Honda dropped the pebble in 1987 that eventually became a tidal ( and supersport title ) wave, but the first-generation machines with their steel frames, four carbs, and streamlined bodies have been all but forgotten. Here is a substantially stock example whose clean presentation belies its 28 years and 33,000 miles.
1989 Honda CBR600F for sale on eBay
Returning to an inline four after the V-4 Interceptors, the CBR600F claimed 85 hp from its 598 water cooled cc’s. The crankcase and cylinder bases are cast together in innovative manufacturing process, limiting crankshaft flex. The twin beam frame also supported the steering head from the top of the engine, but very little of that could be seen under the all-covering soap bar. Forks from Showa and Pro-Link rear were pre-load adjustable, and Nissin brakes were not oversized but rated excellent.
For the miles and condition, the CBR presented here would be expected to be restored or at least a re-paint. Whether a very careful rider or long-past rehabilitation, the factory colors and equipment look great. The Georgia owner says this in the eBay auction:
Up for auction is a beautiful unmolested first year production 1989 CBR600 in the rare Red, White, Blue color combination that is all original except the muffler. The original plastic and fairing is in incredible shape along with the factory white wheels. The white is a beautiful pearl that pops in the light. No fade or clear coat issues. No tears in the seat. No leaks in the engine and the under carriage is very clean and appears it has never been ridden in the rain. You would be hard pressed to find a cleaner CBR600 from this era. Bike has always been garaged and it’s obvious with the condition of the paint. This collector’s bike is the first year of the CBR and not the Hurricane. Just installed a new battery and bike fires right up every time. All lights and gauges work as they should. There is nothing wrong with this bike! I doubt you will find a cleaner CBR600 from this era in this condition.
Though the factory had the resources and riders to make its mark on AMA Superbike and Supersport, the cost savings afforded by the full fairing allowed privateers to take the CBR600F to the next level. Great right out of the box, the bike excelled in classes where major updates were ruled out. Alloy frames and adjustable everything would come to the CBR600F, but the initial years of production were a revolution in their own right. This clean example deserves a closer look at least…
-donn
Clean bike. That thing brings back memories..
I remember when these came out, all the parents were screaming that their kids would be killing themselves, insurance companies jacked up the rates because of the us model name “hurricane. Meanwhile at the dealerships they were called the “jellybean” and considered just meh bike by the dealership workers, most preferred the kawasaki of the era.
It was the next gen from Honda that really reset the bar via the epic 600F2. The F2 was Probably the bike that really created the 600cc market segment as the one to have.
This one looks nice but will probably not appreciate..if collecting for future value, look for the F2.
This is still an ugly bike, just like it was back when it was released. I still maintain this was a rare styling misstep from Honda.
I really don’t quite get why the US always get shafted. This 600 has steel frame. Steel frame for crying out loud! Which is perfectly fine if you didn’t know the same bike with 400cc engine in Japan came with proper aluminium frame. The same with FZRs, or GPz and GPx.
I’m usually a big Honda fan, but that bike is as unattractive as the Ducati Paso.
I would agree with this statement, but I do like the paintjob! Always a sucker for red/white/blue.
Too funny,
Alain Proust of F1 fame is sitting on one exactly like this bike on VFT