the suspension soaks up bumps and gives them confidence in all conditions, from long highway slogs to twisty back roads. Owners with the optional combined ABS value the extra layer of safety, which was still rare among middleweights back then. Some also mention good fuel economy and affordable servicing.
The recurring complaint is the engine's character. Riders call the power delivery smooth and linear, with no top-end rush, and they describe the bike as bland and workmanlike next to more sporting rivals. A smaller group of owners reports paint flaking from the engine cases and surface rust on bolts after just a year of use. Winter bikes get it worst.
Wiring loom earth block corrosion
Water can become trapped in the area where the wiring loom earths against the left‑hand side of the frame, below the fuel tank. This leads to corrosion, electrical shorts and, in some cases, speedometer failure. Honda issued a service bulletin advising dealers to fit a corrective part.
Where this Honda CBF 600 S 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 S is actually built for.
It'll carry you through the canyons cleanly and with decent lean clearance, but 78 hp and 489 lb (222 kg) won't feed a performance habit. If precision and punch are the goal, you'll want more.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
If you're after skill over speed, this works better than you'd think: predictable handling and smooth power let you focus on your lines. You'll just feel the weight in the tightest stuff.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
For long scenic days this fits well: upright comfort, plush suspension and a 5.3 gal (20 L) tank. Luggage was an option, there's no cruise control, and it's more calm than sporty.
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 Honest Six-Hundred Workhorse
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
