Column: Cents and sensibility
2010-09-03 07:26
Vehicle Specs
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Manufacturer
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Honda
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Model
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CBF600S
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Engine
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4-cyl 599cc, liquid-cooled
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Power
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57kW@ 10 500 rpm
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Torque
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59Nm@8 250 rpm
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Zero To Hundred
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5 sec
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Top Speed
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210 km/h
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Fuel Tank
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20 litres
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Weight
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217 kg
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Price
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R64 999
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Author: Dave Fall
More and more people these days are turning to two wheels to get them around — especially as cars are so expensive — and that’s a fact. While scooters might well suit most purposes, Honda reckon their CBF600S motorcycle could well be the perfect all rounder if small wheels and small power outputs don’t “float your boat” …
Is there such a thing as the perfect all-round motorcycle, wonders the writer of this column? Undoubtedly there are scooters in the marketplace right now that arguably come very close to ideal — some with whopping big engines, acceleration to match and lots of stowage space — but ask a “returning” biker or dare I say a real motorcyclist what he thinks of them and he’ll probably tell you those small wheels and unstable looks, along with outrageous ticket prices of some of them — simply give him the jitters.
But there’s hope for all of us who subscribe to that train of thought!
A few hours spent riding Honda’s semi-naked CB600F recently left me wondering if after 45 years of riding bikes I’ve actually found the perfect all-rounder that can fill the role of commuter day in and day out, one that’s quick enough to keep up with one’s mates on a Sunday morning, and with it’s “sit-up-and-beg handlebars” comfortable enough to ride 200km non-stop seven days a week, all-year around.
Most bikers I know consider a motorcycle a one-rider machine … me, I’m lucky enough to have the best pillion rider in the world — one who’s very quick to dig me in the ribs thus telling me the bike bucks like a mule and she feels as if she’s about to slip off at any moment. Muizenberg through to Gordon’s Bay and I didn’t even know she was on the back of the CBF...
Good looks for free
In case you think 600cc a bit weedy, think again. This bike can brag power in reserve. The liquid-cooled, four-stroke, quad-valve DOHC motor is a jewel, the six-speed gearbox smooth and tractable. The brakes aren’t the linked type but with a double-disc setup in the front and a single one behind were man enough for just about any eventuality.
The good looks come for free, it seems, because this particular machine sells for R64 999 … I thought that would pleasantly surprise you. The touring range from the 20-litre fuel tank I would estimate around the 280km mark before the warning light blinks a low-level warning.
The bike sounds good too … developing 57kW of real acceleration should you need to get a move on.
Factor in the sealed “O”-ring-type drive chain, decent lights and aforementioned excellent brakes — you could even opt for the ABS version if your budget is up to it — and I’ll wager this bike will last for years to come.
Specifications: Honda CBF600S
Motor: 4-cyl 599cc, liquid-cooled
Power: 57kW @10 500 rpm
Torque: 59Nm @8 250 rpm
0-100km/h: 5 sec (Est.)
Top Speed: 210 km/h (Est.)
Tank capacity: 20 litres
Seat height: 785 mm
Kerb weight: 217 kg
Wheelbase: 1,490 mm
Brakes: (F) discs x 2 (R) disc
Final drive: O-ring sealed chain
Price: R64 999
