Hi Guys/Gals,

Want to move up to an F2/F3 from my little ninja ex250.

Now looking for one on Craigslist - what are somethings I should look for? I have been through hell with my ninja250 and if I get another bike I want to make sure I am not purchasing someone else's problem.

1) Are bikes in the 20k-30k region still ok? Is that a bit high? What if highway miles?
2) Are there some notorious problems with the F2/F3 series that can be found before I buy it? ie: Like suppose the water pump is known to leak etc..
3) Are frame sliders available for these bikes?
4) Are they quick to start in the morning? Any engine probs etc should I know about?
5) Is the suspension adjustable?
6) Are the tires 17" - so that the options for replacing them is a lot easier (my ninja had 16s )
7) Are the profiles more of a standard or are they a bit/lot more agressive in stance with the handle bars comapred to say a ninja 250?

Thats all for now...thanks guys.

 

1. Yes, as long as maintenance was performed routinely...as with anything.

2. There R/R and and stock CCT are notorious problems, but both are relatively minor (< $100)

3. Yes... but you have to cut a hole in the lowers

4. Mine is (at 22000+ miles), as long as the fuel system is kept clean

5. Adjustable as far as rebound or ride height? Yes and somewhat. If you are vertically challenged you may need a lowering link.

6. Yes

7. It is less aggressive than a GSX-R, R6, or most any other 600 in the class...Honda's are known for being more "rideable"!

 

Is the difference between the F2/F3s big? Or are they pretty much the same bike with cosmetics?

 

pretty much cosmetic. Just do like me, get an F2 and put F3 plastics on it...BAMMMM you have a F2.5

 

The 94 F2 had a fully adjustable rear suspension as well as all the F3's. Prior to 94 you could not adjust the dampening on the rear shock. On all models you can adjust the front forks, whereas I don't think you can on the ninja. I bought my cbr with 29,000 on it and now its up to around 33,000 still runs awesome, uses no oil whatsoever. If I were you I'd pay more attention to how it shifts though. A lot of bikes will have trouble with 2nd gear, but thats more because people rod the **** out of their bike and beat the hell out of it. I'd take a bike with 30,000 miles on it over one with 10,000 if it shifted better.. It will definitely have a more aggressive stance than your Ninja, but not nearly as bent over as other models.

 

Thanks man - I'd like a more agressive stance only to feel like Im sitting on the bike. Like I feel the way my bike was designed is craptacular. The seat is like 2 inch below the top of the gas tank so your wind protection is kind gone and so is the security you kind of feel with proper fairings and your sitting "in" the bike ya know?

I didnt know about the shifting part - guess only a test ride will determine that. I might get either F2/F3 depending onprice.

 

the f2 hurts my nuts when riding for a long time. (dunno if that helps) ahha

 

The F3's have Ram Air...which results in a little more HP....but not much.

 

Ram air only works at higher speeds...so if going 150mph you might get up to 151 or 152 instead of 150.

 

you are correct, except for gross exagerration...it does work with velocity, but adds power after about 40mph. The 09 600RR still has ram air, so it must do something!