New bike review - CBR600F

[Balky001]

I picked up the new CBR600F 2012 on Saturday and covered about 140 miles this weekend.

First impressions

It's really quiet, even with the Akrapovic slip on and no induction sound noticible. However, engine pulls strongly but it’s not rapid and fueling is spot on. Very linear although does surge a little after 8.5/9K. Redlines 13K. The gear box is brilliant and clutchless changes are no issue. The linked brakes (abs) when using the rear brake lever is also excellent.

The CBR feels really light at all speeds and is easy to ride. Seat and riding position pretty comfy but still fairly sporty. Standard screen was OK but replaced with PUIG DB which has made a big difference

It’s definitely a budget bike though.

There’s no slipper clutch, gear indicator, steering damper etc but that’s not really expected at this price. Suspension if firm enough and dampening is good most of the time although taking it down some quick country lanes did make it bounce a bit.

The front brakes use 3 pot sliding callipers. These are OK, good enough but could do with beefing up. These the one disappointment.

The bike feels good in the corner, not as planted as a super sport even though it feels as flickable due to the higher and wider bars, plus it’s only wearing BT12s..

In summary, it’s a bike you can feel as home with straight away and have loads of confidence on. You can tell it is Horner rather than CBR RR based (engine and chassis). It has enough power to make things exciting and the suspension and chassis are pretty well sorted although will struggle for a fast trackday (unlike the old CBR600F). Brakes work well, especially the linked rear, although don’t give the ultimate braking experience.

Akrapovic end can, PUIG DB screen and Pyramid rear hugger fitted. R&Gs to go on.

Sounds like you got yourself a nice bike.

Why do you feel the need for a slipper clutch, damper or gear indicator they are pointless things for road riding when you consider the speed your doing on the road?

[Balky001]

Yep, took it out for another 70 miles and am liking it more - getting used to the engine/gearing.

Agree about the slipper/SD/ - don't 'need' them on the road but you do get used to them (spoilt by the GSXR750 and zx6r). I think I was just trying to show there's not loads of equipment with it as standard.

That said I find gear indicators really useful. Kept trying to change up to 6th as fairly low geared (top is around 145) but thought 3rd was second. I can count up to 6 but I do forget sometimes

Quite like having to blip the throttle again (now adjust throttle free play), not done that for a few years although I think I might miss it on trackdays.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Balky001

That said I find gear indicators really useful. Kept trying to change up to 6th as fairly low geared (top is around 145) but thought 3rd was second. I can count up to 6 but I do forget sometimes

Know what you mean. I never thought I'd need one but my GSX is soo smooooth and "potters" along at low revs so easily I kept finding myself in 6th at 30mph until I checked the indicator. Have upped the gearing now and I'm used to it so not a problem now.

It's not necessarily a budget bike, it's more of a sports-tourer, and they aren't usually festooned with gimickery like slipper clutches etc. If people must have those things then they're looking at the wrong bike and are buying it for the wrong reasons.


I've looked over a CBR and think they offer quite a bit for the money