The Golden Era of Motorcycle—The Honda CBR600F4i
The middleweight sportbike every bike collector should have in their garage.
Words by Damian Nicholas | 3 Minute Read
QUEEN OF HEARTS. GQ
If someone asked me when was the first time I fell in love with a motorcycle was; I would have to say, maybe around the early 2000s. To be more specific, the era of Ruff Ryder, stunt legends like Wink 1100, and the stunt bike DVDs era. As a young enthusiast, glued to my PS3, which played Blu-ray DVDs—hours were spent watching Susuzki's GSX-R600 and Kawasaki ZX-6R, doing 60-mile-per-hour wheelies, slides, and crashes
QUEEN OF HEARTS. GQ
The Late '90s to early 2000s, inspired a new generation of regular sportbike riders to join bike clubs, perform stunts on the street, and often found themselves street racing after bike meets. Parallel to this urban culture, was a battle brewing within the middleweight class, the big four, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda—were all producing powerful street machines. But in 2001, Honda debuted the CBR600F4i, the first fuel-injected 600cc sportbike, when all other manufacturers were still producing carbureted bikes.
DMX — RUFF RYDERS’ ANTHEM. 2001. THE ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP
BMW
I was a Kawasaki fan, my brother-in-law owned a 2002 Kawasaki green ZX-6R. After his crash, he switched over to Honda purchasing an early model Honda CBR600F4i, the first bike that made me a fan of Honda motorcycles to this day—later he transitioned to a 2006 Honda CBR 1000RR in a blue and yellow (Wolverine) colorway, finally settling with a 2017 Honda CBR1000RR Repsol Edition. I never asked what happened to his first Honda, but that generation of CBR600 was praised by riders during that time and is still receiving praise now, from the younger generation of riders.
CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE. 2001.
The story of the CBR600F4i began with its introduction in 2001, It was an evolution of the earlier CBR600F series, featuring a refined 599cc inline-four engine that delivered an impressive power-to-weight ratio. The bike was redesigned with sportier chassis from the previous model, which hinted at superior handling and agility. The updated fairing design not only amplified aerodynamic performance but also added a strikingly modern aesthetic that turned heads on the streets.
One of the F4i’s standout features was its revolutionary "Unit Pro-Link" rear suspension system. Providing ride comfort, all while maintaining sharp handling while cornering. The sleek digital instrument panel, another first for the CBR600 series, provided clear and accurate information at a glance. This design led to a sporty riding position, which, surprisingly, remained comfortable enough for the longer journey.
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CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE. 2001.
As the years passed, the F4i garnered acclaim for its reliability and impressive performance, becoming a beloved staple in both street and track riding communities. The CBR600F4i often found itself compared favorably against its competitors, solidifying Honda’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality sportbikes. On track, the F4i made a respectable name for itself, appearing in various amateur competitions and contributing to the growing popularity of 600cc sportbike racing in the early 2000s.
VIA CBR FORUM
However, as the motorcycle industry evolved, so too did the desires of its riders. By 2006, Honda made the difficult decision to end the production of the CBR600F4i, shifting focus towards emerging technologies and more radical designs. Yet, even with its departure, the F4i refused to fade into obscurity. A dedicated cult following emerged, united by their passion for this remarkable machine. Enthusiasts and collectors cherished the F4i for its unique blend of performance, comfort, and reliability, holding onto the nostalgia it evoked.
BMW
The Honda CBR600F4i became more than just a motorcycle; it evolved into an enduring legend within the motorcycle community. Now, riders praise the F4i not only for its raw power and no riders aid, but for its pivotal role in shaping the modern sportbike experience. Bridging the divide between machines designed solely for the track and those meant for everyday use, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors everywhere.
Buyer Tips
Brand: Honda
Model: 2001 - 2006 CBR600F4i
Color: Winning Red (Sport Model), Black, Yellow, Blue & Red (Touring Models)
Price: $99,775 USD ( Based MSRP + D&H)
Problem + Care: Cam-Chain Tensioner (engine rattling sound), Regulator/ Rectifiers (hard to start due to charging), Fuel-Pressure Regulator (Hard to start due to fuel-pressure issues.)
Tips: Check for OEM fairings (if changed, ask why), any scraps to bodywork, pegs and levers (checking to see if the bike has been dropped), always runs the vin.
Where to Buy: Iconic Motorbike Auctions, Bring-A-Trailer
Jun 13, 2025
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