As the CBR was my "big" bike I'll try not to gush too emotionally about the experience. There's nothing worse than a virgin going on about how great their first shag was when we all know that it was probably crap.
Most of my previous experience was owning a CG125 many years ago. I had sneaked a go on a couple of my Dads bikes (Triumph, BSA and a Sunbeam) and had a brief and illegal time with a CB250 but my finances would only stretch to a SOB. Imagine my delight when I got my first company car. I promised myself that I would never have another bike until I could afford something nice that I could ride when I felt like it. This moment arrived in March 2000.
I chose the CBR600F after much thought and research. Firstly, I'm no mechanic and have no interest in fiddling with the oily bits. Therefore something with Honda written on it would probably be a safe bet. Secondly, the CBR is a tried and tested all rounder which suits most riding styles and abilities. That'll be me then.
When I collected the bike from the dealer I must confess to being very nervous. It looked powerful and sounded it too. Dennis Butler (DC Butler Motorcycles) could obviously see the fear in my eyes and kindly offered to take the CBR out onto the main road and point it in the right direction. He said that it would save me the embarrassment of dropping it in his yard or in front of the shop.
"Don't worry" he said "it's a pussycat. It won't bite you and anyway, you're the prat holding the throttle so it's up to you how fast it goes". Reassured by these words I wibbled off home to show the wife and kids whilst trying to keep the revs below 7000rpm.
He was right. The CBR600F is a piece of piss to ride. It's comfortable, smooth, stable and very forgiving. 7000rpm will put you at just under 100mph and get you there quite quickly. I was curious though, as the red line started all the way round at 14,000rpm!
Once the bike had done it's first 500 miles it had it's first service (134 uk pounds) and I was able to find out all about the rest of the rev range.
Blimey! Above 7000 rpm the party really kicks off. The pussycat has claws.
This is a high revving engine which is happiest when it's screaming. The acceleration is astonishing and the front wheel is keen to leave the ground when the power kicks in. The first time this happened I thought something was wrong with the steering but it was just the little bit of daylight appearing under the front tyre.
I have managed 155 mph (on the clock) whilst on a suitable piece of tarmac (The A41) The brakes are effective although it is very easy to lock up the back. The gears are smoother than earlier models although the old problem of jumping out on 2nd into neutral can still be an occasional pain in the arse. The only other complaint is the "dead spot" at about 4500 rpm. You just have to remember to keep out of there.
The chain is very easy to adjust and I have found that even I am able to manage the few general maintenance tasks required by the owner. The currentr ecommended tyres are BT010s (87.00 & 124.00) which I am due to have fitted next week. The only extra I have had fitted is a rear hugger simply to prevent muck from spreading itself all over the place.
In comparison I have recently ridden a Triumph Sprint (yawn) a Honda DLR650 (scary loan bike from dealer) and a Y2K Fireblade. All of these experiences have proved to me that I made the right choice with the CBR600, although if someone would kindly insure me for the Blade I'd swap in an instant, maybe next year.
