[ctandc]

Trying to find a bike locally I can ride or at least SIT on...

I'm 6'3" 230lbs. Main duty is commuting. Looking for comfort.

I've ridden GSXR's all the way up to the current model. I feel like a monkey fucking a football, if that gives you an idea.

Comparing what I want to pay (used of course) vs what I want / need in a bike, I keep coming back to the CBR600xx

I really like the F4i. The only issues after research appears to the normal Honda electrical gremlins that may or not be present, but are remedied fairly easily, plus the Cam Chain Tensioner issues...

What kind of riding position do they have compared to say the newer CBR600RR?

I really would like a newer bike to add to the stable, but I keep picking most candidates apart

VFR - The riding position of the newer gen models is 'okay' and I know they gather a cult following...I just don't care for the styling all that much. The last gen back I like, but we're talking 10 year old bikes....

GSXR - See above. I've owned one. Not what I'm looking for.

Triumph - The 675 feels cramped to me. I like the Sprint, but not sold on parts availability and maitenance.

Kawi - The new ZX6R is nice. Just feel cramped to me. The older version (ZZR) just doesn't do anything for me.

I like the ZX14, but it's just too much bike for what I'll be using it for.

The Versys isn't my cup of tea.

I don't want a huge sport / tourer either.


Actually, and I know many will laugh, I actually like the GSX650F. I've ridden one and liked it...I just would like something a little less porky. My Kat is pretty hefty (steel frame like the newer GSX650F) as well... And for what they are selling for used....

I don't like the SVS...it looks great. It handles nicely. And I'm sure I could add some things that would make the riding position more comfy...it's just I feel like an elephant riding a peanut when I'm on it.

So is the newer RR a lot more aggressive riding position than the F4 /F4i?

 

[buddy8771]

It is more aggressive than the F4/F4i. I sat on one at the dealership. Personally I didn't like it. I have a tall upper body and when I looked down I was pretty much looking at the headlight. At least it felt that way. On the other hand, I found the zx6r comfy as well as the newer R6. It just felt really really cramped to me.

 

[hus]

How about a ZX7R? Heavy and big but with decent enough power for what you may need it for. I loved my 96. I sold mine cause I wanted a twin or I would still have it.

Also, I see that you had/have a 91 Katana. I'm not fan of the bike but why don't you try a much newer model? Seems to fit what you're looking for.

 

[RuggedRadios]

A guy locally used to refer to him on his 600 as a Monkey Humping a Football, he opted to get the ZX-14 and likes it a lot better.

 

[DaleCaliente]

im a bit b***** than you and I dont feel THAT big on my 636 - and It is cramped! maybe you are really long legged. in that case, why dont you try like a Honda INterceptor or something like that?

 

[enos]

My Sprint is pretty trouble free, so far up to 41k. Parts should be easy if there's a Triumph dealer nearby, otherwise many dealers will ship you parts. Maintenance can suck, but only because access doesn't seem as well thought out as on other bikes. The new gen might be better than my '02, though.

Sounds like you want a standard. Commuting isn't a very demanding duty. How about a ZRX or another sort of naked? The katana is a descent all around bike, if it fits you then by all means go for it. A Bandit is another option. Also look at the BMWs, I think they have some smaller ones. Buells are another. Heck, even a sportster.

 

[wavex]

Main duty is commuting. Looking for comfort.

But you want an SS?

Commuting and comfort would eliminate SS bikes in my book...

The FZ6 is an awesome bike (R6 engine) for commuting and is quite comfy... (MUCH more comfy than any SS bike, especially with an aftermarket seat/windshield).

You can find '06 used FZ in great condition & low mileage for $4k.

How about a Street/Speed Triple? different budget, but awesome bikes both of them...

 

[NattyDrez]

F4i would be nice. I loved my ex-F4, mad I got rid of it for my present R6.

