Honda CBR600 - CrisBrady.Net

1998 Honda CBR 600

I last owned a bike over 30 years ago. Back when they had kick starters and kerosene lamps for headlights. I had an Yamaha 250 street bike for a year until my mom made me get rid of it after nagging me mercylessly.

Meanwhile over the years I secretly lusted for bikes like the cafe racers of the eighties. Eventually I drifted off unto other sports and thoughts of bikes dwindled from memory.

One day, I wandered out from my office and parked in the lot next door was this sinister bike that drew my eye. Close up I discovered it was a BMW 1100 S, all black with carbon fiber parts everywhere. I was entranced. It was bad, it was cool looking, and I started thinking about bikes again.

Well, it took about a year, but I finally subcumbed to the urge. I took the MSF basic rider course in July and got my license and then badgered my car/bike friends for opinions on what to get. Parameters were: reasonably, not killer, fast; sexy; sports or sports touring bike - no Harleys need apply. I watched Ebay for a month to get a feel for the market.

Finally found a local bike from a local 18 year old kid. Bike had 10K miles on it and had been dropped, but mechanically looked ok. I bought it and the adventures have begun. To set the tone, after handing over my check, the heavens opened up and my first ride on a new to me bike, plus me being a newbie rider, was 20 miles across major urban highways and back roads in pouring rain. Talk about trial by fire (or water)!

Some quick numbers: 600 cc motor; weight about 405 lbs; 105+ HP; 0 to 60 mph in neighborhood of 3 seconds; 160+ MPH top speed (not tested by me!)
If my WRX had the same hp/weight ratio, it would make 800+ hp! Zoom Zoom indeed!

I plan to occasionally commute to work via the back roads and do some sport riding on the curvy back roads of PA, Maryland and Delaware. I'll report back later. Ride Smart, Ride with Gear!

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