I'm thinking about buying a 1999 F4. My first Honda, and my first bike since about 2006 (last was a GSXR600). It seems to be a decent bike, but has been converted into a streetfighter. The look is starting to grow on me, however I would like to convert it back.

I have done some searching already, and found Gotcbr's split tail conversion.
I saw where gotcbr said that F4i side fairings should be a direct bolt on. I saw that the front fairing would work with the front mainstay.

Bottom line, I am thinking of converting to a full F4i body. I am looking at a full set of fairings from cbrfairings. Have found a few subframes on ebay. I know that I have to find a front "mainstay." So, $550 for fairings, ~$125 for subframe with tray, $??? for mainstay. Do I have to put the F4i cluster in if I put the front fairing on? And, is it feasible to convert to a F4i body for $1k? And what other pieces am I overlooking?

 

headlight, ram air vents. If you want to install the F4i gauges than it will be relatively straight forward. However if you want to keep the F4 clusters than you will need to fab something up. There are a few people here who have done the full swap and they can elaborate better than me.

 

Glad you found my split-seat tutorial. If you need any help w/ it, please let me know. I really enjoy the split-seat conversion. For my needs & preferences, it suits the bill.

Yes, you'll need the F4i split seat subframe & inner fender/undertray. Prices for these two items can vary widely. However, you can usually expect to pay $200 for the subframe alone (unless you get lucky). In the visitor comments section of my profile page, I was asked what it cost me to do my split-seat conversion. I listed the prices I paid at the time. Keep in mind, you'll also need the F4i tail light & both seats.

Yep, the F4 & F4i side fairings are identical fit & bolt right up.

If you want to convert the front fairing from F4 to F4i, yes - you'll need the F4i Front Fairing Stay. Going rate lately is $50+...depends on availability. Additionally, you'll need the F4i dual front light setup (you'll need to adapt the wiring) & the F4i windscreen (included in some fairing kits)

No, you don't absolutely need the F4i digital gauges, you can reuse your F4 analog gauges but you'll have to adapt them to the F4i front fairing stay by fabbing up a mounting point. Expect to pay anywhere from $100-175 for the F4i gauges.

At one point, I had all the components to do the front fairing conversion but decided that since my F4 front end was fully functional & good condition, why do it? I still have the front fairing stay in case I want to do a complete/full track conversion tho.

Ultimately, to answer your question about total price... Its all going to depend on how frugal you are & how long you are willing to wait to gather the parts at the prices you want. I gathered my split-seat parts over several months b/f doing the conversion. I got all the parts at the prices I felt were fair. If you are wanting to do your conversion(s) more quickly, you'll be paying whatever the parts are going for at the time. So, yeah, you could possibly do a complete bodywork conversion for $1K (sans F4i gauges) but you'd have to be really frugal if you're buying new fairings. ;-)

You could always break the project down into 2 main conversions...front & back. Do one first, then the other.

Good luck.

 

The F4i and split seat conversion are both relatively easy to do using OEM parts... Just do the research and mke sure that you have all of the parts.. The F4 is a great bike.. A most exact in many ways to the F4iso it has the sme hond reliability. I would loe to put an f4i upper fairing on my f4, but I don't want to change it that much.. And if i do have to have that look I might a well just buy an F4i as it might be more cost effective.

Do you have any pics ofe your bikes it sits now?

 

Thanks for all the info. This is for planning purposes. I am looking for a bike, and found a F4 for only 2k. It has been made into a "streetfighter" with an Ebay front "streetfighter" headlight. So I would have to buy a fairing set, and a headlight anyway. I figured if I have to get that anyway, I might as well put the F4i front anyway. I think I may do that, and slowly collect the stuff for the tail conversion. (assuming I get this bike.)

 

I should mention that you can also get the split seat *look* by using a race tail on your F4 subframe. Thing is tho, you'll have to use a seat-pad instead of a real seat...that is, unless you were to cut out the race plastic & adapt a seat. However, that would require tapping the subframe for the two bolts at the back corners that hold the F4i operator's seat down to to the subframe. Keep in mind, you would never be able to carry passengers b/c you'd only have plastic behind your seat...i.e. no passenger seat.

 

OK, I took the plunge, bought the 99 I went to look at today. Think I got a decent deal at 2k. Have a lot of plans from here. Here is my starting palette.





BTW, please excuse the cell pics. Will take real pics and post them next week hopefully. I have a week long combatives course next week, so they may be pushed back a week.

Oh, this will become my build thread.

 

Congratulations! :-) You got a street-fighter there.

Good that the factory gauges are still there. That will save you some hassle.

If you're unsure of maintenance, go ahead & change all fluids, flush n fill radiator, check brake pads, chain & sprockets, etc.

Now get building/modding! ;-)

 

yay looks nice and clean

 

I was really surprised by how clean it was. I knew it had been laid down, which is why it was converted to a "street-fighter." I got there and couldn't find a scuff on the frame anywhere. Just the stator cover. The tank has a small ding in the right side, but I can deal with that.