Honda·Roadster·599cc

CB600F Hornet

↘ Evolution history · 1998 → 2013
16
Years of production
2
Generations
599
current cc
102
Horsepower
8
Vintages

The original. CBR600-derived 599cc four-cylinder, 102hp in a light naked chassis — the recipe that defined the affordable roadster for 16 years.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 2 · 2007 — 2013
CBR600RR INJECTION

Complete redesign in 2007: fuel-injected CBR600RR engine, die-cast aluminium frame, 102hp in 173kg. The Hornet grows up — lighter, more powerful, more modern. Full facelift in 2011 with signature twin headlight, LCD display and underbelly exhaust.

2013
AAesthetics
Final model year — replaced by the CB650F in 2014
Honda presents the CB650F and CBR650F at EICMA November 2013 as the official successors to the Hornet 600
Minor
2011
AAesthetics
Complete facelift — new twin headlight, LED tail light, underbelly exhaust
Medium
EElectronics
New LCD instrument cluster with analogue tachometer — wider handlebars
Medium
2009
CFrame
Inverted fork gains compression damping adjustment + new 7-way preload/rebound monoshock
Medium
EElectronics
Improved LCD instrument cluster
Minor
2007
MEngine
Fuel-injected CBR600RR engine — 102hp / 64Nm — +6hp vs Gen 1
Fuel injection replaces 4 carburettors — engine maps optimised for urban and sport riding
Major
CFrame
New die-cast aluminium mono-backbone frame — aluminium swingarm — 173kg dry (−3kg)
Major
CFrame
Enlarged 19L fuel tank — new 5-spoke aluminium wheels
Medium
SSafety
ABS available as option — first Hornet 600 with ABS
Medium
Buyer radar
2011

Restyled, fuel-injected, 102hp, post-2011 depreciation — best value-for-fun on the used market.

TOP BUY
2013

Last model year — maximum depreciation, mechanically mature. Ideal for savvy buyers.

GOOD PICK
2007

First fuel-injection year — some early electrical issues reported. Check service history carefully.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 1998 — 2006
CARBURETTOR ERA

Born at Intermot Cologne in 1998, the CB600F Hornet uses the detuned 599cc four from the CBR600F (1995) producing 96hp. Steel mono-backbone chassis, 178kg dry — a simple, effective recipe that instantly became the benchmark for affordable roadsters.

2005
CFrame
Inverted front fork — noticeably improved road holding and rigidity
Conventional 41mm fork replaced by inverted unit — stiffer in corners, better feedback
Medium
EElectronics
Modernised instrument cluster
Minor
2003
MEngine
New 4-2-1 stainless slash-cut exhaust + Euro 2 compliance
Medium
CFrame
Fuel tank enlarged to 17L (from original 16L)
Medium
AAesthetics
Bodywork restyled — upswept tail unit, new side panels
Minor
2000
CFrame
Front wheel 16" → 17" — improved cornering and braking stability
Major geometry change fixing the early understeer — simultaneous front brake system strengthening
Medium
AAesthetics
Launch of the CB600F-S — half-faired version with screen and side fairings
Medium
1998
MEngine
599cc inline-4 from CBR600F — 96hp / 63Nm @ 9,500rpm
1995 CBR600F engine detuned for urban tractability — 12,000rpm redline, 4 Keihin carburettors
Major
CFrame
Steel mono-backbone frame — conventional 41mm telescopic fork — 176kg dry
Major
AAesthetics
Radical naked design — 16-inch front wheel, clean fairingless lines
Major
Buyer radar
2005

Inverted fork, 7 years of proven mechanicals, unbeatable second-hand price. Check stator/rectifier on 1998–2002 models.

GOOD PICK
2000

17" wheel fixes the original geometry flaw. Good value on the used market.

OK