Honda CBR 600 F4i

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Firstly a note for our overseas readers - Australia only receives one version of the CBR 600 and it is the sport model. In Australia it is known as the CBR 600 F4i.

The CBR 600 debuted in 1987 and has proven to be one of the most reliable sportsbikes of the modern era. The 'F' series of road-bikes refers to the model being user-friendly and not an all out sports machine. They say the new F4i has departed from that concept to become a lot more track focused, which this new F4i certainly is, but it has not lost it's user-friendliness along the way.

It now features a more aggressive profile to match its improved track performance, and the front end is now much sharper and angular; a concept first kicked off by Yamaha with their 'R' series of road-bikes which Kawasaki then took up, now followed by Honda. The headlights are new dual multi-reflector units covered by a one-piece flexiglass lens. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to test their effectiveness in the dark. The front of the bike now features large ducts for the airbox in the hope of gaining some positive airbox pressure at speed.

A new tail unit has also evolved with what seems like a little less padding and perhaps a bit of a higher perch for the passenger. I did not cover any long distances on the new F4i but I don't think the seat will cause too many complaints in the numb-bum department. The pillion seat opens by way of the ignition key inserted at the rear of the bike and has enough space for a u-lock or perhaps a tightly rolled set of wets, but not much more than that.

The F4i’s taillight is also smaller, taking after the distinctive two-part shape of the CBR900RR Fireblade with a new dual-bulb configuration. The number plate light on the rear guard extender does seem a little bit of overkill, no doubt the victim of an Australian Design Rule or something equally silly. Previous CBR 600s came with a centre-stand and, in line with Honda's more sporting slant in the marketing of this model, that has been done away with. All is not lost, however, as the lugs for the centre-stand are still there, so you can fit one yourself. The stands will be available through Honda