HONDA STYLE
Text and photographs by Andrea Di Marcantonio

Honda has always proposed bikes with the capacity of proving overall winners with bike enthusiasts the world over. As demonstrated by its highly original technological features and aspects, original ideas devised with the aim of always looking ahead. Many of these "expressions" form authentic success stories while others remain simply stylistic detail. This year's motor show features a host of interesting news items such as the "covered" maxi-scooter or the "Super sporting" model with front mono-arm elements, ideas which will soon be seen in practice and used by our biking enthusiasts.
Amongst the host of bikes produced by the Japanese giant, is the CBR 600 F, an authentic cult-bike which is also available in a Sports version, boasting an aggressive look, whilst respecting the classic canons of Honda style.
The bike features pure and basic lines, blending a mix of colours and rounded contours to give a high-impact effect. I have tested the F version for you, this bike differing from the Sports version by virtue of certain highly subtle "chromatic" and technical details. The "F" concept is very simple to understand: consisting of performance and features to give optimum comfort for two, this characteristic always being the leading plus-point of the CBR 600 F. It translates into moderation both in terms of riding features, and in terms of power performance levels, based on four Jap 599 cc cylinders. However the Leovince Silencer used with carbon casing, marks a return to a kind of racing-replica look, which is highly popular with many bikers, despite the fact that the bike has been basically designed for couples, who enjoy long bike tours.
The basic design of the "F" version boasts an aggressive front section, with dynamic grips on the outer/front side together with a double projector element, which acts an extra eye to scrutinize the horizon. While the sides feature two extractor elements for the dissipation of heat coming from the large radiator, located at the centre of the bodywork. An important feature of the CBR 600 F is its PGM-F1 injection system combined with the ECU control box containing both the electronic injection and the digital ignition elements. This ECU is in fact 130% faster than the previous version.
Other interesting details include the new filter box (from between 6.6 and 8.1 increase in the air box volume), the automatic starter with by-pass, sturdier distribution gearing, not to mention its iridium spark plugs, and the AIS air outlet system which completes the gas combustion, as well as the more incisive ribbing of the steering head, the more robust fork and modified suspensions.
What is the performance of this CBR 600 F 2001 like ?

The ignition is always on the ball, even if the bike is left parked in the garage for a few days; furthermore thanks to the four Honda cylinders it is silent and rapidly warms up so that it is dynamic even from cold. It offers a comfortable ride both for the rider and passenger thanks to the saddle contour in a single piece. The passenger footboards are placed at just the right height, which means that even on long rides, there is no risk of leg stiffening. Which means that for once, the passenger at the back will be happy ……
The engine power output is excellent at all speeds without any marked interruptions or stalling; the fuel flow is fluid and the revs rapidly increase at the slightest touch of the control. Performance is good even from 4,000 revs, and goes on being good even when pushing it to maximum speed. The clutch is also highly efficient (and wonderfully smooth to operate), the gear is also excellent, it is well spaced and engaged smoothly without any forcing.
In biking terms CBR 600 F also boasts soft adjustments, making it ideal for the non-racing connotations of this model. The fork is well-balanced as well as the rear mono-arm, although its set up would probably need to be adapted for more aggressive riding.
Whilst waiting to try the new VFR 2000, I can assure you that this new "F" CBR version, is bound to prove popular with a large section of the riding public, especially female; thanks to the reduced height from the ground and especially by virtue of its overall handling ease and comfort.