Archive for November, 2007

Honda CBR600F

Monday, November 5th, 2007

When the Honda CBR600F got fuel injection, it also had its personality split. From this point on, two Honda CBR600s would run concurrently: the Honda CBR600F and the Honda CBR600FS (now superseded by the Honda CBR600RR). One a sporty all-rounder, the other, a full-on sportsbike. The Honda CBR600F was, and remains, a brilliant motorcycle with real power and excitement but with the added practicalities to make it a contender for just about anyone’s garage.

Engine.
Some reckon the Honda CBR600F’s engine is very slightly lacking in midrange but, for the average rider, there’s a lot of very useable power. The fuel injection can make for juddery starts on cold mornings but, once up to temperature, it’s as smooth as a baby’s bum. To coin a massively-used but highly appropriate (in this instance) cliché: it’s bullet-proof.

Ride and Handling.
Fully adjustable suspension means customising the ride to your needs is a doddle. As it is, the Honda CBR600F handles beautifully. It lacks the razor sharp edginess of the Honda CBR600RR or other rivals but it’s still an absolute corker. Loads of power, plenty of torque but forgiving of the odd wrong gear or rider hiccup: it’s a ball to ride. The brakes are ok but may be a bit spongy on older models.

Equipment.
Dual seat, grab rail, centre stand… It sounds like a roll call for a big, dull tourer but the Honda CBR600F has them all, running alongside its sportier credentials. The dash is clear and clean with a fuel gauge, clock and digital speedo. Mirrors are good and there’s enough room under the seat for some waterproofs. Extras available include luggage and heated grips.

This article was taken from: Motorcycle News

Cagiva Mito 2008 Updates

Thursday, November 1st, 2007

This spy picture has just emerged revealing the first significant updates to the Cagiva Mito 125 in 13 years.

The revamped motorcycle is due to be officially unveiled for the first time at the Milan motorcycle show in less than two weeks time, but this picture from an MV convention reveals the two-stroke learner motorcycle has been given a complete restyle.

The seat and fairing are shaped to mimic Cagiva’s C594 500GP machine from the 1990’s, replacing the Ducati 916-alike shape seen on every Mito since 1994.

The swoopy fairing houses two wide-eyed headlights and a dummy intake shaped just like the C594’s carbon intake ducts, and the slim tail piece tapers to a point.

The passenger seat is colour-matched to the bodywork to give the appearance of a single race-seat.

The motorcycle’s chassis appears identical to the outgoing model in this image, but it remains to be seen whether the bike is to get a new four-stroke engine to pass emissions laws, or whether Cagiva has managed to get the current motorcycle’s 30bhp two-stroke engine through emissions laws.

This article was taken from MCN