[auh]

Hey Guys,

Been a while since I've posted here, been real busy with life and now I'm looking at upgrading my bike. I'm torn between a few bikes and don't know which would better suit me. I'm currently riding an F3 CBR 600. Keep in mind I do a ton of street riding, and am planning on doing a few track days a year so I need something that is good on the track. I don't think riding position is too big of an issue because I seem to get used to whatever I'm riding after a few miles.

The first bike I'm looking at is an 00-01 RC51. I'm just absolutely in love with these bikes for no reason at all. I've ridden a few Vtwins but all have been 650s. Never a 1k V. The 650s I always felt lacked power compared to my 600. However I look at this bike next to something like a Duc 999 and know it has to have the power. I know this bike was made for AMA so I know it can't be a bad bike on the track, but would I like it more than option number 2?

The second bike I'm looking at is an 03-04 600rr. I have so many miles on a 600 that I'm wondering if I'd just be happier staying with another 600. Riding position will be just as aggressive as the RC but I guess fuel consumption will be better on the street. Also insurance will be cheaper because its still a 600. And who doesn't love a motor that can rev to 15k? I know when I'm on backroads around me I have no problem taking my bike to redline just because I love the noise the engine makes when its screaming.

My last choice is more of a fall back/play it safe choice. That would be an 01-03 F4i. I wouldn't get any newer on that bike because 04+ is when Honda started detuning the motors so it wouldn't compete with the RR. And I love the look of the split rear seat. I know this bike is pretty much just 1.5 steps above my bike so I'm sure I'd feel comfortable on it right away and be able to predict every move the thing makes.

Who here has owned at least 2 of the 3 bikes listed so they can give me there input?

Thanks!

 

[PhilB]

I'd actually be inclined, in your position, to start hitting the track with the bike you are already familiar with, so you don't have to learn track riding AND a new bike at the same time. Once you've explored the track some on your current bike, then move up.

PhilB

 

[auh]

my bike is far from track ready...

 

[PhilB]

my bike is far from track ready...

A track day isn't a race. It's run-whatcha-brung, and it doesn't take much to get a streetbike to qualify. Unless you're leaking oil all over the place or something like that, your bike should be fine to do trackdays with only a little prep.

PhilB

 

[vince_2149]

your bike should be fine to do trackdays with only a little prep.

PhilB

AKA: Take off your mirrors and tape up your head/tail lights.

I really don't have much to add to this thread but I do have a question. Why only hondas? Not that there's anything wrong with them, just wondering why you aren't looking into other manufacturers?

 

[Jaxx]

I had an 03 600RR and I loved the bike. The riding position was fairly agressive but I didn't mind it after awhile. Did some trackdays on it as well.

 

[teedubyaw]

Turn your bike into a track bike and get something comfortable to commute on.

 

[Wiste]

BMW S1000RR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ibDaKu22s

Starts at 13,800 this December. Vroom

 

[LessPeople_MoreRobots]

I had an 03 600RR and I loved the bike. The riding position was fairly agressive but I didn't mind it after awhile. Did some trackdays on it as well.

+1

I had one too, I'm kind of sorry i ever got rid of it. Great bike.

 

[bikeman16]

Im in the same spot as you. I have an older 90's 600 and I'm looking at different bikes. I was hoping to hold off until the spring, but after riding my buddies 04' zx-10, that power sure was nice. My bike just started making a knocking noise, so I might just get that 10 a little sooner than I had planned. Have you ridden any liter bikes?

 

[hus]

Im in the same spot as you. I have an older 90's 600 and I'm looking at different bikes. I was hoping to hold off until the spring, but after riding my buddies 04' zx-10, that power sure was nice. My bike just started making a knocking noise, so I might just get that 10 a little sooner than I had planned. Have you ridden any liter bikes?

Can't go wrong with the 10R. Lot of bike though :bowdown

 

[auh]

I've ridden a few different literbikes, but all were inline 4s. Never a liter twin. Ridden a few 900rrs and a GS1100 once also. All very different to ride than my bike.

The reason I'm only looking at Hondas is because every Honda I've ever ridden has just been more comfortable than anything thats not a Honda. You know how every bike fits everyone differently and Honda just fits me like a glove.

 

[Justice06RR]

I really don't have much to add to this thread but I do have a question. Why only hondas? Not that there's anything wrong with them, just wondering why you aren't looking into other manufacturers?

Coz Honda's are the Best!


As far as the original question, If your set on sticking with a 600 I recommend a used 07CBR600RR. Its a hell of a track slut and will also be great for street riding/commuting. The 07 and up 600RR's are night and day compared to the 03-06's, altho the older gen's arent slow by any means including the F4i's.

 

[auh]

I wish I could afford something that new, but I can't which is why I'm looking for a first gen bike. I don't think I can call any of those bikes I have listed slow by any standards. Especially because I think my bike can move if needed!

 

[Liquids]

04+ F4i's aren't detuned in anyway compared to 01-03. You think a F4i motor needs to be detuned to not compare with a 600RR? LOL the 600RR motor blows fully tuned F4i motor away no problem, no reason to detune it. All honda did was fugly it up with the banana seat.. don't lie, that's the real reason you don't want 04+!

2nd, insurance companies don't go by CC, most go by number of accidents reported per model per number of bikes sold. I really hope you're not wasting your money on full coverage insurance on that F3 or considering carrying it on an F4i...?

oh, my vote is F4i

 

[Squid Killer]

Turn your bike into a track bike and get something comfortable to commute on.

+1

 

[BeeGee]

Coz Honda's are the Best brand of lawnmowers!

:fixed:

 

[auh]

04+ F4i's aren't detuned in anyway compared to 01-03. You think a F4i motor needs to be detuned to not compare with a 600RR? LOL the 600RR motor blows fully tuned F4i motor away no problem, no reason to detune it. All honda did was fugly it up with the banana seat.. don't lie, that's the real reason you don't want 04+!

2nd, insurance companies don't go by CC, most go by number of accidents reported per model per number of bikes sold. I really hope you're not wasting your money on full coverage insurance on that F3 or considering carrying it on an F4i...?

oh, my vote is F4i

Actually the 04+ was detuned because they didn't have as much hp as the RR but they made slightly more peak torque at a lower rpm because of the fuel maps. It made the F4i have a quicker 1/4 mile. I do agree with the fugly banana seat though!!!

And for insurance, my agent told me that it goes by CCs which is why I was quoted the exact same amount for every brand 2003 600 sportbike I asked about. I know that doesn't sound correct, because logic tells me it should be by model and not by engine size but I'm not gonna argue with a 600rr being the same price as an F4i.

 

[SamIAm_1021]

ya, he's right. Some insurance companies only care about cc. Weird but true.

Are u set on selling the current bike?

 

[g34343greg]

03-06 600RRs aren't known for being comfortable bikes, but as long as it fits you i believe you could get used to the aggressive ergos. what kind of budget do you have for your new bike?