2011 Honda CB600FA Hornet

Introduction

The CB600F Hornet is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most influential middleweight Naked motorcycles. Originally launched in 1998, it has close ties to the race-winning CBR600RR, but has always presented its own unique package of sporty performance and light, user-friendly handling. Its versatile power, comfort and convenience make it popular among riders who want a practical motorcycle that’s both easy and enjoyable to ride, while its contemporary Naked styling ensures its popularity among fashion-conscious riders. Affordability, reliability and low running costs add to its all-round appeal.

Updates to the Hornet have always been closely based on rider feedback. In 2000, it received a larger 17" front wheel and in 2003 the fuel capacity was enlarged. It received a complete makeover in 2007, with updated styling plus technology, safety and environmental protection technologies that brought it right to the top of the mid-displacement Performance Naked class. Since then the Hornet has continued to set the standards in a growing midrange motorcycle class, staying ahead of the game with styling updates and the addition of adjustable suspension systems in 2009.

For 2011, Honda has again remained true to its clearly defined aim of not just meeting but exceeding customer expectations for the Hornet, and has responded to feedback with impressive styling updates. The meter cover has also been redesigned to integrate the headlight and instrument panel in one sleek unit that enhances the smooth, aerodynamic front profile. A new instrument panel with a digital tachometer adds to the bike’s usability as well as its sophisticated image.

The compact rear has also been reshaped with a higher, thinner tail that increases its lightweight, sporty look. The 2011 CB600F Hornet will be available in new colours that reinforce its contemporary streetfighter image.

Main features

- Refreshed rear styling features a higher, redefined tail that emphasises its aerodynamic look of speed. New!
- New meter cover design brings instrument panel and headlight together in one sleek unit. New!
- Stylish integrated instrument panel features a hi-tech digital LCD bar graph tachometer, speedometer, dual trip meters, bar graph fuel gauge and a clock. New!
- New Pearl Sprint Yellow and Pearl Cool White colour versions (New!) in addition to the ongoing Pearl Nightstar Black colour
- Compact engine, originally developed alongside the 2007 CBR600RR powerhouse, is tuned for strong midrange power and torque combined with a high-revving top end.
- Advanced PGM-FI electronic fuel injection provides instant throttle response and precise control as well as helping to minimise harmful exhaust emissions.
- Combined ABS version offers extra braking confidence over slippery or unpredictable surfaces.
- 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork with tension adjuster provides
120mm of smoothly damped wheel travel and adds to ride comfort and control.
- Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload plus tension adjuster and 128mm axle travel adds to the smooth, confident ride feel.
- Gravity die-cast aluminium Mono-Backbone frame with basic diamond configuration incorporates engine as central stressed member for the most effective balance of rigidity and light weight.
- Dual bulb multi-reflector headlight features eye-catching low and high beams behind a protruding polycarbonate lens.
- Seat height of 800mm provides easy reach to the ground for riders.
- Chassis is conceived for maximum mass centralisation with weight of engine and exhaust system precisely balanced by slim, light rear and lightweight front end.
- Wide, low-profile Super Sports-derived tyres, mounted on lightweight aluminium 5-spoke wheels, add to attractive streetfighter image and ensure precise cornering control.
- Low-slung exhaust system is positioned beneath the engine for low centre of gravity and maximum mass centralisation.

Styling

True to the fundamentals of streetfighter performance, the styling of the CB600F is lean and sharp with a predatory edge that highlights its sporting background.

Flowing aerodynamic lines define the muscular bodywork, converging in a sharp, high tapered tail that’s set off by a brilliant LED tail-light. At the front, a dual bulb multi-reflector headlight offers excellent visibility as well as emphasising the sharp, focused lines of the minicowl.

The compact instrument panel has been graphically redesigned in keeping with the bike’s ultramodern styling and clean, functional ethos. Lightweight and fully electronic, it features a hi-tech digital LCD bar graph tachometer, speedometer, dual trip meters, bar graph fuel gauge and a clock.

Colours

The 2011 CB600F will be launched in three colour versions, including a new and vibrant pearlescent yellow and an elegant white. Shining with a high-quality finish, each colour is highlighted by its striking contrast with the solid, mechanical look of the CB600F’s Axis Grey Metallic wheels and prominent engine.

- Pearl Sprint Yellow New!
- Pearl Cool White New!
- Pearl Nightstar Black

Engine

The CB600F engine is known for its responsive delivery and powerful, torquey drive. It was originally developed alongside the engine for the CBR600RR, giving it sporty acceleration and precise response. The CB600F engine is tuned for strong midrange power and torque to deliver fast acceleration out of the corners, combined with a high-revving top end that creates its exhilarating streetfighter character.

Developed with the advantages of race-bred technology, the CB600F engine is designed for both versatility and reliability. Durable and requiring little maintenance, it adds to the easy ownership that is essential to the very spirit of the Hornet.

Advanced PGM-FI electronic fuel injection provides instant throttle response, precise control of the engine’s power and smooth, predictable changes in speed. Combined with Honda’s oxygen-sensing catalytic converter system it also helps to keep harmful exhaust emissions to a minimum.

Short and compact, the engine is positioned for an ideal balance of weight, which combines with the bike’s chassis characteristics to create nimble, responsive handling. The exhaust system is low-slung and positioned for a low centre of gravity and maximum mass centralisation.

Chassis

The CB600F’s nimble handling characteristics and comfortable ride position make both seasoned and less experienced riders feel at home immediately. The seat height provides easy reach to the ground, and its suspension systems enhance comfort and confidence while also enhancing the machine’s sporty performance.

The 2009 Mono-Backbone frame features a diamond configuration that incorporates the engine as its central stressed member, creating a highly effective balance of light weight and rigidity. Its lightness and narrow profile add to the bike’s sharp, smooth handling and quick response to rider input.

The entire chassis is designed for optimal mass centralisation, with the weight of the engine and exhaust system precisely balanced by the slim, light seat and tail cowl and lightweight front end. This reduces inertial mass at the machine’s most extreme points, contributing to quick, confident turning and cornering control.

The suspension systems are designed to contribute to the CB600F’s smooth overall handling and ride satisfaction. The tapered dual box-section aluminium swingarm is lightweight and contributes to the overall balance of rigidity. A Monoshock damper with 7 positions of adjustable preload plus a tension adjuster and 128mm of axle travel, adds to the overall feeling of ride comfort and positive, reassuring control. At the front, a 41mm inverted HMAS cartridge-type front fork further increases handling confidence.

The CB600F features wide, low-profile Super Sports-derived tyres, mounted on lightweight aluminium 5-spoke wheels. These add to the bike’s attractive street-fighter appearance while also ensuring precise cornering control at high speeds. High-performing brakes match the bike’s strong all-round performance. At the front a pair of dual-piston calipers grip wide 296mm drilled floating discs, while at the rear a responsive and compact single-piston caliper slows a 240mm disc. The CB600F Hornet is also available in a Combined ABS version which pairs the balanced operation of a linked braked system and the precise, confident control provided by an ABS.

Optional equipment

Honda Access Europe provides an extensive range of optional equipment for the CB600F Hornet to enhance styling, comfort and security. These include:

- Averto alarm kit
- Colour-matched undertray kit
- Colour-matched crankcase cover sets
- Colour-matched huggers
- Colour-matched seat cowls
- 3D Honda wing logo set
- Wheel sticker sets
- Gold-tinted meter panel
- Cargo net
- Rear maintenance stand
- U-lock
- Outdoor motorcycle cover
- Range of tank pads and a fuel lid cover
- Crankcase ring set
- Grip heaters
- Higher meter visor