what to look for when buying a Honda CBR600?????????

If you are buying a 10+ year old bike with over 10K miles I'd have it checked out my a mechanic if you're not too mechanical yourself. It's worth the $50 investment to have your local bike tech take a look.

It really depends on how the bike was ridden. Every bike ad I read always says "well taken care of, ridden by "mature" rider" (whatever the hell that means), Like old people don't speed? Pleazzz.

Find out when the last time the bike was serviced (get service records if possible). Take a look at the oil. Is it black? Is it clean? Look at the chain? Was it ever replaced (probably needs a new one now if never changed). How about the sprockets? Are any of the teeth broken off? Check the brake cables, are they mushy? Take a look at the pads and see if there is any left.

These are just common things to look for.. be careful if you notice any rust on the frame (water damage?).

I'm not sure how much you want to spend but I bet for another $1500 you could find one that is half the age of the bike you are looking at. Bikes seem to depreciate until they hit a floor of like $2-2500. I've seen 2-3 year old CBR's for $4-4500. Honda is really soft in the market. They're not a bad bike but not really as respected in the sport bike world as they once were. Try looking at used GSXR. I've seen 2002 range bikes for about $3000-3500.

check the clutch, make sure its not slipping and the gear shifting is smooth, some guys ride them without using the clutch and they shear out the clutch basket, you don't wanta pay the big money to replace that, make sure the bike wasn't tipped over, make sure the rims aren't bent and check the fork stems for free play, make sure it starts quickly without any engine kick-back, thats a sign of a bad cam or cam chain

look for comfort