The Honda CBF600SA is aimed at new riders as well as those who are looking for a machine that boasts exceptional practicality and ease of use. It’s in better shape than ever and equipped with Honda’s famous Combined-ABS for enhanced safety and rideability.

Style-wise, the CBF600SA is pretty low key, but it’s certainly no ugly duckling. Contemporary lines, a sleek half fairing, dual headlamps, built-in turn signals and an upturned rump will tickle the sportsman in you. It’ll never be swamped by curious and enthusiastic passers-by though; this is a good-looking but very conservative standard model.

Contemporary lines, a sleek half fairing, dual headlamps, built-in turn signals and an upturned rump will tickle the sportsman in you. (Photo: Kevin Wing)

Versatile and easy to ride
Satisfying the needs of the novice and confirmed rider alike, the CBF600SA calls on a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-cylinder mill featuring four valves per cylinder. The camshafts and injection mapping have been tweaked to boost low- and mid-rpm torque.

Though it lacks a little punch at high rpm, engine performance stays true to the CBF philosophy, i.e., providing exemplary versatility in a disconcertingly uncomplicated package.

Smooth rather than aggressive, the inline-four emits a throaty rumble from the catalytic converter-equipped exhaust that evokes a larger engine. Thanks to the 77.5 ponies deployed at 10,500 rpm, it accelerates in a linear fashion, as if an invisible hand were nudging it along.

On start-up, the clutch proves smooth and progressive, while the gearbox shifts effortlessly and silently. No doubt about it, this is a Honda. Thanks to the healthy dollop of low-rpm torque, riding around town is child’s play. Got yourself into a spot of trouble? Simply flick your wrist, and problem solved!

On the highway, the engine won’t discover a second angry wind at high rpm; instead, it’ll hustle affably along until the red line. It nevertheless does a good job of propelling the beast’s 222 kilos without complaint, a crucial quality for touring.

Thanks to the 77.5 ponies deployed at 10,500 rpm, it accelerates in a linear fashion. (Photo: Kevin Wing)