Mention a middleweight sports bike and the ubiquitous CBR600 will crop up somewhere in the conversation, its been around since 1987 and has never been far off the top peg, it’s simply that good. There are better bikes for crossing the continent, but it will do the job, there are better bikes for the racetrack, but again it will do the job. It must be one of the best all round motorcycle ever seen in the last 20 years.

There are two versions to choose from, the standard F model continues to be a best seller and is the best all rounder. The S model has several modifications, which are race oriented such as double valve springs and different camshaft profiles, different seat and gold coloured fork legs. It also has no centre stand which is standard on the F model. Two extra teeth on the S model’s rear sprocket gives slightly punchier acceleration.

New for 2001 is fuel injection on the 599cc 16-valve DOHC motor pushing out 108bhp at 12,500 rpm. and 48 ft-lbs of torque at 10,500 rpm. 

Instruments are typical of a sports bike with an 'in your face' rev counter. Digital speedo, clock and odometer have been tagged on the side and are easy to read at speed.

A pair of fully adjustable beefy 43mm forks holds up the front end and a fully adjustable single shock and rising rate linkage supports the rear. 

 

Wheels are both 17” and come with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres as standard. 
Front brakes have 4 pot calipers while the rears have 2 pistons.

A very fast bike for not a great deal of money, 150 mph for just over 6K can’t be bad.

There are lots of used bargains about, but due to the nature of the beast, beware of raced or neglected models. Year 99/00 models are not as reliable as previous years or this years model, especially when thrashed.

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Last updated 29/03/02