Old CBR600's - still reliable?

[sagalout]

Got the chance to buy a good condition CBR600, 94 plate import for £1600. All the usual checks look fine, and its from a dealer so it will have a short warranty, but I've never owned a bike this old.

Am I setting myself up for a lot of future hassle or do they have a good reputation for reliability? It does seem well looked after - bodywork is mint, with just a few scuffs on the mirrors. It will be used for short communting in summer/autumn then probably just brought out for the odd nice sunday in winter.

Any advice/experience much appreciated as I'm really tempted by this bike.

[Laura]

I had a cbr 600 fh E reg was the most reliable bike I ever owned not once let me down.

Age is nothing its the way its looked after plus hondas are bullet proof
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Good girls ride motorcycles bad girls thrash them.

[Ragdoll]

I have an F reg CBR600 and it's great. No problems at all (other than self-inflicted ones)
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1st bike - Honda Rebel; 2nd bike - CBR125; next bike - husband's 'blade hehehehe
Lancashire Bikers Facebook Group

[sagalout]

Cheers

I think I might go for it - only needs to last me 9 months anyway 'til I can get something a bit newer (although if its fine in that time I'll keep it anyway)

Its either that or a Bandit 600 from the same shop - and I think I might get bored of the bandit.

Anything in particular I should look out for on these bikes? Anything different about an import I need to know about?

[Ragdoll]

Nothing on mine other than the normal wear and tear...it just keeps going and going. It's not the best looking bike on the world but I'm not worried about dropping it!
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1st bike - Honda Rebel; 2nd bike - CBR125; next bike - husband's 'blade hehehehe
Lancashire Bikers Facebook Group

[McGee]

As long as any bike/car is well looked after and given regular services and kept clean they will be fine.
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◙◙► K6 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 1000 ◄◙◙◙◙► K5 GSXR 600 ◄◙◙◙◙► 96 RF600r ◄◙◙
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[Serendipity]

I have a UK spec ’94 CBR600FR. Bought third hand in 1997 and ridden almost every day ever since. Currently just a few miles short of 80,000 on the clock and no major engine work required….. yet. Touch wood

So yes, you should be tempted. This bike is from the time when the CBR was the untouchable king. The other 600’s didn’t have a chance. It’s a bit heavier than the more modern bikes, has a little less power and the brakes need a more positive squeeze, but as an all round, do everything bike it’s a sound investment.

Mine is possibly higher mileage that the one you’re looking at, but even so not much has gone wrong. The engine has a bombproof reputation and can still be found lurking around disguised as the powerplant in the 600 Hornet. All the spares are still available from Mr Honda (for a price) and plenty of pattern stuff out there too.

Just check the usual things. Mint bodywork?? Look underneath for signs of racing: scuffed pegs and casings, drain plug drilled for lockwire etc. Original exhaust system? Possibly rotten by now unless it’s really done very few miles. Import?? Check headlight alignment and speedo should show miles as well as, or instead of, kilometres.

But these bikes are legendary for their reliability. With the dealer warranty as well you’ll be laughing, literally. It’s a great bike. Go for it.
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2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[airpig]

Mine's an import too, from the states, The only 'problem' I've had with it was when I first rode it, getting used to the speedo showing speeds of 25, 35, 45 etc instead of 10, 20, 30.

It felt really weird, the bike is great though. Like they say, it's bulletproof and if anything does go wrong, there's shitloads of spares flying around.

Have fun!

[sagalout]

Cheers guys, advice much appreciated. Right then, off down the bike shop monday morning for another check over then hopefully will buy it.

Mileage is low - 27K KM and full service history to back it up, so should be tons of life left - was just more concerned about electrics I suppose.

Almost wish I wasnt going on holiday now though - wont be able to pick it up and ride it until 3rd of August!

[ram_doom]

I'm in a position to buy an old 1989 cbr600f, anything to watch out for specifically? And is it a good buy at 550? Only tatty bits really are scratched side panels. 26000 miles apparently
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TL1000s, KDX200

[Sephiroth]

[BigChris]