HONDA CBR600F ABS (2011 - 2013) Review

Version: 600fa

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £250

Best bike ever. Have been riding since 2013 started with a 125 then proceed to this amazing bike 2011 version abs. Never has let me down, always a joy to ride, currently looking for a new bike but this one will never be sold and will keep it in the livingroom as secons bike, cant come to terms with selling her. Has never let me down Done close to 30.000miles and not a single issue Been through a few tyres every year or so mainly due to cuts or nails in the tyres due to visits to construction sites (work commuter too yep) Change the exhaust can for a akropovic megaphone Lowered the miles ler tank range but, i enjoy the bike sound more and thrills.Absolutely adore this bike and dont think will ever sell her. Future art pice for the house.

Buying experience: Private buy Im second owner Advertise for 5k payed 5k Good bargain.

Version: ABS

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £130

A very easy bike to ride. Low weight. Great riding position. Comfortable seat too.

Buying experience: Privately.

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £50

Comparing this to a 2009 zx6r this is much easier to ride on the roads due to its torque and shortish gearing, you only have to downshift a couple times to overtake with full power. The brakes feel pretty poor but they will stop you and the c-abs really eases my mind. I like leaning off the bike, it feels very stable although I'm not a fan of the seat as it constantly pushes your junk into the tank. The worst thing about it is the throttle which twist's a million degrees, i've shimmed it to the max and it's still horrible on track but not too bad on road. The cat also ruins the sound of the bike and is a hideous weight.

Version: FA-C

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £280

Easy to live with yet easy to thrill. Good looking sports bike which is not intimidating. Comfortable on a longer ride, but realistic range is more like 150 miles. Weight is supposedly less than the comparable Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F but not noticeably so.

Buying experience: Bought privately for £3600 for a late 2012 model with 6k miles (Sept 2022)

Version: Fab

Year: 2011

Having been used to 1000cc superbikes with unbelievable power, I initially was negative about the lack of instant power in the lower Rev range, however after relearning to build and keep the revs higher I find this bike absolutely perfect for the road. I’m finding the handling perfect and more fun (higher revs and singing) at legal road speeds, I’m also finding the smaller bike can turn in and hold corners sometimes better than mates on bigger machines. I also have comments about its lovely sound (full decat Scorpion system) yet not having to risk the licence , which the bigger bikes are too often chasing to get into sweet spot. I would definitely recommend to friends.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer at the market rate, good experience.

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £120

A great , amazing clean bike . Bullet proof , also quite nippy.

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £180

Read reviews of this model before I bought it was wanting something lighter,more comfortable and still with reasonable power and handling as I am approaching retirement age doh!.Having had 3 hayabusa, fireblades,gsxr1000 etc was wee bit concerned if I would be happy with it and was pleasantly surprised how capable it was as long as you kept the revs up - very neutral handling bit slow to turn in initially change of tyres probably sort that out but easy to ride and confident.Still got a s1000r as well but could easy live with the cbr as my only bike can run with bigger bikes on back roads no prob. Good value and brakes,mirrors and throttle all function well but reading dash in sunlight is not so good and could do with a gear position reading.

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £400

Great all round bike. I've had it for 7 years now and due to my lack of caring for it and relatively high milage, it's not worth much any more, but there is nothing else which would be enough of an upgrade for me that makes me want to change. If you want a cheap to buy/ run, easy to ride, fun all rounder, you could do a lot worse.

Buying experience: I bought from Honda main dealer and the experience was excellent. They were offering 0% finance at the time, which hugely influenced my decision to go for this bike.

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £140

Great bike for beginners and it shifts for its size especially when you drop a few gears and throttle it. And very forgiving for in experienced riders.

Version: ABS

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £100

I love this bike. It's not the fastest or most advanced but its quick enough for me whilst still being comfortable and easy to ride. It looks nice too in it's all black colour scheme.

Buying experience: Excellent service from Blade Stratford !

Version: CBR600FA

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £140

Easy to live with, but plenty of punch and performance.

Buying experience: Bought from Honda, perfect service.

Version: 2011 onwards with abs

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £130

Great all rounder, easy to live with

Buying experience: Private £4000

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £200

Never let me down, always a thrill to ride.

Buying experience: I bought mine from a dealer for a price way under the market value. Less than 2 years old with 724 miles on for £5.4k. 3 years on it's still worth £5k.

Year: 2012

Traded in my Kawasaki Ninja 300r (what a delightful little bike) for a Honda CBR 600F a couple of weeks ago as I wanted something a bit bigger. In spite of the year this bike had done only 3700kms. I really love riding this bike, however a couple of things bother me. The gear box is very clunky and the gear changes are not smooth. The back brake is very bad and could have been much better. However I don't regret buying the bike and am enjoying the ride. The petrol consumption is also quite good which came as a surprise.

