Parallel test: Honda CBF 600SA and CBF 1000
Test Drive MOTO

Parallel test: Honda CBF 600SA and CBF 1000

They are difficult to distinguish from a distance. It's good that the 600 2008 has been slightly redesigned on the outside and that part of the front grille has been painted black, otherwise there would be no difference at first glance. Then we came closer, and everyone found some little thing. Just like that game of Ciciban - find the five differences between the two drawings.

The turn signals, mask, fuel tank are different, the 1.000 has a hydraulic clutch and another handle covered with different rubber, and of course, two mufflers that report the most important difference, a fourfold difference in volume. cylinders and the force that drives us.

We have already discussed design approaches. The exterior blends very well with the character of the entire bike and is best suited to serious middle to older riders. So we wouldn't be surprised if 18-year-olds say CBF is a boring, "stupid" and even ugly bike.

True, one could give it a slightly more sporty character, both in the design of the plastic suit and in such components as the assembly and suspension. But then CBF will no longer be the CBF most owners want. The fact that the motorcycle was most often registered with us last year says a lot. Therefore, you can nod that it is decorated harmoniously, elegantly and unobtrusively.

And useful! Drivers of different heights feel comfortable on it, including due to the height-adjustable driver's seat. We recommend unscrewing these four screws and adjusting it to the length of the lower limbs, as a three-inch difference between the end positions can affect the ladies at the intersection to stop safely and that the grandfather of basketball measures does not feel cramped.

The comfort seat is also for the other rear, and the handles that are pleasant to the touch and facing the direction of travel are in the back if the better half gets tired of clenching with the driver. To find out the difference in the use of the rear seat, we brought in the lecturer Gianyu, who felt equally well on both models.

Differences, small and large, we noticed, taking turns driving, when the cars had to be turned around in the parking lot. The six is ​​much lighter, but due to the low seat, moving the older sister is also not difficult. Weights are also felt when the motorcycle has to be lifted off the left slope and placed in a right turn.

The heavier bike requires more hand power and the center of gravity seems to be slightly higher (most likely due to the engine), but none of the riders complained that the CBF 1000 would be heavy or uncomfortable. You probably already suspect where the biggest difference comes from. ...

When the road from Zhelezniki began to rise towards Petrov Brdo, the "six hundred" suddenly had to go at high speed to catch up with its liter cousin and photographer Raptor 650 with a two-cylinder engine. Four cylinders and "only" 599 cc is too little to be lazy with the clutch and shift lever. Especially if there are two people on the Honda with luggage for a week of vacation.

Another little thing is that the 1.000cc engine responds better to the throttle when we want to accelerate out of a corner. CBF 600 is sometimes a little, but in fact a little "beep".

When do you need to open a wallet? Comparing the models equipped with ABS (recommended because the handle feels better, even before the anti-lock braking system is triggered!), The difference is 1.300 euros. There is no difference in insurance, because both motorcycles "fall" into the class from 44 to 72 kilowatts and over 500 cubic centimeters.

We were very surprised when asked the mechanic of AS Domžale, who told us that the first major service on 24.000 km, when you change the air and oil filter, semi-synthetic oil and spark plugs, costs 600 euros more for the CBF 15.

Due to the more expensive air filter, you will leave 175 euros on the meter, while the owners of the CBF 1000 have “only” 160. On our comparison trip, we had the opportunity to check the fuel consumption in exactly the same conditions (rural roads, some uphills and highways) and we calculated that the engine drank 100, 4 and 8 liters of unleaded fuel for 5 kilometers, the more thirsty, the more powerful the unit was. But we thought it would be the other way around, as the smaller four-cylinder needed more acceleration, and even on the highway, at 5 kilometers per hour in sixth gear, the CBF 130's shaft spins XNUMX times faster. revolutions per minute.

In the end, we agreed that if the rider already has some experience and if his wallet allows, he should afford a CBF 1000, preferably with ABS. This liter engine is so sleek and friendly that the 1.000 number shouldn't scare you. Even if you sell the bike after a few years, the price will still be higher compared to the cheaper CBF, and all the while you will be riding a bike that will spoil you with a lot of torque. The little CBF, however, remains a good choice for girls, for beginners, and for those who are convinced you don't need it anymore. Although we know how things are going with this - in a year or two, 600 will definitely not be enough.

