So Im looking to buy my first bike and Im looking for a f3. I read in the review that there is a small engine difference that was made starting in the 97 models. Can anyone tell me if i should really be looking for a 97 or 98 model or does it really matter? I dont really care about the fact that the tail is more squared in the 95/96 models, they all look cool to me aside from that

 

eh?

 

The newer ones have five more horsepower due to the better valvetrain I believe, also, there are basically no aftermarket fairing kits for a 95-96, so if you drop it you have to convert it or pay for oem, that's really about it though that I know of.

 

get the 97/98. these F3s have ram air induction system. I think juliet wrote something about this. look at the f3 stickies

 

So does my 96

 

Mostly cosmetic differences. Different rear & seat. Different grab handle if you get the Euro versions. Different jetting I *think*. If there is a HP differences, chances are you won't notice it. Some wiring differences I *think* since the Haynes manual has different schematics for the two bike groups.

 

So the pipes are gonna be the same for the 95s as for the 97s? Just minor alterations? Sorry for bringing this thread back to life

 

The one thing i found when doing my build is that in 97 they started using aluminum frames and 96 back they r steel that is why the newer ones r faster they r lighter and if u want a polished frame you need 97 or newer.

 

I did not know that, I wish when I was buying my bike a year ago I would have waited a bit and held out for the late model ones. Aluminum would be cool because I dig the polished look

 

Really? I thought the F3's were the "last of the steel frame models." My '97 sure feels like steel lol but I don't know