Buying experience: dealer

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £130

I have had this bike for 15 months now and ride it regardless of the weather (except ice/snow!!) and it has been a pleasure developing my riding skills on. Thoroughly recommended.

The CBR600F is a brilliant bike, especially for a newbie - this is my first bike. I did Direct Access and bought this straight away. It's balanced, smooth, easy to ride slowly, and then faster as you learn. You don't need to move up either, unless you desperately want a massive engine. I wouldn't say it's on the heavy side (I'm female and only 5'5"), I can lug it about without too much trouble. Been around a track briefly and it kept up with the big bikes, caught up with them round the corners. Downsides - it's definitely more sports than tourer. Too pretty to attach hard luggage racks to, and no way will it go 170 miles to a tank. Mine does a little over 110, ridden smoothly. The seat is wide and not the most comfortable for a petite backside over many miles. It's also hard work in a traffic jam. I find 1st gear is either on or off, maybe thats just my poor clutch control! Fabulous for weekend jaunts and commuting, not quite so good for touring with respect to luggage handling or garage stops. Position is comfortable if it wasn't for that seat!

I opted for this bike both for of its sporty look and great touring riding position. The blue version with a Scorpion exhaust is definitely a looker. Done 140 (with pillion and luggage) but I am sure it can easily do 160. ABS was very useful a few times, wouldn't go for anything else now. Did have some issues with the brakes- the previous owner jet-washed it which made the pistons to get stuck! Would have been great to be able to tell what gear you are in from the display.

Having been riding supersport bikes for the last 15 years and approaching 40 I started to find the riding position and suspension settings of my current bike just too uncomfortable for my commute to work and Sunday blast. I started to look for less extreme bikes to the ZX6R’s, ZX10R’s and Fireblades I have owned in the past. I too was a little uneasy about losing some power when I made my decision to buy a new 2013 Honda CBR600F. I have had the bike for 5 months now and apart from taking it easy for the first 600 miles I have found the bike to be a great all-rounder. It lacks the extreme riding characteristics of my previous bikes but in return this has made it a lot more enjoyable to actually ride the bike and to appreciate the scenery, but when you want some fun the power delivery is smooth and the bike certainly has more torque that I remember in the old Honda CBR600F’s I owned at the start of my riding career. I would have given this bike 5 stars all round but the engine isn't quite the modern marvel they lead you to believe and the screen has a really annoying vibration as there is not enough re-enforcement to give it the rigidity in needs and wants . Don't let these few negatives put you off an extremely capable, easy riding and reliable machine. Well done Honda.

Passed my direct access in October last year and rushed out, after months of research, to buy my first bike. Ended up buying the CBR600F 2011 without even riding it as I'd read good things. Turns out they were all right. I'm tall (6'4"), a bit dim and prone to road rage. Combine all this with the fact that I like to ride quick and I reckon this bike was the perfect choice for a first motorcycle. It looks after you when you need it (ABS), is docile low down but goes like a stabbed rat when you give it the beans and it looks pretty good - there are definitely better looking bikes about but you could do worse. I use it for an 80 mile round trip commute most days and am still trying to get my knee down for the first time most weekends and haven't got bored yet. Although the top end rush is quite addictive I'm beginning to long for something with more poke across the whole range... which makes me think this bike is a great, safe and sane step on the road to Firebladesville. I wonder how much I'd get on the trade in..........

Had the bike about a month now and have done about 1800 miles very pleased overall it's a lot smoother than my Versys was and has a linier power delivery with a nice little kick at the top end. I was a little conserned about fuel consuption but averager high 50s mpg with one care motorway run returning a very impressive 80 mpg over a 50 mile trip. Tank range averages 150 miles but I managed 205.7 miles from my last tank full. Can't see any negatives so far so what are you waiting for.

I was looking for a replacement for my 'beginning-to-age' ER6f and was convinced by the salesman to take one of these out for a test ride. He knew exactly what he was doing! Fell in love with it straight away, and moreso when I tried to ride my ER home later. It might be a fraction heavy for us weak girlies, but the ER wasn't exactly a lightweight either. Lovely riding position, feels very natural and extremely smooth. Highly recommended!

hello anonymous could you tell me what screen you put on your bike, I have the same bike and have put a powerbronze double bubble screen on but I could do with one that is still higher still but cannot find anyone who can supply one? any help much appreciated.

