The F2 may not be fuel injected or have onboard processors, but it still goes really fast really quickly. And I can't say I've ever heard another bike with a more awesome sounding exhaust. Still, lately I've been thinking about upgrading next year to the 600rr. I would like to move into the present century and enjoy all the fruits of 20+ years of progress.

I see that the 600rr hasn't really increased in horsepower all that much. The main improvements seem to be in weight and chassis design. From what I've been reading the 600rr is a bit quicker, but mostly more nimble, or "flickable" as some people say.

Any of you guys ever own both of these machines? What was your impression the first time you rode the 600rr?

 

I've ridden an F4 a little. It felt much much lighter.

 

a newer bike is always gonna be more flickable of course it ways like 40 pounds less then our f2's.. it will have better turning anti lock brakes an al that good stuff.. i mean what exactly are you asking?.. the innovations of 20 years or what?..

 

My question was at the end of my post.

 

Sure I'll bite. The main difference in the 'flickability' of these bikes isn't the weight. True, the new 600RRs weight 30 or so pounds less wet, which is a big deal. But they also have much more aggressive geometries. The wheelbase of the new 600RR is over 2 inches shorter (!!), 1 degreee less rake, rear ride height around 1 or 2 inches higher, rearsets like 2" up and 1" back from the old F2, the bars are like 4" lower, it has a slightly higher CG. All these things make the 600RR much more nimble. You can make some of this back this by jacking up the rear ride height like 1-2" (6-12mm of shock length), drop forks 10mm, run 120/70 tires up front, and so on. But it'll still be 30 lbs heavier and down like 5-10hp. The 600RR's rear shock is worlds better, they come stiffer sprung from the factory, and the front end (specially if it's a 91-93 F2) is also a hellova lot better. But you can make up some of that ground with a newer shock (ohlins, penske, fox), springs, and a newer front end (F3, R6, F4i, and so on).

It's a question of wether you want to drop $1200+ on suspension components on your F2 or put that down on a newer bike. Neither choice is wrong, but it's really easy with a new bike, they come a lot more nimble from the factory. The F2 has one big thing on the newer 600cc supersports: they will never be nearly as comfortable.

 

I'm not looking to make my F2 like the 600rr. I wouldn't waste time and money on that, although I'm sure the insurance is much cheaper for the F2.

I was just wondering if anyone had gone from the F2 to the 600rr and what they felt about the difference in the quality of the ride. I kind of already know the answers and am sort of just making conversation.

Thanks jtkardel for giving me some things to think about.

 

I have one of each. The F2 was my original track bike (after riding it on the street for 7 years). I had to really learn to hang-off in turns due to ground clearance issues. The foot pegs would touch down even after the feelers were removed.

The 600RR is significantly faster and more nimble. It revs very quickly by comparison.

Both are terrific track bikes but the RR will run a lap about 5 seconds quicker than the F2 on the tracks I go to.

 

Thanks for the input. That's the kind of stuff I was looking for.

 

Ok I'll admit Im not a F2 guy, but the 07+ RR's are 30lbs lighter wet and at least 10whp ahead of my F4i, which is lighter and more powerfull then F2's. The 09+ rr's are restricted from the factory but a cheap ignition module returns them to full 07-08 glory. Either way its going to have more power then F4i's and older models.

 

Just so everyone is clear:

CBR600F4i
370lbs dry
109hp at the crank


CBR600F2
407lbs dry
100hp at the crank



The bikes do make notable improvements over the years. The geometry and suspension are notable improvements as well.



However, much like a kid on a ninja 250 with 20+ year old technology can **** all over a newer rider on the latest super sport, the F2 is quite capable in the right hands.