After valiant attempts to make the SP1 handle David has finally decided that having lots of fun belting about the countryside takes precedence over image and has acquired a brand spanking new CBR600FS - the slightly more sporty of the two 2001 models.

A rapid blast down England's byways reveals that this bike is just about as perfect a back road scratcher you're ever gonna get. Put some Rennsports on this and invite your R1 owning mate for a country blast - he'll never talk to you again!

Around since 1987, the CBR600 has always been a great allround bike, workday commuter and holiday tourer which you can race at the weekend. In 2000 Honda split the model into two versions: the F which is more the all-rounder, and the S which is a bit leaner, stiffer and more race-oriented.

Suspension ain't half bad, slightly choppy on the potholes but well damped and controlled when giving it some. And the steering is good, quick and easy, which is how things should be on a 600.

Nissin brakes are on a par with the brilliant SP1 set-up, so you've no excuse for not braking later than everyone else. Masses of initial bite but good feel. Excellent.

Front forks are nice old-fashioned right-way-up ones, so although they may not be quite as stiff structurally, not really an issue on the road, there's bags of suspension travel to play with and less unsprung weight.

Loads of little LCD numbers include speed and trip meter, crowned by a very useful clock. Rev counter is the usual roundy round sort though, and does a nice little self-test when you turn on. All nice and clear and does the job.

The HISS, Honda's built-in immobiliser, is a bloody good idea. Saves you spending an extra £300 and having some monkey chop into your lovely neat Japanese wiring loom with a load of dodgy old English connectors and bell wire. The little magibly in the ignition unit interrogates a chip in the key, and if they get on and like each other then the engine starts. If they don't then call recovery. Should put a few little villainous tossers off nicking it.

The new fuel injection seems to be pretty smooth with no huge glitches when getting on the power. 38mm dual-throat injectors and a larger airbox to help the intake system boost power to 109bhp. The S model uses double concentric valve springs for more precise valve operation at high revs, to prevent valve bounce. Wheelbase is also shorter on the S.

The wide, high bars give you loads of leverage and combine with the easy steering to make last minute adjustments of line mid-corner really effortless.

The fairing for both models is a lot sportier looking than before, and the S features a race style seat unit and a black painted frame and swingarm - definitely black, darling, nothing else would do .... Lighter wheels and disc centres, aluminium fork internals and lightweight instruments all help bring the weight down

Basically a bloody brilliant bike, ideal for Sunday road riding and should be a hoot on the track.