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How fast does a Honda 600cc go?

In brief, a modern Honda 600cc sport bike can reach about 160–165 mph (260–270 km/h) under optimal conditions, while street-oriented 600cc models typically top out around 140–150 mph. Real-world speeds depend heavily on the model, gearing, aerodynamics, rider weight, and road conditions.


The Honda 600cc label covers a range of bikes built over several generations, including supersport machines and naked/sport-touring variants. Availability and exact specifications have evolved with market regulations and model updates, so the fastest numbers you see can vary by year and country. This article breaks down representative top speeds and the factors that influence them.


Model-specific speeds


Supersport vs. naked variants


Before listing typical top speeds, note that the figures below reflect stock configurations reported by manufacturers or measured by testers under favorable conditions. Actual results can vary based on year, market, and tuning.



  • Honda CBR600RR (supersport): approximately 165 mph (265–270 km/h) in stock trim, depending on year and gearing.

  • Honda CB600F Hornet / CB600F (naked): around 140–150 mph (225–240 km/h) due to its street-oriented aerodynamics and gearing.

  • Older Honda CBR600F variants (sport-touring): roughly 140–150 mph (225–240 km/h), varying with model year and gearing.

  • Honda CBR650R (649cc, commonly discussed alongside 600cc-class bikes): about 140 mph (225 km/h); technically a 650cc engine, but often cited in the same performance context.


Concluding note for this section: The fastest top speeds come from the supersport lineage (CBR600RR and its successors), while naked and sport-touring 600cc bikes sit in the mid-140s to 150 mph range. Modern 650cc models offer similar performance with different aerodynamics and tuning.


Factors that influence top speed


Top speed is a function of more than engine displacement. The following factors commonly determine what a given Honda 600cc bike can actually achieve in practice.



  • Gearing and final-drive ratio

  • Aerodynamics and riding position

  • Tire type, condition, and grip level

  • Rider weight and any added luggage or accessories

  • Altitude, air density, temperature, and weather conditions

  • Engine tuning, fuel quality, cooling efficiency, and maintenance

  • Electronic restrictions or speed limiters present in certain markets or models


Concluding note: While these factors help explain why top speeds vary, riders should always prioritize safety and legality. Track days provide the appropriate setting to explore a bike’s performance without endangering others on public roads.


Summary


Summary: Honda’s 600cc lineup encompasses a spectrum from high-revving supersport machines to more relaxed naked and sport-touring bikes. In optimal conditions, the fastest 600cc Hondas can reach roughly 165 mph, with many street-oriented models around 140–150 mph. Real-world performance depends on year, market, gearing, aerodynamics, rider, and environmental conditions. For safety and legal reasons, treat top-speed figures as benchmarks rather than targets, and consider track-based testing to evaluate a bike’s capabilities.

How fast does a Honda 600 go?


The top speed for a Honda CBR600RR is over 150 mph, with sources citing speeds up to 160 mph or more, depending on the model year and modifications. For example, a 2017 model was recorded at 160.1 mph, while a heavily modified 2007 version reached over 200 mph. 
This video shows a review of the 2025 Honda CBR600RR and its performance: 58sMark Pulling YouTube · Jan 30, 2025

  • Stock models: Expect a top speed over 150 mph for a stock CBR600RR. Specific tests have recorded speeds of around 158 mph to 160 mph. 
  • Modified models: With significant modifications, such as forced induction, a stock CBR600RR can achieve much higher speeds. One example reached over 206 mph with a turbocharger and other upgrades, as reported by Cycle World. 
  • Other 600cc models: It's worth noting that top speeds vary among different 600cc motorcycles. For comparison, other 600cc sportbikes generally have top speeds around 130-135 mph, according to RideNow Powersports. 

This video discusses the performance differences between the Honda CBR600R and CBR650R: 41sSecond GearYouTube · Jan 12, 2025



How fast does a Honda 650 go?


The top speed for a Honda 650 depends on the model, with the naked CB650R topping out around 127-144 mph, while the faired CBR650R can reach approximately 155-159 mph due to its aerodynamic fairings. Factors like rider weight, wind conditions, and rider position affect the final speed.
 
You can watch this video to see a top speed test of the Honda CBR650R: 58sProjectDirtBikesYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
Honda CB650R

  • Top speed: Around 127-144 mph.
  • Factors influencing speed: The naked design creates more drag, limiting the top speed compared to the faired version. 

Honda CBR650R
  • Top speed: Approximately 155-159 mph. 
  • Factors influencing speed: The full fairing provides better aerodynamics, allowing for a higher top speed. 

Important considerations
  • Rider and conditions: The rider's weight and body position (e.g., a tucked-in posture) significantly impact the final top speed, especially on the CBR650R. 
  • Wind: Wind resistance and conditions play a major role. A strong tailwind can increase top speed, while headwinds will reduce it. 
  • Stock vs. modified: The figures provided are for stock, unmodified bikes. Modifications can change performance. 



How fast can a 600cc bike go?


A 600cc motorcycle's top speed typically ranges from 110 to 175 mph (177177177 to 280280280 km/h), with the specific speed depending heavily on the model, rider, and conditions. For example, a stock Yamaha R6 can reach about 160−165160 minus 165160−165 mph, while more performance-oriented or modified bikes can go even faster.
 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the most powerful 600cc motorcycles: 51sYammie NoobYouTube · Jul 4, 2021
Factors that influence top speed

  • Bike model: Different 600cc bikes have different power outputs and aerodynamics. 
    • Performance-oriented models: Bikes like the Yamaha R6 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R are designed for speed and can reach higher top speeds, often over 155155155 mph. 
    • Other models: Bikes with a heavier build or different engine configurations, such as some twin-cylinder models, may have a lower top speed, around 100100100 mph or slightly more. 
  • Rider and conditions: Factors such as the rider's weight, riding posture, and environmental conditions like wind resistance play a significant role in a bike's actual top speed. 
  • Modifications: Modifications, such as changes to the gearing, exhaust, or engine tuning, can increase a bike's top speed. 



Is the CBR 600 or 650 faster?


On the flip. Side the 650 tuned more for street. Use has stronger. And more manageable low-end torque making it more practical for traffic and commuting meanwhile the 600 can feel a bit sluggish.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.