Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f

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Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f
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motorcycles

Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f

Comparison test
Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f

They don’t shine in the spotlight and don’t flaunt superlatives. And yet not much is missing. They come in second and third place in the registration statistics behind the BMW R 1200 GS: the Honda CBF 600 and the Kawasaki ER-6 models.

Peter Mayer

05/11/2009

Success makes you self-confident. And the Honda CBF 600 and Kawasaki ER-6 had plenty of that this year. With almost 2500 and 2400 respectively (as of the end of October) registered machines, they took second and third place in the sales hit list. They only had to admit defeat to the all-time blockbuster, the BMW R 1200 GS (4000 units sold).

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The magic word of success: Value for money – as bulky and sober as it may sound. After all, you can get a lot of motorcycles for just over 7,000 euros. This is confirmed the first time you try it out. Especially the Honda looks grown up compared to the Kawasaki almost a little bulky.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Engines: The age-old and yet eternally young dispute: four-cylinder in the Honda (left) versus two-cylinder in the Kawasaki (right). It is still the gut that decides. The head only provides the appropriate arguments. By the way: The uncovered ER-6n model had to be available for the Kawa engine.

Almost 20 kilograms separate the two. And a completely different feeling of space. The CBF generously accommodates the driver and co-driver. An open knee angle, sufficient distance to the handlebars and a wide, even height-adjustable seat for the driver convey the character of a tour. The space available on the ER-6f is more compact. The narrow seat, the handlebars that are closer to the rider and the tight knee angle suggest from the first moment: I could also be a fun bike.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Wolfgang Harbusch, Honda-Wellbrock in Lilienthal.

This positioning is also popular with customers. “The CBF 600 is of particular interest to returnees and women,” explains Wolfgang Harbusch, Managing Director of the Honda dealer Wellbrock in Lilienthal. “The 600 series takes away the fear that they still have of a big machine at this point in time. Usually these people come after a year or two and switch to the CBF 1000”, the northern lights speak from experience.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Gunther Hohengassner, MotoCenter Chiemgau in Traunstein.

This differs significantly from the findings of Kawasaki dealer Gunter Hohengassner from Traunstein. “There is no such thing as the typical ER-6 buyer. The Bavarian knows that the range extends from newcomers straight from driving school to retirees. Which has direct consequences. While a good three quarters of all CBF sympathizers order the small Honda as an S model, i.e. with half fairing, more than half of the owners of the Kawa want to wear the undisguised one “n”-Version let the wind blow around your nose. Younger customers in particular choose the naked ER-6 edition. The actually logical step to a fun bike from this point of view is usually not taken. From 1200 Versys sold in the first year of 2007, sales plummeted to fewer than 300 in 2009. The main culprit is probably the appearance of the technically based on the ER-6 and just 300 euros more expensive fun bike, which takes getting used to.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Brakes: ABS is also standard in the middle class. Good this way. The Honda ABS (above) regulates more finely, but the Kawasaki brakes (below) are more powerful and more finely dosed in normal operation.

In any case, it’s not the engine. The two-cylinder responds cleanly from 3000 revs, pushes forward demanding from this mark in order to utilize its superior torque (see diagram on page 30) at 7000 revs. This is the area in which the twin feels comfortable, revving up to over 10,000 revs for a brief overtaking maneuver and then just letting it go. Torque is the strength of the two-cylinder concept. The Honda is polarized differently in this regard. Even if – as with the Kawa – there is usable power available from 3000 tours, it can still be turned. The four-cylinder purrs like a small turbine. The higher the speed, the more comfortable the unit feels and pulls past the Kawa drive at 8500 rpm. The six additional horses that are harnessed after this mark are more than just reserve capacity. It is surprisingly often that you catch yourself actually calling up the almost 80 hp peak power.

A trend that is also reflected in the chassis design. Apart from the said more generous space, the Honda is also adult in the vote. Tight suspension, rich damping and, above all, neutral steering behavior are the ingredients for a confidence-inspiring ensemble. The fact that, as is usual in this class, both the fork and the monoshock can only be adjusted in terms of the spring preload. The setup is even good for two-person operation. Especially since the space available for the passenger is far above the standard expected for this class. A level that the Kawasaki almost reaches, but only almost.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Swing: Another question of character: functional but unadorned rear swing arm on the Honda (above), visually attractive suspension strut on the Kawasaki swing arm (below).