Having owned many bikes, including two Hayabusas, and a 2010 blade, which I px'd for my current 2012 cbr600f, I was naturally a little concerned whether I was doing the right thing. But ... My aging frame was finding the riding position on the blade a little too demanding on my back and wrists, and I was fidning myself wanting an all together more relaxed riding experience. My bike usages is a 30 mile round trip commute through a mix of traffic and country roads, and the occasional longer blast on a Sunday morning. The cbr600f is an excellent commuter bike. Very easy to ride and control, both in terms of easy handling and a throttle response which is glitch free and sublimely smooth and linear throughout the rev range, both of which give excellent, safe control at all times. It's very comfortable for the longer trips too. This all adds up to a very relaxing bike to ride. Very enjoyable. Of course it lacks the punch of the blade or a busa, and the sharp handling and throtle response of the blade, with a much softer feel, but as I said, it makes for a very relaxed and enjoyable ride. It really depends what you want from your bike, but for my usage and more relaxed riding style these days it suits perfectly. The big plus points are the oh so smooth throtle response, easy handling and comfortable riding position. The negatives - can't think of anything. I have had a couple of vibrations creeping in. The first time was the high screen I had fitted ( highly recommended for windblast at higher speeds ) and was resolved by adding some damping. Second time I just tightened up the fairing bolts ( after 1000 miles ) and the vibes went away again. Should also mention I had an 04 plate cbr600f and the 2012 model is very different, most notably with more low down torque which I find a big improvement. I also don't want to give the impression that the bike lacks excitement. It has more than enough power and handling to put a smile on your face when pushed a little harder. Think that's about it. So no regrets so far after the first 4 months of ownership. Just wish the weather was a bit better to enjoy it ......

Some might say going from a CBR600RR to a CBR600F is a backward step but I’m absolutely delighted with my new toy. Yes the 600RR is awesome and having helibars fitted made the slow riding easier but the riding position is fairly compact and I’m now nudging mid 40’s. I originally thought my partners’ 600 Hornet was asthmatic, in comparision to the 600RR, ( until it was run in anyway ) so I doubt the 600F will be a let down and I wanted something like a sport tourer that wasn’t too large or heavy so I could travel on it if I wanted to. The riding position really is smack in between the Hornet and 600RR so not bolt upright nor too much weight on the wrists and it has the slightly sporty undertones. The mirrors are brilliant, seat comfortable, reach to bars fine, good position on the pegs to use the rear brake. Slightly soft rear suspension but I’ll stiffen that up and the Honda after market screen directs the wind blast straight onto my helmet. On the styling front, when you actually spend time and study it, it has lovely flowing lines and everything seems in the right proportion. I can’t really comment on performance just yet as I’m running it in but the signs seem good and the average miles per litre display function seems to be around 55mpg on varied riding. My only gripes are that my first two rides were at night and the headlight isn’t great and sadly ventura don’t do a dedicated pack rack system for this bike! So overall probably a very under rated bike that people bypass for the wrong reasons.

Same as Kebian. Went out for a test ride then on my return traded my ER-6F(2009)in. The Honda is a great bike.

I had a go on the demonstrator and immediately put down a deposit when I got back. Lovely bike. Insurance wasn't easy on the wallet though. I'm 35 years old but I've held my full license for only 9 months and managed to insure an XJ6 Diversion F for £300 as soon as I passed but now 9 months later it's costing me £1050 to ensure this bike. If you're a new rider looking for your first 600cc then check the insurance first!

Glad you like the bike ,you got a real bargain there, I will get myself a hugger in the new year, I have the blue and white one which reminded me of the BMW HP SPORT look wise anyway. Skidmarx are planning to bring out a higher screen for our bikes in the new year if you can wait that long, I have just bought a cargo 3 in 1 tank bag and it is great for keeping windblast at bay, keep safe now the winter is here , let us know how you get on with the bike the longer you have it taff

Glad you like the bike ,you got a real bargain there, I will get myself a hugger in the new year, I have the blue and white one which reminded me of the BMW HP SPORT look wise anyway. Skidmarx are planning to bring out a higher screen for our bikes in the new year if you can wait that long, I have just bought a cargo 3 in 1 tank bag and it is great for keeping windblast at bay, keep safe now the winter is here , let us know how you get on with the bike the longer you have it taff

