Only 964 miles from new, number '32' of the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition, 1998 Honda CBR600F

Although Kawasaki can be said to have 'invented' the 600 class with its GPZ600-R, it was Honda that quickly established dominance of this increasingly important market sector with the CBR600F. Introduced for 1987, the CBR set new standards for the class, and the UK's first batch sold out within weeks of arrival. 'Offering a previously mythical package, the CBR quite simply left all previous efforts at similar-sized tackle gasping in its whisper-smooth wake,' enthused Bike magazine. In 1991 the CBR received a new frame and an updated engine before undergoing a more thorough revision in 1998, re-emerging with an aluminium frame (replacing the steel original) and restyled bodywork. That same year Honda celebrated its 50th anniversary as a motorcycle manufacturer and to mark the occasion Honda Britain released Limited Edition versions of the CBR600F, VFR800, CBR900RR FireBlade and VTR1000 Firestorm. Production of these special models was entrusted to Russell Savory's RS Performance, the CBRs benefiting from various enhancements including different camshafts, a Proflex rear shock absorber, Dream Machine paintwork and an Akrapovic exhaust system.

Number '32' of the 50 made, this Honda CBR600F 50th Anniversary Limited Edition was offered from the collection belonging to the late Aled Jenkins at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2012 (Lot 225) where it was purchased by the private vendor and recommissioned. The Honda appears to have had only one owner prior to Aled Jenkins and had formed part of the latter's private collection for many years, covering very few miles (the current odometer reading is 964 miles).

The vendor found that the fuel tank had rotted out so a new one was fitted and repainted by legendary paint shop 'Dream Machine', who were able to achieve a correct colour match. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before this motorcycle returns to the road and thus it is sold strictly as viewed.

Datatagged, the machine is offered with an owner's manual; warranty and service booklet (unstamped); sundry invoices; brochure pages; three expired MoTs (most recent issued June 2020 at 906 miles); and a V5C document. An original Anniversary Edition T-shirt and jacket set is included in the sale together with a custom made bike cover.
Offered with key