The 600cc inline-four sportsbike
Effectively extinct
In 1996 the 600cc inline-four sportsbike class was the most contested in motorcycling: Honda CBR600F, Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki ZX-6R. By 2026 only the ZX-6R survives (and only in some markets). The CBR600F was killed in 2006 to make room for the CBR600RR; the CBR600RR is now grey-import only in EU; no replacement.
F2 → F3 → F4 → F4i
16 years, 4 gens
F2 (1991-94): twin-shock rear, carb-fed, 95bhp. F3 (1995-98): monoshock, ram-air, 100bhp. F4 (1999-2000): aluminium twin-spar frame, 105bhp, last carb. F4i (2001-2006): fuel injection, 109bhp. Each generation was incremental; the F4i is the most refined and most sought-after used today. Bombproof if maintained.
Why CBR600F → CBR600RR
WSBK 600 race rules
The 2003 CBR600RR was Honda's WSBK supersport homologation bike — sharper geometry, race-rep ergonomics, higher-revving 117bhp. The F4i was kept alongside until 2006, then killed to focus 600cc development on the RR. Track-day riders loved the RR; commuters who liked the F's friendly ergonomics had nowhere to go. The MT-07 captured many of those riders by 2014.
Real cost trajectory
−28% real
£6,200 CBR600F3 in 1996 (£12,400 today) → £8,899 CBR650R (closest 2026 successor). Significantly cheaper in real terms. Modern CBR650R has more rider aids (cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes) but the CBR600RR is grey-import only. Used market in 2026: CBR600F F2/F3 £1.5-2.8k, F4/F4i £2.2-4k for clean low-mile.
Rider aids count (1996 → 2026)
0 → 6
CBR600F3 had nothing — analogue dials, no ABS, no FI, no electronics. F4i added FI (2001) but no ABS as standard until 2007 (different generation). 2026 CBR650R has ABS, FI, traction control, cornering ABS, ride modes, full LCD. The middleweight class has gone from analogue to fully electronic.
Cheapest way in
£1.5k
A clean F3 from 1995-1998 — ram-air, monoshock, 100bhp. The cheapest path to a competent 600cc Japanese sportsbike with proper handling. Pay attention to carb sync, reg/rec, choke cable, and front-end condition. F4i is the sweet spot for value if you want fuel injection — £2.2-4k for clean.
vs CBR600RR (used) in 2026
Different riders
CBR600RR (2003-2024 grey import) used market: £3-6k for clean. CBR600F F4i used: £2.2-4k. The RR is sharper and faster but the F is more comfortable for daily use. Both bombproof if maintained. RR has stronger collector value because of WSBK heritage.
