1996 Honda reviews

I have had the bike for about a year now and I really like it. It is really my first bike that was mine but I had been riding one of my dads bikes for a while. It is super easy to ride and I have put on some mods to improve acceleration and it is amazing how fast this bike gets up and goes. Show less

Just picked one up today. I rode it only for about 30 minutes because it was dark and late, but WOW! Super comfortable, easy on the wrists, and very nimble and quick! This is my first road bike after taking 3 years off from riding and I like it already! Show less

This is my first big bike I have owned. I purchased it in 1998 with only 4,500 miles on it. As far as I am concerned there isn't another 600 to date that can compare. I have ridden the '98, '99, & '00 F4's and the speed AND handling are still a distant second. The only problem I have found is upgrading and finding information about this bike. Can anyone help? There is a distinct and clear difference between it and the normal CBR600F3. My friend has a '97 CBR600F3 and my bike is way faster off the line and top end and the handling is phenomenal. I want to customize it and everywhere I look there is no talk about the Smokin' Joe's. Show less

This bike is a great beginner bike, but if you plan to use it to seriously ride off-road look somewhere else! it is lacking in power, suspension, and more. I suggest an XR-R with lighting if you want a competent dualsport bike. Show less

I bought a brand new 500 Interceptor in 1984 and owned it for 4 years. I just bought a used CBR 600 with 12000 miles on it. It reminds me of how easy to ride my Interceptor was but it seems as if it has twice the power and twice the stopping power. I can open the throttle all the way from about 6000-rpm and the front wheel will lift in the air. I took it to the drag strip and ran an 11.7 1/4 mile at 116.91 MPH. I have never raced at a drag strip before and I am a total beginner. I ran the bike three times and the 11:7 was my best time. The front wheel lifted of the ground for a second when I shifted from 1st to 2nd gear. It was a blast. The bike has a lot of top end speed compared to my 500. I have had it up to 145 MPH and it was still accelerating. The bars buzz at highway speeds around 55 mph. If I travel at about 65 or 75 MPH it is not so bad but still is noticeable. This bike is really easy to handle and I got the hang of it fast because it is so user friendly. This bike was a very good bargain used and runs as if it were brand new. This bike is not the state of the art now but, for the price I paid for it, I am very happy with it. It was less than 1/2 of a new 600. Compared to the new 600's this bike gets a 4 star rating, but this is the only bike I have and my fun factor when I am on it is a 5. Right now the bike is totally stock. I am putting a (one tooth smaller) front sprocket on the front and that is all I am going to do to it. My friends told me that it will add low end speed and grunt and will only effect top end speed approx. 4 or 5 MPH. I will find out in a few days after I get the sprocket. This bike is not the current state of the art, but it is good enough for me right now. Who knows, maybe in a year or two I will upgrade to a F4 or maybe a used 929! Show less

I've had no problems with mine. Bought it new in June 96. Its got a Vance & Hines SS2R full race exhaust system, a Factory jet kit, and a K&N air filter. The power's great and the bike handles really well. I credit the 16" front wheel for giving the bike its quick steering characteristics. WARNING to owners and potential buyers: Extended wheelie riding can result in burning up a bearing on the crankshaft, called the "wheelie bearing" by the Honda rep's. Anyway, this bike loves curvy roads. My first trip to the North GA mountains with a couple of "fast guys" was great. This bike ate the roads UP! And the "fast guys" as well! I am still in awe of how dependable this bike is. It can be run WFO for extended periods of time and just keeps asking for more. When's the last time you held the throttle wide open in 6th gear for over 10 minutes? This bike thrives on triple digit speeds. Can you? Show less