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Honda CBR600F

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Hurricane
Production	1987–1990
Predecessor	VF500F
Successor	CBR600F2
Class	Sport bike
Engine	598 cc inline-4
Power	85 hp (63 kW) @ 11,000 rpm (claimed)
Torque	59 N⋅m (44 lbf⋅ft) @ 8,500 rpm (claimed)
Transmission	6-speed, chain drive electric starter
Wheelbase	1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,050 mm (80.7 in) W: 6,858 mm (270.0 in)
Seat height	770 mm (30.3 in)
Weight	180 kg (397 lb) (dry) 199 kg (439 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity	16.5 L (3.6 imp gal; 4.4 US gal)
Related	Honda CBR600RR

The Honda CBR600F, known as the 'Hurricane' in the US market, is a sports motorcycle made by Honda from 1987 to 1990. In Austria and Mexico, a smaller version, the CBR500F was marketed. In 2011, Honda released an all-new model of the same name. The original CBR600F was Honda's first inline four-cylinder, fully faired sport bike. It had a liquid-cooled 85 hp (63 kW) DOHC 16-valve engine, and a six-speed transmission. The Honda Hurricane was introduced as the newest style of sport bike.

Successors

The CBR600F2

Honda CBR600F2

Also called	PC25
Production	1991–1994
Predecessor	CBR600F
Successor	CBR600F3
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc (36.6 cu in) DOHC inline-four engine with 4 carburetors
Bore / stroke	65 mm × 45.2 mm (2.56 in × 1.78 in)
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Ignition type	CDI, 2 coils, wasted spark
Transmission	12 plate wet clutch, 6-speed, O-Ring sealed chain
Frame type	Steel
Suspension	Front: 130 mm/43 mm Rear: 110 mm Pro-Link
Brakes	Front: 276 mm dual disk, 2 piston caliper Rear: 220 mm single disk, 1 piston caliper
Tires	Front: 120/60-17 Rear: 160/60-17
Wheelbase	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,010 mm (79 in) W: 695 mm (27.4 in)
Seat height	810 mm (32 in)
Fuel capacity	16 L (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal)
Related	Honda CBR600RR

The Honda CBR600 F2 was a motorcycle made by Honda from 1991 to 1994. It was introduced to replace the CBR600 Hurricane, or F1, and was considered one of Honda's most modern and innovative sport bikes when it was released. Development of the second generation CBR began in early 1989. Hurricane LPL Ishikawa would lead the development of the new bike, known internally as MV9, but which was also called the F2, an alphanumeric that would become its official name: CBR600F2.

The F2's development began with meetings to discuss concepts and sketches for the new bike. A few months later, an F2 prototype was produced. Painted black, the meaner-looking bike was faster and sleeker looking than the more blocky first generation bike. When tested, the F2 results were spectacular. The bike struck a balance that no other bike at the time could achieve. Few motorcycles in the 1990s had the performance ability of the F2, and the model is still widely ridden on streets and racetracks around the world.

CBR600F3

Honda CBR600F3

Production	1995–1998
Predecessor	CBR600F2
Successor	CBR600F4
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc (36.6 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line four
Bore / stroke	65.0 mm × 45.2 mm (2.56 in × 1.78 in)
Torque	43.7 lb⋅ft (59.2 N⋅m) @ 10,000 rpm 42.8 lb⋅ft (58.0 N⋅m) @ 8,250 rpm
Transmission	Close ratio six-speed, chain drive
Rake, trail	25.2°, 94.0 mm (3.70 in)
Wheelbase	1,400 mm (55.3 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,055 mm (80.9 in) W: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Seat height	810 mm (32 in)
Weight	202 kg (445 lb) 210 kg (462 lb) 206 kg (454 lb) (Honda service manual) (wet)
Fuel capacity	17 litres; 3.7 imperial gallons (4.5 US gal)
Related	Honda CBR600RR

The CBR600F3 was the third generation of the CBR600F series. It replaced the F2, and was produced from 1995 to 1998. It had a modified engine, ram-air intake and cartridge forks. The 1997 and 1998 models also came with a deeper oil pan, sleeker tail fairings, seat and tail light, and a revised engine head netting about a 5 hp gain over 95/96 models. The CDI and ram-air system were also revised to allowed for smoother throttle curve over the 95/96 models, which could sometimes be jerky. The last made 1998 models came with another revised engine head which resulted in a slight power gain. In 1999, it was replaced by the CBR600 F4.

