CBR 600 gets fuel-injection for 2001

By GARY MORELLO

The CBR600 has been one of the best-selling sports bikes since its inception in 1987.

Until Yamaha released the YZF-R6, the CBR6 was king of the hill, right around the globe.

Now, with fuel injection and aggressive new styling, can Honda climb back up the popularity ladder?

It's doubtful, but that's in no part due to the bike. Speaking to many other motorcyclists, most seem to be of the opinion that the R6 and GSX-R6 are more worthy.

This is a little perplexing, because no matter what 600 you choose (yes, even the Triumph TT600) you can't really go wrong. It depends more on the sorts of riding you are going to do.

Like the ZX-6R, Honda's CBR6 has always been more of an all-rounder, as opposed to an out-and-out track day tool. Although, with the inclusion of more sports-orientated fittings, the new Honda looks to be a little sharper this year and is leaning further towards a pure-bred racer.

There are a number of changes over the CBR600F4 of last year to warrant closer inspection. First and foremost, the fuel injection.

Fuel-injected bikes have always had a slight delay in power delivery, as compared to their carbureted counterparts.

However, this delay is almost non-existant on the new CBR. As the engineers get newer toys and techniques, the injection technology gets more efficient and this rings true with the new Honda.

Featuring one injector, with four nozzles, for each cylinder, the bike's engine is relatively unchanged since the F4 - barring the PGM fuel injection. There are, however, new throttle bodies - larger than the F4's carbs.

A lighter flywheel, enlarged cross-over holes in the crankcase and decreased ring tension have helped the bike rev harder, now with a 14,200 rpm red line.

Power is quoted by Honda at 110hp, though these figures are almost always exaggerated. Claimed torque is 65Nm at 10,500rpm.

Fifth and sixth gears have been moved closer too, so while top speeds aren't drastically different between the F4 and F4i, the latter will be revving higher and getting there quicker - keeping the bike in the powerband.

New forks, an added clutch plate (from seven to eight for better starts) and the removal of the trusty centre stand all scream one thing - race machine.

The people have spoken and Honda has listened...

The new bike includes a revised front and rear end, now more like the 929 Fireblade with a piggy-back seat for the pillion.

Black frame and swingarm don't do much for the bike, though others may disagree. The front cowling has been given an overhaul, with revised headlight and new ram-air complete with a louder growl at high speeds - huzzah!

While not original, the twin headlights still add a tad more flair to the front end. New digital speedo is easier to read than the old-school one and a large round analogue tacho lets you know what the engine's doing.

There's even a little shift light when you hit the redline - obviously Honda wants to race.

On the whole, the new CBR is looking very neat. The typical Honda reliability is always a big drawcard, and the new fuel injection will impress many (plus there's no choke!).

Once an all-rounder for the racer-wannabe-commuter, the new 2001 CBR is definitely inclined to a more race-going lifestyle. Is this a good thing?

The 2001 CBR600F4i will be sitting pretty on showroom floors by April. Though Honda has given no official price, expect it to be around the $13,000-$14,000 mark plus ORC.