welllllll..... Here is what a STOCK UNCHANGED 96F3 assend looks like, just went and took the pics, hope this helps and in any case, let us know what is going on.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1378/C9D1655FB38D40E9BECCF056251B84FA.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1378/7C107F9B12994CF18633C012BB77E48D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1378/6201B57B81774AEEB96075962EA22AF2.jpg[/IMG]

 

Hate to tell you this, but that is NOT pictures of a 96, it is a 97-98 tailsection..the 96 did not have the point on the top like that and the lens is rectangle like a F2 or a chalkboard eraser
The picture in the Avatar is one of the 3 color combos offered for 1997

 

here is a picture of a 95 ( same as a 96) look at the taillight difference

[IMG]local://upfiles/17/F51DD080A4964D2181859E2C56E7DBAE.jpg[/IMG]

 

and here is a sketch from motorcycle online

[IMG]local://upfiles/17/413027E6AF424950BF2A8BFF0E667806.jpg[/IMG]

 

more pics of the difference..the red one is a 96 and the yellow is a 97

[IMG]local://upfiles/17/5965F2F9F7C84AF1AD545ED628D2A834.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/17/B58E366DFBED441DA06393BA17023BB1.jpg[/IMG]

 

how in the hell? My frame has 1996 stamped on the vin plate, I have never changed the plastic, it is stock except for the mirrors, levers, grips and headlight. Hell, even the tires are the same kind that came on it. I dont understand! Ill go take pics of the vinplate right now if this would clear things up. Title even says its a 96~ ( I just went and checked again)[:-][:@][:'(][>:]

 

The plastics are interchangeable...if you bought it new then there is something very screwy going on..otherwise the previous owner(s) did the swap

 

http://www.tappedin.com/hop/html/cbr600f3.htm
here is a page showing the 1997 HONDA CBR600F3...see your bike???

 

Heh, previous owner didn't have the mental capacity to change the fairings, it is seariously STOCK. Ill go take pics of the title, vin tag, everything I can think of, really honestly seariously, nothing has been changed!

 

do not worry..the bike is the same other than the tailsection and the color..you got the newer stuff and the updated parts...the upper,lower,tank,inspection doors are interchangeable from 95-98, it is just the rear pieces, tailight, and seat
you still have a good bike, no matter what color it is