The non-adjustable fork and the shock absorber, which can only be adjusted in the spring base, do a good job after the revision for the 2009 model, even when accompanied – even if the passenger has to make himself a bit thin on the one-piece seat. Only the indifferent feeling in curves is surprising. This imprecise steering behavior is not known from ER-6 models that, for example, roll on Dunlop Roadsmart instead of the Bridgestone BT 021.

Bean counting? Is it insignificant for entry-level bikes? Not correct. The statistics on this page show how deeply middle-class customers are in the matter. Even in the 600 league, customers react to every model change. The change to an aluminum frame, petrol injection and combined ABS in the 2008 model year doubled the sales of the Honda CBF 600. Even the moderate facelift of the ER-6 was reflected. Firmer suspension, higher quality workmanship and better brakes brought the Kawa registration numbers to an almost 25 percent increase this year.


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Armaturen: Show me your instruments and I’ll tell you who you are: Conservative, the analog Honda cockpit (above), funky, but difficult to read, the digital Kawa instruments (below).

Against this background, aspects such as the main stand (only available from Honda), the luggage system (as an original accessory also only in the Honda range) and of course ABS (standard equipment from both manufacturers) are of undreamt-of importance. Just like the fuel consumption. With 4.2 liters at a moderate country road speed, both machines underline that the issue of households has not yet been ticked off with the purchase price. Especially since the range increases to dimensions suitable for long distances.

Depending on the driving style, the 20-liter fuel supply does not force the Honda to the gas station until after more than 400 kilometers. The Kawasaki has to fill up its 15.5 liter tank 100 kilometers earlier. On the subject of brakes. This point goes to the ER-6f – despite the coarser ABS regulating it. On this side of the emergency braking, the system from supplier Tokico delivers the more powerful bite and more sensitive controllability. Which ultimately fits in with the character of the fun vehicle.

And what is it called so beautifully? It’s all a question of relations. To which these middle-class successful models obviously knew a good answer in most areas. Because the CBF and the ER-6f are also convincing apart from any relativizing price discussion. The fact that both ultimately offer solid technology and attractive performance at moderate tariffs makes them what they are: the Crown Prince of the motorcycle market in 2009.

Data Honda CBF 600 S


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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engine
Water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, injection, Ø 32 mm, regulated catalytic converter, 333 W alternator, 12 V / 9 Ah battery, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain, secondary ratio 42:16.
Bore x stroke 67.0 x 42.5 mm
Displacement 599 cm3
Compression ratio 11.6: 1
rated capacity 57.0 kW (78 hp) at 10500 rpm
Max. Torque 59 Nm at 8250 rpm

landing gear
Central tubular frame made of aluminum, telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, adjustable spring base, two-arm swing arm made of steel, central spring strut, directly hinged, adjustable spring base, double disc brake at the front, Ø 296 mm, double-piston floating calipers, rear disc brake, Ø 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper, ABS.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 5.00 x 17
tire 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17
Tires in the test Michelin Pilot Road in front “B.”

Mass and weight
Wheelbase 1490 mm, steering head angle 65.0 degrees, caster 110 mm, spring travel f / h 120/128 mm, seat height * 770-790 mm, weight with a full tank * 226 kg, payload * 191 kg, tank capacity / reserve 20.0 / 4, 0 liters.
guarantee two years
Service intervals 6000 km
To dye Blue, black, silver, red
price 6440 euros
Price test motorcycle** 7340 euros
extra costs around 170 euros

* MOTORCYCLE measurements
** ABS 600 euros including main stand, fairing 300 euros.

Technical data Kawasaki ER-6f


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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engine
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, two overhead, gear-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, fork rocker arms, semi-dry sump lubrication, injection, Ø 38 mm, regulated catalytic converter, alternator 336 W, battery 12 V / 14 Ah, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, Six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain, secondary ratio 46:15.
Bore x stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm
Displacement 649 cm3
Compression ratio 11.2: 1
rated capacity 53.0 kW (72 hp) at 8500 rpm
Max. Torque 66 Nm at 7000 rpm

landing gear
Steel tubular frame, load-bearing motor, telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel, spring strut, directly articulated, adjustable spring base, double disc brake at the front, Ø 300 mm, double-piston floating calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 220 mm, single-piston floating caliper, ABS.
Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 4.50 x 17
tire 120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17
Tires in the test Bridgestone BT 021 “J”

mass and weight
Wheelbase 1410 mm, steering head angle 65.0 degrees, caster 106 mm, spring travel f / h 120/125 mm, seat height * 800 mm, weight with a full tank * 208 kg, payload * 176 kg, tank capacity 15.5 liters.
guarantee two years
Service intervals 6000 km
To dye Black, green, blue
price 7095 euros
extra costs around 180 euros