In 1996 and 1998 the CBR600F3 was also sold in "Smokin' Joe's Replica" versions in the USA, Canada and Australia (1998 only).

In the year of its introduction, the F3 won all 11 AMA 600 Supersport races. Cycle World tested the F3's acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) at 2.8 seconds and 0 to 1⁄4 mile (0.00 to 0.40 km) at 10.9 seconds at 125.28 mph (201.62 km/h). Motorcycle Consumer News recorded a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.36 seconds and a 1⁄4 mile time of 11.03 seconds at 124.06 mph (199.66 km/h)

CBR600F4

The Honda CBR600F4 was a sport bike produced by Honda between 1999 and 2000. It was the last of the CBR600 series of Honda sportbikes to be carbureted.

The words, "Dedicated to Super Evaluators Dirk Vandenberg and Josef Boyd", are embossed in raised letters on the inside of the Honda CBR600F4's upper fairing. This dedication was made because two of Honda R&D's senior product developers were killed during the final testing of this model.

CBR600F4i

Honda CBR600F4i

Production	2001–2006
Predecessor	CBR600F4
Class	Sport bike
Engine	599 cc (36.6 cu in) DOHC four valves per cylinder water-cooled inline-four
Bore / stroke	67.0 mm × 42.5 mm (2.64 in × 1.67 in)
Top speed	156 mph (251 km/h)
Power	81 kW (109 hp) @ 12,500 rpm, 90.1 hp (67.2 kW) at rear wheel
Torque	63 N⋅m (46 lbf⋅ft) @ 10,000 rpm, 40.2 lb⋅ft (54.5 N⋅m) at rear wheel
Ignition type	CDI
Transmission	Wet clutch, 6-speed, chain drive
Frame type	Aluminum twin-spar, box-section
Rake, trail	24.0°, 96 mm (3.8 in)
Wheelbase	1,390 mm (55 in)
Seat height	805 mm (31.7 in)
Weight	370 lb (170 kg) (dry) 440 lb (200 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity	4.8 US gallons (18 L; 4.0 imp gal)
Fuel consumption	36.7 mpg‑US (6.41 L/100 km; 44.1 mpg‑imp)

The Honda CBR600F4i is a sport bike that was produced by Honda from 2001 to 2006.

History

For the 2001 model year Honda released an upgraded version of the popular CBR600F4 with intentions of becoming more competitive in the middleweight sport bike class. The 370 lb (170 kg) (dry) F4i is a modified F4 with numerous engine, chassis and bodywork changes.

The single largest change aside from the styling is the addition of high-pressure (50 psi) programmed fuel injection — thus the model designation "F4i". In a number of countries, the bike was sold in both the "normal" and "Sport" variants, the Sport having a two-part seat, no grab rail and no main stand (though the main stand mounting holes remained). Fuel injection allows for more precise fuel metering and delivery over a wider rpm range, while providing better throttle response and reducing emissions. The injectors reside one per cylinder and work with 38 mm throttle bodies. Each injector has four nozzles, and together the injectors add up to five horsepower over the F4.

Weight was also reduced. The rear wheel was made 400 grams lighter, the cush drive 600 grams, and the front wheel 300 grams. The wheel bearings have been moved outward, closer to the fork tubes, and the rotor carriers moved out closer to the brake calipers to reduce weight and to improve rigidity. Each caliper carrier also lost 100 grams. There is additional bracing on the steering head for more response, better feedback and feel from the front end. The suspension has also been tweaked with less high-speed damping and a little more low-speed damping. The wheelbase is five millimeters shorter than its predecessor, with a 5.9-percent increase in overall rigidity.

Additional engine changes include a lighter camshaft sprocket and increased valve spring pressure (two springs per intake valve) which allow for higher revving. There are new piston rings that slide with less friction and increased internal engine oil flow. Redline is now 14,200 rpm, 700 rpm higher than the previous year's F4. To increase the bike's pulling capabilities at high speeds, 5th and 6th gears have been shortened slightly and the rear sprocket was enlarged from 45 teeth to 46. The oiling holes in the camshafts have been enlarged by 0.5 mm (to 2.5 mm) and piston ring friction has been decreased to aid cooling at the higher rev ceiling. Spring pressures on the intake and exhaust valves have been increased to avoid valve float. Also, there are now two valve springs (inner and outer) on the intake side instead of the single item that resides on the exhaust side.

