Honda CBF 600 SA8 known faults and problems?
 

first time touring and taking CBF 600, anyone used the bike touring before
or just know of any common issues problems?

Hi
Bumped into a dutch lad last year doing all of europe and turkey on a CBF , so it can be done .
Usual honda gripe being the rectifier................ other than that i think the early CBF s had a cam chain tensioner issue over high miles . Pretty bullet proof to be honest .
Would just make sure your consumables are pretty much new if you are going to be away for a while . Never a good idea to come flying down the side of a mountain to find your 3 year old brake fluid has boiled :thumbdown:
Some people on this site download the workshop manual onto a memory stick which sound like a good idea to me .

I bought a new CBF600 SA in 2008 & loved every inch of it. In 2 yrs, I covered 23,000 miles with no issues whatsoever. I didn't commute on it, I just loved covering long distances on it - 3 trips to Europe. So yes, definitely touring friendly.

Be aware that the service intervals are 4k miles (6k km) - garage servicing to retain the warranty was costly! So I wouldn't recommend buying new if you plan on serious mileage.

The new model (08+) is lightweight, has lots of oomph when needed (drop down a gear or two to have some serious fun). The older model (pre 08) is heavier and a bit sluggish I'm told.

The only reason I sold the 600 was to upgrade to the CBF1000 - another wonderful machine. Honda know how to make these bikes :)

I moved to a BMW F650GS twin last year & I'm still unsure if it was the right decision. It's a good bike but not without fault - unlike my Honda's :)

Depending what your previous bike experience is, you may love the CBF or not. Take one for a test ride with an open mind.

Tried and tested ?
 

Did you get the CBF600 for a long distance trip ?

Hello maddog,
i have a CBF600S 2004. No problems so far, except rider's faults :innocent:
It has about 83.000 kms now, rides smoothly as new. I like the old carburetor version, as it is simplier to fix than the newer, injection one. On the other hand, the newer is in many aspects slightly better, with lower fuel consumption.
I'm from Prague, but i've been on this bike in Scandinavia, Russia, Balkan countries... every time with my wife on the back seat. No problems at all. Some addons are a must-have (windshield), some would be nice to have (better seat), but I really love this bike and can't see a reason why should I change it for some other.