Ok, Ive had mine for 2 weeks now and can report that the bike is superb. Firstly, I bought mine pre-registered and after 2 weeks of feining disinterest and haggling, ended up with a new bike (red/white) with 360 Honda heated grips, Honda hugger, tankpad, free 600mile service for £5400! Without a doubt, the hugger provides not only an important functional role, but also balances the look of the bike. As an engineer I was firstly struck by the quality throughout bike, and was therefore equally disappointed with the design oversight that leaves a small gap between the tank and side panel, but I wont let this minor point spoil my pleasure. And the budget-imposed Hornet mirror lugs have already been sufficiently scorned elsewhere. From the first press of the start button the engine runs with the smoothness of an electric motor. The engine is a perfect balance of restraint and responsiveness for commuting (below 5K) and brutal power for whoohoo smiles above this. The seemingly perfect balanced weight and engine control makes dawdling along in traffic a synch, and its honestly as docile, easy and controllable as riding a bicycle. But then you open the throttle and at 3K the exhaust starts to sing, just a little, but builds gradually to an adrenaline pumping sound that WILL make you want to go faster. Ahh the temptation to dance with the devil, this bike is not for those with poor self control. But however you ride, 50+ mpg is easily achievable and the on-screen meter will let you know average and instantaneous readings should you need them. Front brake alone is mediocre (Im told it will improve with miles) but combined back/front use is impressive and confidence inspiring. Suspension and frame are more than adequate to absorb the worst of Britains roads with minimal fuss. Im 5foot 8 and find the riding position fine, but I do wonder if those with longer legs may find the position a little cramped. The standard screen is very comfortable for non-motorway speeds but ducking behind it does provide a comfortable cocoon when needed. A raised screen is on my Xmas list. What more can I say. Go see it in the showroom - the italian design influence is much more impressive in the flesh. Go sell you mother and buy one, you wont regret it.

Got my bike in July and just cant keep off the thing, only one niggle, I would like a higher screen to keep some of the windblast off put a double bubble screen on which is fine but still get a fair bit of cold hitting my chest. Get an average of 55mpg out of it doing all types of riding, put some nice blue wheel trims on the bike heated grips two new b021 tyres. I am going to try and get at least 100,000 miles on this bike to really see what its made of

Bought one for my gas and heating business to run up and down the M6 at busy periods for small jobs. The Honda cbr600f 2011 doesnt excell at any one thing yet it all comes together to do everything brilliantly??. A little slow below 5000rpm but then comes alive or is it me being used to v twin monster bikes. Comfort is second to none for a "R" bike and you could nod off but not adviseable. Beautiful italian design to front end and looks better in the flesh. 0-60 is 4.2 and top speed is over 140mph apparently. ABS a nice touch too. To sum up. The Thomas more of bikes, does everything right.

Bought this back in August, my previous bike was ER6F, the bike is so easy to ride, i am 52 and i wanted somthing sporty but rasonably comfortable, in the past 5 years i have had shoulder and elbow surgery, so there was no way i was going to get an RR. The bike is smooth and agile, the brakes are excelent and the biuld quality is very good. I have almost done a 1000miles riding to work (60mile round trip) on A roads and motorways and a few pleasure trips here and there, it now ready for winter hibernation. My ER6F i bought new its the mk2 it was good but not as good as the CBR660F it has inferior brakes less power and not as smooth, it also felt niggly on bends and didnt seem as good in cross winds on open roads e.g. Motorways country exposed A roads. Overall the CBR is far superior to ER6F, it not a superbike or even an RR but it is an excelent road bike both in and out of town that puts a smile on my face and i guess for most of us thats what matters

I am extremely happy with mine. Having owned a ER6f (2011), a 650 Bandit (2008) and a 600 fazer S2 (2007) I can now say that in my opinion this is by far the best bike out of the lot. Yes, it is a bit more money than the others mentioned but the extra quality of the bike by far exceeds the extra cost. I am in my mid 40s so I didn't want an RR model, but neither did I want an OAP bike. This is the best of both worlds. It handles well, it is fast enough for most people, it is reasonably comfortable and the quality of the build is just superb considering the 7k price tag. I particularly like the fully adjustable suspension and the light and easy handling. The only niggle is that the fuel gauge is a little difficult to read. I would recommend anyone thinking of buying one to take their deposit with them to the dealer on the day of the test ride, as this will save them the time and trouble in returning to the shop to buy one the very next day. It's that good !

Just love it

Absolutely fantastic bike so easy to ride looks good does what you want. Mine does 54 mpg ridden between 75-80mph on motorways ,so good on fuel ,can bungee my rucksack using the grab holes at the back and hooking some of the bungee hooks on the lower part of the frame, works brilliant. got mine last week done 300 miles already cant keep off it, its great fun.

I rode the CBR 600 F yesterday. Wow. . . they have jusr got it right. Forget all that about it being a Hornet with a fairing etc. Where did the Hornet come from any way ? Yes, that's right, a CBR 600 without a fairing. The wheel has turned full circle. The MCN review is inconsistent, they praise the bike and then mark it down on points./. bizare ! Any way it's light, it handles, it goes smoothly and progressively and it has great build quality. No, it's not a Fireblade or an R1. Nor does it pretend to be but I'll tell you this; It will; put a smile on your face and that is what it is all about. I cane back from my test ride and bought one, I pick it up tomorrow, SORTED !