Honda CBF 600S ABS
Of course, depending on the age and needs of the newcomer or returning to the world of paved roads. For example, it makes no sense to convince a XNUMX-year-old person that he does not need a super sporty CBR for the road, and if someone is in awe of the simplicity of a scooter - let them have it! CBF, on the other hand, is a mix of sports, touring, and two-wheelers that can be used for city driving. It is very unpretentious in use, has reliable wind protection and an engine that will not throw an inexperienced rider off the saddle at the first hard turn of the throttle.
After two years, they decided to undertake more extensive renovations than a quick glance at the motorcycle would have thought. We replaced the unit, a relative of the Central Bank of Russia with a capacity of 600 cubic meters last year and already known for its naked sister Hornet. The carburetor has been replaced with electronic injection, which is tuned so that the four cylinders produce 57 kilowatts at 10.500 rpm, which is not much since similar stables boast two cylinders of the same displacement, which are more responsive at lower revs.
This is exactly what the designers wanted to achieve – to respond in the lower operating range, because on a Sunday trip for two, no one likes to be screwed into a red field. The CBF we're talking about still has four cylinders and (only) 600cc, but responds very reliably. Power increases linearly, the response to the addition of gas is soft. The useful range starts at 3.500 rpm, and for decisive acceleration, the “machine” will need to be rotated up to seven thousand revolutions or more.
The frame was also replaced, which is five kilograms lighter due to the use of aluminum. Finally, an analogue fuel gauge was found on the dashboard, the brakes were strengthened, the exhaust system was redesigned, and the seat height adjustment in three levels has since become known. The key-operated rear seat must be removed, the four Allen screws removed and the height adjusted if necessary. The case has been proven to work efficiently, but it is hindered only by the increased gap between the seat and the fuel tank, which interferes with the view of a precisely made and harmoniously designed whole.
They also made it possible to adjust the suspension stiffness to make it easier for the motorcycle to adapt to the driver's requirements or load. Passenger care should be noted: the large handles are turned in the direction of travel, and the feet have sufficient support and protection so that the rubber outsole does not "climb" over the hot exhaust.
Did we miss anything? What a document box, let's say. Like the CB1300, it comes in very handy, although under the seat we find space for first aid and maybe even a raincoat. Take, for example, what they did in Aprilia with Mana: instead of a fuel tank, we have room for a helmet! The passenger hooks and holder come in very handy when we want to attach luggage. You can also install a suitcase or three, which are given to a motorcycle such as a winch on an off-road ATV.
Like its predecessor, the new CBF is very easy to operate and therefore also suitable for girls. Not that motorcyclists are incompetent, but you only need a few muscles to handle a motorcycle. Slightly less stability is felt at the lowest speeds, for example, when driving slowly in a column, but the rider should not be afraid of this. The clutch and transmission work smoothly, the suspension is comfortable and at the same time does not float smoothly, and the brakes are very non-aggressive. You may even need a sharper shade. Considering that they are equipped with an anti-lock braking system, you can not be afraid to squeeze out too much in an emergency.
Displacement power is sufficient, and it is easy to maintain high speeds on the open road, although a horse will come in handy. In my opinion, the biggest competitor is the CBF sister, which has 400 more cubes. Apart from the difference in price (1.500 euros), the main advantage of the smaller Honda is its ease of handling, but if my memory serves me, even the more powerful Cebeefka does not require a muscle car to drive.
This newcomer has a very beautiful motorcycle. Unpretentious and calm in all respects, even if we talk about appearance. If you buy this type of motorcycle in advance, look for a more powerful version so you don't have to replace it in a year or two. If, of course, your wallet and your physical capabilities allow.
Honda CBF 600S ABS
Test car price: 7.490 EUR
engine: 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 599 cm? , electronic fuel injection, electric starter.
Maximum power: 57 kW (77 km) at 5 rpm
Maximum torque: 59 Nm @ 8.250 rpm
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.
Frame: aluminum.
Suspension: front adjustable telescopic fork ø 41 mm, travel 120 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber, travel 125 mm.
brakes: front two spools with a diameter of 296 mm, supply jaws, a rear spool with a diameter of 240 mm, single-piston jaws.
Tires: before 120 / 70-17, back 160 / 60-17.
Wheelbase: 1.490 mm.
Seat height from floor: 785 (+ /? 15) mm.
Fuel tank: 20 l.
Weight: 222 kg.
Representative: Motocentr AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, 1236 Trzin, 01/5623333, www.honda-as.com.
We praise and reproach
+ undemanding control
+ comfort, ergonomics of the seat
+ complete drive
– we are missing a small box in front of the driver
- what kilowatt would not hurt
Face to face
Matyaj Tomajic: They are not used to it yet, but it is already new or refurbished. As the owner of a thousand cubic feet model, I also wanted to try a weaker version. True, with a new lighter and stronger frame, this Honda has become even more agile, agile and manageable. It's completely predictable and you know exactly what is going on under the wheels. I don’t know how the Japanese did it, but the plastic half-sleeve, despite its smaller size compared to the previous one, provides better wind protection, especially in the knee area. It is not slow, but the engine has no special sporting ambitions. The model with a thousand "cubes" is more expensive "only" by 1.500 euros.
Matevž Gribar, photo: Aleš Pavletič
