Honda’s first fully faired sportbike with inline 4-cylinder engine, the CBR600F began the generation. Built from 1987-1990, it’s one of the best balanced and lightest 600’s of the time. This example has unusual pearl white/silver paint with matching seat, tank protector, wheels, and mirrors.
1989 Honda CBR600F
Honda’s first City Bike Racer, the CBR was meant to commute and win races. The seriously oversquare ( and reliable ) 598cc four puts out 85 hp and 44 ft-lbs. of torque. Nissin 4-piston calipers grip 3 drilled rotors to provide great braking. Frame design was an evolution of the VFR750, the air adjustable forks and monoshock rear provided agility with enough stability to achieve the 12-second 1/4 mile and 140 mph the soap-bar fairing make possible.
Showing color-matched seat and tank protector, in the eBay auction the owner says:
Good condition, a few minor scratches and one tiny ding on gas tank however did not scratch or break paint. All original comes with matching tank bag and saddle bags. I am the 2nd owner my mother in law is the original owner.
Though not high resolution, the photos show no obvious flukes, appearing adult-owned and garage-kept. Without much detail about current use or maintenance, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a tune-up, fresh tires and brake pads.
After 4 successors ending with the CBR600F4i in 2006, the CBR600F was re-introduced in 2011 as the Hornet. But the smooth handling and slippery bodied 1987-89 model was the beginning of a great run.
-donn
I had one of these a couple years ago. Body was in ok shape. Very difficult to find proper body panels though! Always loved this color, behind the red/white/blue which I also owned a few years ago and was even featured on this site 😉
Thats a good looking color scheme and for sure much more rare than the red/ white/ blue. Although to be honest I personally prefer the more popular r/w/b.
Also something to keep in mind the 1990 was the last of that body style and also received quite a few upgrades including about a 10 hp increase which was pretty noticeable in keeping the CBR/ Hurricane in the hunt with the fresher (at the time) FZR 600 and Ninja ZX6. The 1990 would be the one to have for a bike that you wanted to ride. The CBR was the best balance of all of them- not as fast as the Ninja but better handling, and much more comfortable than the FZR but not as nimble.
Then again if I wanted a classic 600 CBR, I would look for a 1991 F2 model or even1994 (upgraded suspension).
Remember that while the CBR-F was a ‘new shape’ for North America and Europe, in 1987, this enclosed Aero CBR bodywork had debuted in 1986 as a 400 and 750 in Japan. Making the 600 the second fully faired inline 4 sport bike 😉
I had this exact same model and colour scheme and I sold it in 2011 to Kim hybrechts. I regret selling this bike. It was a true favourite of mine. I understand Kim eventually sold it to steven bunting.
Sounds like the CBR600 really hit the bulls eye for you blokes…