Honda CB 600 - an updated version of the budget option

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Honda CB 600 is a motorcycle that can safely claim the title of the most stylish road bike of this manufacturer.

The path to creation

This has been long awaited. Back in the fall, there were rumors in the media that the concern was preparing a replacement for the good old Hornet. At the same time, a series of so-called spy shots was taken. But, apparently, something didn’t work out for the designers, or for some other reason it happened, but the fact remains: not just an updated double of the Honda CB 600 Hornet was released, the concern presented motorists with a completely new motorbike. And this was understandable. After all, since 1997, the motorcycle was produced almost unchanged. And it made me think about how imperishable the classics are. Due to its excellent driving performance, excellent reliability, reasonable price and unpretentiousness, this model has been considered the best-selling model in the range of this company for many years.

Demand for the Honda CB 600 began to decline slightly only in 2000. Then many other manufacturers began to produce other neoclassics - with a little more bells and whistles and with better engine and chassis components. Then in 2005, Honda decided to create an updated Hornet, but this feint failed. The bike was not newthe level of that class. And so the designers abandoned the budget approach that was previously used as a basis, and developed a motorbike, as they say, “from scratch”.

Transformation

What can you say about this bike? Heaven and earth - this is if you compare the new generation with the old. Previously, it was just a working motorbike. The Honda CB 600 had the specifications to meet the needs of a motorcyclist who simply wants to move around the city with moderate speed and comfort. But the new model is a streetfighter with a modern, energetic shape. Everything has changed. Round headlights were replaced by aerodynamic influxes of head optics trim. It all went well with the side kinks inherent in the gas tank, the openwork back and the supposedly “muscular” powerful seat. The lower part also acquired an impressive outline. Due to the black color, the engine looks like a real “liter”. And the aluminum spine adds rigidity. This is a completely different car, an order of magnitude higher and better than its predecessor.

Technical data

We can say with absolute certainty that the Honda CB 600 was significantly transformed. Reviews, in fact, show an extremely positive attitude towards this bike. And, it is worth noting, there is a reason. Take, for example, the CBR600RR sportbike engine. This unit is derated to 102 hp. with., and this is an excellent indicator when compared with other manufacturers. Even Suzuki GSR600 with YamahaThe FZ-6 is just a pale background compared to the Honda CB 600. This bike has the most smoothed power characteristic, and also made the return of the “horses” smoother. And, of course, manufacturers could not help but improve efficiency. Due to the new motor, the motorcycle wins not only in power, but also in weight - minus 5 kilograms! It is worth noting that at the same time the power unit is much more compact, which contributed to the weight distribution and ergonomics. Not to mention the aluminum subframes, as well as the backbone frame, which replaced budget suspensions and a steel duplex frame.

Down with the budget option

It was previously said that the predecessor of the new model was a kind of "workhorse". But in designing this bike, the designers did not follow the principles of budget. The only thing left of it is relatively simple pendants. And so for everyone else - with potential, technical characteristics and appearance - it provokes fast and extreme driving. So, by creating this motorcycle, Honda re-lit a star that has become a guiding light for many motorists. A new model has appeared on the market, which has become a serious competitor for many other bikes.

Yamaha or Honda?

This is a question of interest to many. It is worth noting that these are eternal competitors. And they often compare two models of these concerns: the Honda CB 600F Hornet with the Yamaha FZS6 Fazer. One of them is naked, and the other has a semi-fairing. These are the two most popular models of universal motorcycles, differingexcellent power, which is enough to accelerate to a decent speed in a few seconds. The motors of these bikes have sports roots, even if they are somewhat thinned out. Honda is neoclassic, Yamaha is modern.

It should be noted that these bikes perform differently on the road. For example, the behavior of the motor. Honda immediately shows that the bike is ready to conquer the roads. The motor emits a deep and sonorous growl that excites the blood. Yamaha behaves somewhat calmer. And if the technical characteristics of the bikes are still similar to each other, then their character is completely different. Honda is somewhat reasonable, philosophical, calm, and Yamaha is aggressive, hooligan. In general, those who like a calm, carefree ride, as a rule, choose the second option, and the lover of speed and power - the first. In general, the decision here depends on preference.