In summing up his launch report on this bike, Dave Smith likened the CBF to “a librarian, called Nigel, from Milton Keynes”. Who the fuck's Nigel, you may well ask, and what are the similarities? Well, according to Dave, Nigel is “a reliable, loyal, well-dressed friend who irons his Asda jeans and has a model railway in the spare room.” Is he simply taking the piss, you can't help but wonder. But no, Dave is making a serious point: This bike may be slightly dull, but it won't take you by surprise, and that's what new riders value. Like Nigel, the CBF isn't likely to go off the rails (or road) unless you do something outrageously stupid. “He'll hike effortlessly across two counties,” assures Dave, “just don't expect him to come to a rave, do a load of E's and dance like a mentalist.”

OK, so the CBF isn't an up-all-night party animal. It's a staid but reliable steed that'll do all the hard work you demand of it – without complaint. It is a bike designed for new riders, and it fulfills that design criterion superbly. Few bikes are as easy to ride and feel comfortable on within such a short space of time. It is utterly compliant and at your mercy; the seat-height is adjustable, as is the screen, the riding position is relaxed, and the high bars give you loads of steering leverage. The engine comes from the CBR600RR, but it is markedly calmed down. With throttle bodies reduced from 40 to 32mm, it's no rocketship, but power is delivered with linear, reassuring steadiness.

The new 2008 model benefits from a larger fuel tank, new exhaust, ABS brakes and a new, 'Mono-Backbone' frame. All of these changes boost the overall rider-friendliness of the CBF, making it wholly welcoming to even the most nervous newbie. Better still, it has shed 8kg, the knock-on effect of which is better handling and greater maneuverability. The suspension is basic but competent and well set up, and even with an aggressive rider like Dave Smith on board “rarely gets overwhelmed”. Speaking of whom, he even set aside his dislike of ABS brakes, complimenting them for being “unobtrusive enough even when ham-fistedly provoked into action”. Unlike Honda's linked brakes of old, the CBF's system allows the front to be operated independently of the rear; while the rear-brake pedal operates both ends.

The CBF isn't the most exciting bike, in terms of looks or performance. But it meets and exceeds the modest promises of its design sheet and price tag. It'll cosset a new rider for as long as it takes to build up their confidence for something faster, and won't seem slow or boring in the meantime. Like Nigel's Asda jeans, the CBF is a prudent purchase that comes unfettered by showy packaging, does the job – and you don't mind getting it dirty!