• The CBR600F4 was based on a racing bike design.superbike image by Lario Tus from Fotolia.com
  
  The Honda CBR600 sports-bike has been through a few generational changes since its debut in 1987. In 1990, the CBR600 gained an F designation, in 1991 an F2, in 1995 an F3 and in 1999 the bike was called the CBR600F4. Fuel injection came along in 2001, so the F4 became the F4i, and the F4i bike was superseded by the newer CBR600RR in 2003.
  
  

Engine

• The CBR600 engine was redesigned in 1999 for the F4 version, with a more oversquare bore and stroke and a new dual-stage ram-air system. The engine is 599 cubic centimeters with four cylinders inline and four valves per cylinder. The engine is four-stroke and liquid-cooled, with a bore and stroke of 2.6 inches by 1.8 inches. The dual-stage ram air system feeds 36.5 mm carburetors using a large 6.5 liter airbox. The bike has electric start and the electronic ignition with 3-D mapping uses four transistorized ignition coils. This redesigned engine produces 110 horsepower at 12,500 rpm and a torque of 50.2 ft-lbs. at 10,500 rpm.
  
  

Chassis

• The F4 has a Pro-Frame aluminum frame, which is 15.4 lbs. lighter than the previous F3 model's steel frame. The rear suspension uses a Honda Multi-Action System built by Showa, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound, which was new for the 1999 year. The front suspension is composed of telescopic forks which are also adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. The brakes on the F4 are race standard, and radial tires were also fitted to the bike. The front brake uses a dual discs of 11.7-inch diameter and the rear brake is a single disc of 8.7-inch diameter. The transmission uses a chain final drive system with six speeds.
  
  

Dimensions and Performance

• The F4 weighs 375 lbs. dry and has a fuel tank capacity of 4.76 gallons. The bike has a wheelbase of 54.9 inches and a seat at a height of 31.9 inches. The F4 production bike was based on the F4 racing bike, which came out top in the 600cc Superbike races of 1999. The bike has a top speed of 161 mph and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
  
  

Fuel Injection

• The F4 gained an "i" designation in 2001 when the engine became fuel injected. The programmed fuel injection system fitted gave the bike five percent more power, aided by the improved ram air system and enlarged airbox, a new electronic ignition and a redesigned exhaust. The bike also gained an extra tooth on the previously 45-tooth rear sprocket to improve acceleration.