1897 CBR600F
Honda Hurricane

The first 1987 CBR600F, better known as the Honda Hurricane, was a revolutionary motorcycle. Due to its race track performance (riders on CBR600F series won eight 600 Supersport championships between 1987 and 2000) adapted to real world riding, the CBR600F earned the title of one of the best middleweight sport motorcycles of all times. This model from Honda saw no competition in its first three years of production and was the first of a series that was in the market for 19 years and sold more than 200,000 bikes.

The Honda Hurricane became very successful because:

- The motorcycle weighted 20 pounds less than its nearest rival.
- The bike made 10 more horsepower than its competitors in the same category.
- The Honda Hurricane was the first 600 cc sportbike that could complete a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds.
- It was a budget oriented motorcycle that was fairly priced.
- It was equipped with a very good in-line-four engine.
- It had an impressive aerodynamically designed and functional full-coverage bodywork.
- The bike was particularly well marketed.

Main tech specs of the CBR600F Honda Hurricane

• 598cc DOHC inline four engine
• 16-valve (4 per cylinder)
• Liquid-cooled
• HP 85 hp at 11,000 RPM
• Torque 58.8 Nm at 8500 RPM
• 6-speed transmission
• Chain driven
• Disc brakes (dual front, single rear)
• Wheelbase 1405 mm (55.3 inches)
• Fuel Capacity: 16.5 l (4.36 gallons)
• Dry Weight: 182 kg (401.2 pounds)

The "Hurricane" appellative was kept for two years (1987 and 1988). In 1989, Honda dropped the nick name and started using only the very famous CBR nomenclature. The concept of the Honda Hurricane became then the platform of a now legendary series of motorcycles.

A bit on the CBR600F evolution

• 1989 - The Honda Hurricane became the CBR600F
• 1991 - The CBR600F2 was born with a revolutionary 100 hp engine
• 1995 - The CBR600F3 made its appearance
• 1999 - The CBR600F4 was introduced to the market
• 2002 - It was the turn for the CBR600F4i
• 2007 - The CBR600F4i was replaced by the CBR600RR

All F models were improved over the years and suffered major changes that are discussed in the CBR600F page of this site, but something is true, all 600 cc F series motorcycles stayed faithful to the original Honda Hurricane concept: high performance, a convenient and well-bred package, and an affordable price.

Well done Honda!

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