* MOTORCYCLE measurements

MOTORCYCLE measurements


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

Battle of Concepts: What the four-cylinder Honda loses compared to the two-cylinder Kawa at the bottom, it packs on top again. Actually nothing new. But: With the easy-to-turn 600 series bikes, the plus in top performance also has a positive effect on everyday use. Which is reflected in the absolute driving performance (acceleration from a standstill) anyway.

Top speed

Manufacturer information  km / h
 Honda  210
 Kawasaki  210

acceleration

manufacturer 0-100 km / h 0-140 km / h 0-200 km / h
 Honda 4.0 s 7.1 s 21.1 s
 Kawasaki 3.9 s 7.4 s  23.9 s

Draft

 manufacturer 60-100 km / h 100-140 km / h 140-180 km / h
total
 Honda 5.6 s 5.7 s 7.9 s 19.2
 Kawasaki 4.6 s 5.1 s 6.4 s 17.0

Fuel consumption

 manufacturer Liters / 100 km (on the country road)
 Honda 4.2
 Kawasaki 4.2

Theoretical range

 manufacturer km (on the country road)
 Honda  476
 Kawasaki  369

Sales figures in Germany


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

No need for inexperienced beginners: stronger engine and aluminum frame from the CBF (from 2008) or firmer suspension and better brakes from the ER-6 (from 2009) – every facelift is immediately reflected in the sale.

Test results


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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1: Honda CBF 600 S – Alone or as a couple, traveling or racing – the little CBF is a full-fledged universal talent. And that at a feel-good rate. What more do you want? 2: Kawasaki ER-6f: She remains the unreasonable one among the heir to the throne. Less reason, more emotions and more original driving pleasure – the Kawa is the complement to the Honda, not its competition.

engine


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

Although the Honda is ahead in terms of top performance, the engine rating goes to the Kawa. The ER-6 achieves its point advantage above all with the much better pulling power – due to the shorter gear ratio – and a livelier response. In all other criteria, the two machines meet on an equal footing. Only the Honda’s gearbox, which can be shifted more precisely, is superior to the Kawa counterpart.

Winner engine: Kawasaki

landing gear


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

In the chassis classification, the Honda turns the tables. The head-to-head race in this discipline ultimately decides the difference in steering behavior. If the CBF stays on course, the ER-6 conveys an indifferent driving experience. After all: whether comfort, feedback or chassis tuning – the two middle-class riders can keep up with some of the more expensive machines. The only concession to the need to save is the non-adjustable spring elements.

Chassis winner: Honda

everyday


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

It wasn’t to be expected otherwise. Spacious places to stay for the driver and front passenger and a large 20-liter tank make the pendulum swing in favor of the Honda. The driver and passenger sit much more cramped on the Kawa, the exhaust offers no space for a main stand and the payload is lower. Nevertheless: If there is one type of motorcycle that is predestined for everyday use, it is the 600 class. The appearance is convincing.

Winner everyday: Honda

security


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

ABS has also long since arrived in the middle class. Good this way. Even if the Honda system may regulate more sensitively in borderline cases, in normal use the brakes of the Kawa are more sensitive and powerful.

Safety winner: Kawasaki

costs


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


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Not an easy task to compare like with like. Ultimately, slightly cheaper inspection costs decide in favor of the Kawa.

Safety winner: Kawasaki

total


Comparison test: Honda CBF 600 S and Kawasaki ER-6f


Drawing: archive

And again a stalemate at a high level. Both deliver a lot of motorcycle for the money.

1st place: Honda CBF 600 S
Alone or as a couple, traveling or racing – the little CBF is a full-fledged universal talent. And that at a feel-good rate. What more do you want?

2nd place (price-performance winner): Kawasaki ER-6f
She remains the unreasonable one among the heir to the throne. Less reason, more emotions and more original driving pleasure – the Kawa is the complement to the Honda, not its competition.

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