I’ve discovered the true versatility of the F4 after 850 kilometers on the CBR 600.
800 of those kilometers were completed over the course of two days of rather strenuous riding, all without causing my body much soreness.
Indeed, the CBR is a really cozy mount.
The suspension strikes a perfect mix between being tough enough to handle some really aggressive riding and supple enough not to severely damage your kidneys.
When forced into a really tight bend, the suspension does exhibit its limitations. The performance occasionally sways and the pegs scrape, but it always stays calm and controlled. The CBR would be outclassed by the GSX-R 600. But the GSX-R is a more focused, tight piece of equipment that will shake heads a lot and usually needs a strong, experienced hand to get the most out it. As far as road balance goes, the CBR has about as excellent of one. On the CBR, a less experienced or carefree rider would travel faster. On the GSX-R, an all-out lunatic would go faster.
True, the GSX-R lacks a little bit of power, but the CBR does have somewhat superior brakes. Although they are strong, the brakes don’t offer a lot of input. I used the CBR on the dyno, but our findings were too erroneous to post here due to a tire slide. I can tell you, though, that between 8 and 10,000 rpm, the CBR has around a 4-hp advantage over the GSX-R; in the upper ranges, the GSX-R narrows the difference to about 2 horsepower.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 599cc, 4-stroke, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Bore/Stroke | 67 x 42.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12:1 |
| Induction | 4 x 36mm flat-slide CV carburettors |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Ignition | Digital/DC-CDI |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Seat Height | 810mm |
| Ground Clearance | 130mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405mm |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2055mm x 685mm x 1135mm |
| Dry Weight | 170kg dry (194 kilos wet) |
| Front Suspension | Fully adjustable 41mm forks -130mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable with rising rate linkage -120mm travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 296mm discs clamped by 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | 1 x 220 mm disc |
| Tyres | 120/70 ZR17 (F) – 180/55 ZR17 (R) |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 Litres |
If you enjoy pulling the odd mono, the CBR is the better option because you can regulate wheelie height very easily with the throttle because to its excellent carburation, which is better than the GSX-R’s.
I think this gearbox is the greatest I’ve ever used. It’s fantastic. An excellent gearbox may distinguish between a mediocre and exceptional ride.
The CBR box almost worked flawlessly. You must make sure that your fifth or sixth shift goes well, although that is unimportant in light of the box’s overall genius. It has a decent clutch as well. However, I did find it difficult to make quick departures. The GSX-R will undoubtedly prevail in the straight-line drag races.
For the recent 250 graduate who prefers a bike that leans toward the sports side, the CBR 600 would be a fantastic next step up. Perfect cornering is made possible by the well-balanced chassis, and there’s enough stability to keep you out of danger. Instead of a shake, the best I could able to pull out of the CBR was a slight twitch of the head. I would have been having a lot of bar-banging moments along the same routes if the GSX-R had been installed.
The center stand is very user-friendly and a godsend. Though my own bike, which has a ScottOiler installed, usually spoils me, the CBR’s stand made lubricating the chain a relatively fuss-free task.
There are two tripmeters, a temp gauge, a tacho, an odometer, and a speedometer on the dash. I don’t understand why there wasn’t a clock on it. It must have just cost a few pennies to install the cabling that enabled the digital tripmeters to include a clock.
The mirrors are excellent and free of vibration. The switchgear is as well. There is adjustment on the brake lever. It’s not the clutch lever. I regret not going on any night rides, therefore I am unable to remark on the headlight beam’s quality.
Even with some curry, the well-built 18-liter tank has a range of more over 200 kilometers. The bike’s overall finish is excellent. The bike’s back would look cleaner and more distinctive if a high-rise pipe and the rear footpegs were removed.
Overall, the CBR 600 is an excellent motorcycle that will satisfy everyone except the most extreme power and scratch enthusiasts. However, I don’t think having more power will actually help you avoid the little CBR on a tight road.
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