Honda CBF 600SA

Test car price: 6.990 EUR

engine: four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, 599 cm? , electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 57 kW (77 km) at 52 rpm

Maximum torque: 59 Nm at 8.250 Nm.

Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

Frame: aluminum.

Suspension: front adjustable telescopic fork fi 41 mm, travel 120 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber, travel 125 mm.

brakes: front two spools with a diameter of 296 mm, secondary jaws, a rear spool with a diameter of 240 mm, single piston jaws.

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, back 160 / 60-17.

Seat height from ground: 785 (+ /? 15) mm.

Wheelbase: 1.490 mm.

Weight with fuel: 222 kg.

Fuel tank: 20 l.

Representative: Motocenter AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, 1236 Trzin, 01/5623333, www.honda-as.com.

We praise and reproach

+ comfort, ergonomics

+ wind protection

+ friendly unit

+ ease of use

+ brakes

+ fuel consumption

- what kilowatt would not hurt

Honda CBF 1000

Test car price: 7.790 € (8.290 from ABS)

engine: four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, 998cc, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 72 kW (98 KM) at 8.000/min.

Maximum torque: 97 Nm @ 6.500 rpm

Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

Frame: single tubular steel.

Suspension: front telescopic fork with a diameter of 41 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber.

brakes: front two spools with a diameter of 296 mm, twin-piston calipers, rear spools with a diameter of 240 mm, single-piston calipers.

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, back 160 / 60-17.

Seat height from ground: 795 + /? 15 mm.

Wheelbase: 1.480 mm.

Fuel weight: 242 kg.

Fuel tank: 19 l.

Representative: Motocenter AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, 1236 Trzin, 01/5623333, www.honda-as.com.

We praise and reproach

+ torque, flexibility

+ comfort, ergonomics

+ wind protection

+ fuel consumption

+ does not "fall" into the most expensive class of insurance

- non-adjustable suspension

Face to face. ...

Matyaj Tomajic: With two almost identical engines in design, there are almost no special differences, at least as quickly. In both versions, the packaging is excellent and there is almost nothing to complain about. But after driving a few more dynamic kilometers, you will find that the “liter” frame has become stiffer, and the engine has become much more flexible and responsive. While the thousand quickly makes up for the driver's error during turns due to torque and power, the 600cc block literally forces the driver to learn how to ride the perfect line due to the lack of power. However, while, within reasonable limits, both CBFs run equally fast, everything else is just details. My choice: a thousand "cubes" and ABS!

Grega Gulin: In both versions, the Honda CBF is an extremely manageable engine that will satisfy both the novice and the motorcycle ace. I really have nothing to complain about, I just lacked more torque and responsiveness at lower speeds of the "six", especially when I compare it with the two-cylinder V-twin engines available in this size class. There you get the maximum already at much lower rpm, but it is true that the CBF emits much less unpleasant vibrations. About the lack of torque in the 1.000 cc version, no spirit, no rumor. This engine is like a V8 - you shift into sixth gear and go.

Janja Ban: No matter which of the tested bikes you ride, you will most likely be comfortable in the passenger seat. On both the weaker and stronger of the two Honda CBFs, it sits well behind the driver, and even if they already have, the differences between the rear seats are not noticeable. In addition to a good and comfortable seat, in both models, the designers have provided the passenger with a pair of comfortable and well-designed handles mounted on the sides. So there is nothing wrong if you do not know how to handle the wheel or the owner does not trust you to control the motorcycle - even in the back seat, driving pleasure is guaranteed.

Matevž Hribar, photo: Grega Gulin

  • Basic data

    Test model cost: 7.790 € (8.290 from ABS) €

  • Technical information

    engine: four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, 998cc, electronic fuel injection.

    Torque: 97 Nm @ 6.500 rpm

    Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

    Frame: single tubular steel.

    brakes: front two spools with a diameter of 296 mm, twin-piston calipers, rear spools with a diameter of 240 mm, single-piston calipers.

    Suspension: front adjustable telescopic fork fi 41 mm, travel 120 mm, rear single adjustable shock absorber, travel 125 mm. / front 41mm telescopic fork, rear single adjustable shock absorber.

    Fuel tank: 19 l.

    Wheelbase: 1.480 mm.

    Weight: 242 kg.

We praise and reproach

does not "fall" into the most expensive class of insurance

torque, flexibility

fuel consumption

brakes

ease of use

friendly assembly

windshield protection

comfort, ergonomics

non-adjustable suspension

which kilowatt does not hurt anymore

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