1998Honda CB600F Hornet

★ 4.0

38 fields on record

The 1998 Honda CB 600 F Hornet is a versatile middleweight naked bike designed for riders seeking sportiness without complexity. Its responsive 599cc four-cylinder engine delivers impressive power and agility in a manageable package, making it ideal for both experienced enthusiasts and riders progressing from smaller bikes. Known for reliability, excellent handling, and everyday practicality, the Hornet established the middleweight naked category as a genuine alternative to pure sportbikes.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 96.0 HP (70.6 kW)

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Other years 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering90%

City riding82%

Daily riding78%

Touring42%

Two-up45%

Track70%

Best for: Designed as a sporty naked for spirited backroad riding, commuting, and occasional trackday fun rather than long-distance touring.
Built for: A revvy, high-strung inline-four with a sharp chassis that rewards aggressive riding and quick direction changes.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for riders seeking plush long-haul comfort, wind protection, or a relaxed upright touring stance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Honda CB600F Hornet, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Power: 96.0 HP (70.6 kW)
Torque: 63.0 Nm (6.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5455 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 65.0 x 45.2 mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate with coil springs

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1425 mm
Overall length: 2055 mm
Overall width: 745 mm
Overall height: 1070 mm
Seat height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 176.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.00 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel
Front suspension: 41mm inverted telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Monoshock damper with 7-step adjustable preload
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 128 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.0°
Trail: 98 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1998	2002	2006	2009	2012
Capacity	599 cc	600 cc	600 cc	599 cc	599 cc
Dry weight	176 kg	176 kg	178 kg	173 kg	173 kg
Seat height	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm	800 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	16 L	16 L	17 L	19 L	19 L