 

[kboliver87]

Compared to the other 600's in the supersport class, I saw a report stating it had the most comfortable riding position (07-08). It's still a rocket, so you're still not upright tho, I don't find it uncomfortable in the least bit, even when riding with a backpack full of books

 

[Nero Diablo]

What others have said FZ6, 600 Bandit or maybe the 1250 or an older 1200, wouldn't bother with the 900 hornet its pretty cramped and crap 600 is pretty good though, Kawa Z750 or ER6f/650 ninja depending on what the call it there, Aprilia shiver mana or Pegaso, BMW R1150R (although I get the distinct impression BMW's are gold plated there), Moto Guzzi 1100 breva/1200 breva sport. Or a big scooter burgman or similar if you are commuting about the last thing you want is a sports bike.

 

[ctandc]

My mistake...let me clarify.

My bike will be a commuter...just as my current Kat is now.

Honestly the only reason I want another bike is..well...I want another bike.

Looks are important. Comfort is too. The bike will also be ridden on backroads and twisties whenever time allows, and I'm planning a few weekend rides in the next 6 months or so.

Haven't run across a naked bike that really "talks" to me yet.

So I guess I'm asking, how comfy is the F4i?

LOL

 

[techtrix]

F4i is MAD COMFY. Ok well not mad, but its pretty darn comfy. The seat gets a little hard after a while, but the seating position is very upright and there is little to no pressure on your wrists. I am 6'2" 170 and I can ride it pretty much all day. I commute to school on it every day. How about a Honda Fireblade?

 

[Justice06RR]

F4i is nice, but maybe a little underpowered for your size. Maybe a used 1000RR/954 would fit the bill. Also a SV1000 since its a v-twin.

I'm surprised you don't like the newer Gixxers. I find them quite more comfortable compared to my 600RR.

 

[ShawnF4I]

The F4i is super comfy and you still get the 'cool factor' as far as the looks gther than the cam chain tensioner...the things are bulletproof...just got new tires on mine and it carves the twisties like a hot knife through butter.

 

[ctandc]

F4i is nice, but maybe a little underpowered for your size. Maybe a used 1000RR/954 would fit the bill. Also a SV1000 since its a v-twin.

I'm surprised you don't like the newer Gixxers. I find them quite more comfortable compared to my 600RR.

Well..it's not a "Brand Name Loyalty" issue..I own a Suzuki. And I've owned several Gixxers...

It's just around here, every other bike is a Gixxer, and every other rider is a squid. Not to mention I see 10 of every color combo every other day.

Not that comfy just adds to it.

I rode the SV1000...great power...ergos weren't too bad...but for some reason I just hate the 4 into 2 exhaust.

And the rear seat area just doesn't "fit" to me. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Filip75]

I am extremely comfortable on my Gixxer1000. The only thing is that it is not as tall as I would like it to be. Other then that, the best out of all (see sig)

 

[ctandc]

I am extremely comfortable on my Gixxer1000. The only thing is that it is not as tall as I would like it to be. Other then that, the best out of all (see sig)

I'm sorry...WTF did you day?

I accidentally looked left and just spent the last 10 minutes drooling on the keyboard.

Thanks for that.

 

[Filip75]

I'm sorry...WTF did you day?

I accidentally looked left and just spent the last 10 minutes drooling on the keyboard.

Thanks for that.

I said "Look to the left!!!" :banana

 

[bumblebee]

I've had no electrical issues with my F4i. I have put over 30K miles on it and it still has the original battery and is running fine. I replaced the CCT with a APE manual nearly 25K miles ago and adjusted it once...not because it really needed it but I was in a beer drinking mood and was just tinkering around on the bike and had not touched it since it was installed and just couldn't leave it alone.

Back in 2005-2006, I had both a '04 F4i and a '04 600RR in my garage, the F4i is still there and the RR has been gone for years.

If it is a commuter, it has all the power and speed you need. I am taller and heavier than you and my F4i will haul my fat arse over 140 (garmin says) down the street. I will keep it as a sportbike and am looking for a sporttourer like a Blackbird