In 2003, Honda introduced the CBR600RR, a higher-performance, race-ready, super-sport middleweight, while continuing to manufacture the popular F4i which appealed to those willing to sacrifice a little performance to gain a more comfortable riding position, as well as an engine configuration better suited to everyday riding. The F4i remained available for three more years before being discontinued, with the 2006 model being the final one to be released. No major updates were made in these final years except for color scheme changes.

Styling

The 2001 US F4i had a new subframe which raises the seat by five milometers and an improved two-tier seat allows for more storage room in the rear compartment. The new tail unit has less padding and a higher perch for the passenger. The F4i's tail-light is smaller with a new dual-bulb configuration. The F4i had a new dash layout with a large analog tachometer. The new LCD digital display had a speedometer, odometer, clock, engine temperature read-out, amber shift light, and trip meters.

The F4i's new bodywork carries a more racy look and provides a 3% reduction in drag. It also houses a new dual headlight front cowl design which uses 40% brighter H7 bulbs compared to the old H4 bulbs. The headlights are dual multi-reflector units covered by a one-piece flexiglass lens. The turn stalks are shorter and the mirrors are now positioned higher and closer to the rider. The elimination of carburetors allowed for a slightly larger air box and a larger 4.8 US gal (18 L; 4.0 imp gal) fuel tank with a delayed fuel level sensor to prevent false readings when the bike is at an angle.

In 2004 Honda replaced the black frame with one in silver and a banana seat due to complaints of comfort and to differentiate the F4i from the 600RR. This model is the same as the CBR600F1 and onwards that was sold in the UK from 2001.

Two UK versions of the F4i were released in 2001. The CBR600F F1 and onwards had the banana style seat found on pre PGM FI bikes whilst the CBR600F FS1/FS2 (the F sport) were sold with the two tier seat units, black frames and various other performance upgrades as found in the US models. The F sport was discontinued upon the arrival of the CBR600RR in 2003.

In 2001 and 2002, in recognition of Honda's association with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, and its 500th motorcycle Grand Prix victory, the CBR600F4i was also released in Europe and Australia (2002 only) in two "Rossi Replica" versions.

New CBR600F 2011–

In 2011, Honda released the new CBR600F. It shares most of the components of the naked CB600F 'Hornet', but wraps it in a multi-layered full fairing that lowers drag and protects the rider from windblast. It also retains a similar relaxed seating position to minimise rider fatigue. The new CBR600F also shares the engine of the highly revised CB600F model that came out in April 2007. This engine is a detuned version of that which is available in the 2007 CBR600RR giving a maximum output power of approximately 102 bhp (76 kW) at 12000RPM and 65Nm of Torque at 10500RPM.

References

1. ^ "1987 Honda CBR600F Motorcycle Specs". Totalmotorcycle.com. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
2. "2011_CBR600F". honda. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
3. "1987_Hurricane". honda.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
4. ^ Motorcycle Online
5. ^ Sport Rider
6. "Battle of the Superbikes; Ultimate 600 Challenge", Cycle World, p. 36, February 1997
7. "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, January 2013
8. "F4 Secret Message?!?!". CBR600F4.com. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
9. ^ "Performance Index '10" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, 2010, retrieved 2010-01-03
10. ^ "Performance Index '07/'08 Version" (Adobe PDF). Motorcycle Consumer News. January 2008. Retrieved 2010-01-11.
11. "Honda UK Website". Honda UK. Retrieved 2013-01-10.

External links

• MCN News AU: Honda CBR600 history video
• CBR600F3 Introduction at motorcycle.com
• Honda CBR600F Review Honda CBR motorcycle road test
• 2006 CBR600F4i Review 2006 Honda CBR 600 F4i Sport Bike Motorcycle
• Dirck Edge (April 2001). "CBR600F4i review". Motorcycle Daily.com. Archived from the original on 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2006-06-06.
• "Honda CBR 600 F4i". MCNEWS.COM.AU. Retrieved 2006-06-06.

• Honda motorcycles
• Sport bikes
• Motorcycles introduced in 1987