The style was said to be influenced by a brief European trend toward a smooth and completely enclosed fairing such as in the Ducati Paso.

It was introduced to replace the original CBR600F Hurricane, and for its time, was considered one of Honda's most modern and innovative sport bikes.

The capacitor-discharge ignition (CDI) and ram-air system were also revised to allowed for smoother power curve over the 1995–1996 models, which could sometimes be jerky.

The last made 1998 models were supplied with another revised engine cylinder head which resulted in a slight power gain.

[citation needed] In 1996 and 1998, the F3 was also sold in 'Smokin' Joe's Replica' versions in the United States, Canada, and Australia (1998 only).

Through a reduction of internal friction and weight, combined with larger valves, shorter stroke and a bigger bore, higher maximum engine operating revolutions were enabled.

The new LCD digital display had a speedometer, odometer, clock, engine temperature read-out, amber shift light, and trip meters.

The single largest change aside from the styling is the addition of high-pressure 50 pounds per square inch (340 kilopascals)[9] PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection) system, thus the model designation 'F4i'.

[12] To increase the bike's pulling capabilities at high speeds, the fifth and sixth gears have been shortened slightly, and the rear sprocket was enlarged from 45 teeth to 46, also adding one additional clutch plate for greater durability to now totalling eight.

[14] In 2001 and 2002, in recognition of Honda's association with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi and its 500th motorcycle Grand Prix victory, the CBR600F4i was also released in Europe and Australia (2001 & 2002 only) in two 'Rossi Replica' versions.

[15] To honour the German rider Stefan Bradl, Honda Germany launched a special edition of the CBR600F, called CBR600F LCR.

It featured an Arrow titanium exhaust, Progrip handlebar grips, a rear hugger, single seat cover, and an LCR sticker kit as well as combined braking and ABS.

[16] The CBR600F shares most of the components with the CB600F Hornet naked bike, such as inverted front forks, though longer by 50 millimetres (2.0 inches) and aluminium mono-backbone frame.

[17][18] It is wrapped in a multi-layered full fairing that lowers drag and protects the rider from wind-blast, as well as new instruments, handlebars and fuel tank.

The best-known song by American singer-songwriter David Wilcox, "Eye of the Hurricane", refers to this motorcycle.