Honda CBR600 F4

Honda CBR600 F4 (1999-2000)

The Honda CBR600F4 was a sport bike produced by Honda between 1999 and 2000

Amazing, incredible, this can't be a 600. These are some of the thoughts that may come to mind the first time you flick Honda's new F4 into a corner or wick it through the gears. For 1999, the Japanese manufacturers have pulled out the stops, once again, to redefine the performance envelope for 600cc sportbikes. Honda's all new contender, the 1999 F4, is no exception to the rule.

The liquid-cooled DOHC 16 valve engine is completely redesigned and features an oversquare bore and stroke of 67mm x 42.5mm. The intake tracks are angled at 40 degrees which helps contribute to a claimed 5 percent increase in power.


The RC45 inspired cylinder sleeves are made of aluminum composite and impregnated with ceramic and graphite for longer wear and better heat dissipation. Sliding within these sleeves are aluminum alloy pistons. Feeding air to the new lighter 36.5mm carbs is a new two stage ram-air system said to precisely balance air pressure within the carb floats and vacuum chambers. All this air passes through a new airbox with an increased volume of 6.5 liters. Spark is provided by four transistorized ignition coils controlled by an electronic ignition with 3-D mapping.

The new diamond-type aluminum twin tube frame shaves 15.4 pounds while offering increased rigidity. The aluminum swingarm passes through both the frame downtubes and the rear of the engine aiding overall handling and high speed stability.The 3.5" front wheel (5.5" rear) is mounted to a larger (43mm) fork with a 12mm wider span for added rigidity. Suspension components are fully adjustable and the adjusters are easy to get at. The 296mm front brake disks are grabbed by four-piston clad calipers fitted with sintered pads.The single rear disc measures 220mm.

All these new components combine flawlessly to create one stunning motorcycle, one which offers up huge doses of performance, comfort and excitement. Honda is known for building sport bikes that try to be all things to all riders. In the case of the F4, however, they took a definite bias towards sport. Gone is the traditional full bodywork, replaced by minimal panels leaving much of the bike exposed like its big brother the 900RR. You'll also find a smaller wind screen and less protection from the elements than previous F models. All this leads to a bike offering more character than previous models which were often characterized as exceptional yet lacking in character.

Around town, the F4 is easy and fun to ride. It carbeurates well, feels light and manageable, and draws great attention, at least in it's sexy bright yellow bodywork. There's lots of leg room, a comfortable yet firm seat and bars that allow a bit of an upright position. The positioning, shape and function of the controls are first class and add to the bikes overall comfort.