Honda CB 600 F Hornet [1998-2004]: A Timeless Middleweight Naked Bike Revisited

Introduction

The Honda CB 600 F Hornet (1998-2004) remains a benchmark in the middleweight naked bike category, a machine that blends practicality with a thrilling ride. Designed as a stripped-down, no-nonsense motorcycle, the Hornet captured hearts with its accessible yet exhilarating performance. Over its six-year production run, it solidified its reputation as a versatile companion for city commutes, weekend twisties, and even the occasional long-distance adventure. Let’s dive into what makes this generation of the Hornet a standout—even by modern standards.

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Design & Ergonomics: Minimalist Aggression

The Hornet’s design philosophy is straightforward: take Honda’s reliable inline-four engine, wrap it in a minimalist chassis, and add just enough styling to let the mechanical components shine. The result is a bike that looks purposeful without unnecessary frills. The angular fuel tank, exposed frame, and compact tail section give it a lean, almost predatory stance. Color options evolved over the years, ranging from vibrant yellows and blues to understated blacks and asphalt grays, ensuring there’s a Hornet to match any rider’s personality.

Rider Comfort:
With a seat height of 790 mm (31.1 inches), the Hornet accommodates riders of varying statures. The upright riding position strikes a balance between sporty aggression and all-day comfort. The wide handlebars offer leverage for tight maneuvers, while the slightly rearset pegs keep your legs in a natural bend. At 176–178 kg (388–392 lbs) dry, it’s light enough to flick around town yet substantial enough to feel planted at highway speeds.

Practical Touches:
The 16–18.9 L (4.2–5.0 US gal) fuel tank provides a realistic range of 250–300 km (155–186 miles), depending on how hard you exploit the rev-happy engine. The narrow profile and 745–820 mm (29–32 inches) overall width make lane-splitting a breeze in urban environments.

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Engine & Performance: The Screaming Heart

At the core of the Hornet lies Honda’s legendary 599 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine. Derived from the CBR600F sportbike, this powerplant was retuned for broader street usability—but don’t mistake that for tameness.

Power Delivery:
Peak figures vary slightly across model years, but expect 94–98 HP (69–71.5 kW) at 12,000 RPM and 62–67 Nm (45.7–49.4 lb-ft) of torque around 9,500–10,000 RPM. The engine thrives on revs, building momentum linearly until the tachometer needle swings past 8,000 RPM, where the exhaust note sharpens into a metallic howl. While modern bikes favor midrange grunt, the Hornet rewards riders who aren’t afraid to wring its neck.

Real-World Performance:
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 3.4 seconds—a figure that still embarrasses many new bikes.
- Top speed: 215–218 km/h (133–135 mph), though sustained runs above 180 km/h (112 mph) demand a committed riding posture.
- Fuel efficiency: 7.9 L/100 km (29.7 mpg) under mixed riding, improving to 6.5 L/100 km (36 mpg) during gentle highway cruising.

The Carburetion Quirk:
Unlike modern fuel-injected rivals, the Hornet relies on four 34 mm CV carburetors. While they demand occasional synchronization and choke use on cold mornings, purists argue they deliver a more visceral throttle response. Just keep the revs above 3,000 RPM to avoid flat spots.

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Handling & Dynamics: Agile Meets Stable

The Hornet’s chassis is a masterclass in simplicity. A steel diamond frame pairs with a 41 mm telescopic fork (109–125 mm/4.3–4.9 inches of travel) and a preload-adjustable rear shock (127–128 mm/5.0–5.1 inches travel). Suspension tuning leans toward the sporty side, absorbing bumps competently without wallowing during aggressive cornering.

Wheels & Tires:
Early models rolled on a 130/70-ZR16 front tire, swapped for a 120/70-ZR17 after 2002 to improve turn-in sharpness. The 180/55-ZR17 rear provides ample grip, though modern rubber like Michelin Road 6s can unlock even more confidence.

Braking:
Dual 296 mm front discs with Nissin two-piston calipers offer strong initial bite, while the 220 mm rear disc handles slowing duties. ABS wasn’t an option, so threshold braking skills are a must.

At the Limits:
With a wheelbase of 1,420–1,425 mm (55.9–56.1 inches) and 50/50 weight distribution, the Hornet transitions between corners effortlessly. Ground clearance of 135–140 mm (5.3–5.5 inches) allows for generous lean angles before peg feelers scrape.

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Competition: How Does the Hornet Stack Up?

In the late ’90s/early 2000s naked bike arena, the Hornet faced fierce rivals:

1. Yamaha FZ6 (2004–):
   More refined with fuel injection and a half-fairing, but heavier (218 kg/481 lbs) and less raw in character.

2. Suzuki GSF600 Bandit (1995–):
   Torquier 599 cc engine with a steel tubular frame, but its 215 kg (474 lbs) weight and softer suspension made it feel less agile.

3. Kawasaki Z750 (2004–):
   Larger 749 cc engine with more low-end punch, yet its ergonomics skewed toward taller riders.

The Hornet’s Edge:
Lighter weight, sharper handling, and that intoxicating inline-four scream give it an edge for enthusiasts. However, riders prioritizing low-end torque or modern electronics might prefer newer alternatives.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Hornet Buzzing

The CB 600 F’s mechanical simplicity translates to straightforward upkeep—if you follow Honda’s rigorous schedule:

1. Valve Adjustments:
   Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles). Intake valves: 0.16 mm (0.006 in), exhaust: 0.22 mm (0.008 in).

2. Oil Changes:
   Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). Use 10W-40 JASO MA-rated oil—3.5 L (3.7 qt) without filter, 3.8 L (4.0 qt) with.

3. Carb Maintenance:
   Clean jets annually if ridden infrequently. Sync every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

4. Chain & Sprockets:
   The 110-link 530 chain requires regular lubrication. Replace sprockets (15T front/42T rear) when teeth hook.

5. Critical Fluids:

6. Coolant: 2.0 L (2.1 qt) of ethylene glycol mix, changed every 2 years.

7. Brake fluid: DOT 4, flushed biennially.

8. Tire Pressures:
   2.5 bar (36 psi) front/rear for solo riding; 2.9 bar (42 psi) rear when two-up.

Common Upgrades:
- Swap stock NGK CR9EH-9 spark plugs for iridium variants (CR9EHIX-9) for longer service intervals.
- Upgrade brake pads to sintered compounds for improved bite.
- Install a taller windscreen for highway comfort.

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Conclusion: Why the Hornet Still Stings

Two decades on, the CB 600 F Hornet remains a compelling choice for riders seeking an engaging, analog riding experience. Its combination of razor-sharp handling, addictive engine note, and Honda’s bulletproof reliability make it a timeless icon. Whether you’re threading through traffic, carving canyon roads, or simply enjoying the mechanical symphony of its inline-four, the Hornet delivers smiles per gallon in spades.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’re here to keep your Hornet buzzing with a full range of OEM-spec and performance upgrades. From chain kits to carb rebuild kits, explore our catalog to enhance your ride’s potential.

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Specifications sheet

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