I posted this in the newbi section as wall. I joined a couple of years ago but never got around to getting the F4 I wanted (life got in the way). Finally getting one (picking it up today). Super excited as this is my first bike. I have had fast cars since I was 16 (9sec 1/4 cars and done a fair bit of open track/road course racing), but this is a new experience. I wanted the F4 because of all the bikes I sat on, the CBR600 just felt the most natural to me (I sat down and felt "at home"). I sat on some bikes that just felt HUGE to me. I'm a small guy (5'5" and 105lbs) so I wanted a lower/lighter bike to complement, not to mention I don't really need 1000CCs to get my hobbit self going faster than I care to go on 2 wheels/no roll cage.

So, about the bike:

I'm getting a 99 that overall seems to be in decent shape. DMV records confirm ~14,000 miles total.

Story is about 4 years ago it got laid over (not "bad") just enough to bend the lower part of the front fork tubes (tire is pointing off center), road rash the frame in one spot (no dents), and crack the plastic on that side. The guy didn't have/want to spend the money to repair it so it became a "one of these days I'll fix it" things. It then sat for about over 2 years with all the fluids in it and thus became so gummed up that it wouldn't start anymore. Guy started taking it apart to clean it/rebuild it and lost interest. Now a year later he just want's it out of his garage.

In addition to the "damage" from the fall, when the guy started pulling the motor apart he broke a number of the piston rings (it happens, I have taken enough car engines apart to know carbon/gunk can cause one to crack rings when removing pistons). The cylinder bores look clean (no scratches) so I would think a hone/re-ring should get the motor back together. Also noticed the wiring harness was chopped in a place (perhaps damaged in the fall) so I'll try to find a replacement.

My four questions are:

1 - What's the difference (other than carb vs FI) between the F4 and F4i? I see all kinds of aftermarket parts (ex: brake lines) for 03+ but nothing for the 99-00?
2 - Recommend a really good service/rebuild manual?
3 - Should I use "factory" F4/F4i forks or are should I look into some others?
4 - When I buy the wire harness, do I just upgrade to an F4i harness and go fuel injection? Should just need the harness, manifold, and computer right (carb and FI motor are the same right?).

Thanks guys,
Chris

 

Chris, 14k really isn't many miles. But, it does sound like you do have a little work to do to get it back on the road reliably. From what you've said, it also sounds like you are more than competent to do the necessary repairs.

As for your questions...

1. Other than fuel-injection, there are other obvious differences; front fairing, headlights, gauges, wheels, front rotors, fuel pumps, etc etc etc. That being said, there are many parts that are also interchangeable, like brake calipers, forks, lower fairings, seats (on banana seat models), etc etc etc. >>> There are comparison threads here on the forum that should be easy to find w/ some searches, that should answer many of your questions.

2. I use as many sources as possible; factory Honda service manual (online version links here on forum), Clymer, etc. Every reference I can find & use, I do...including verifying info here on CBRF. As you know from experience working on cars, service manuals almost never have *all* the information needed. For those subtleties, the forum can be invaluable!

3. While you *can* do fork swaps, really - I don't think there's a lot to be gained w/o significant adaptation. In the past, I considered the inverted fork swap but after considerable research, decided to rebuild my forks w/ quality components & adjust to my needs. The result is a big plus. BTW, F4 & F4i forks are interchangeable but have different fender mounting points. Also, the F4 & F4i forks tend to be easier to find on ebay, etc. In fact, there are several F4/F4i forks on ebay right now.

4. While there have been conversions (a couple) here on the forum, its really more trouble than its worth...especially cost-wise. You also have to change the gauges, tank, fuel pump, wiring harness, etc. I recommend maxing out performance of the carb'd setup...its nothing to smurk at!

Again, good to have you w/ us. Look forward to your updates & seeing you both on the road!

 

Thanks. Two question came to mind while reading this morning. Do the F4s have CATs and is there an "OBD2" type emissions scan for bikes?

The previous owner of this bike hacked the exhaust right after the header merge and welded a tip on so the exhaust just dumped under the frame. Trying to find out what emissions stuff I would need to put back on for licensing it. From working with late model cars here in AZ, any car 1996 or newer is OBD2 and does not need a tail pipe test, just a computer port check (which means a car CAN pass emissions with no emissions hardware).

 

Well she's home! LOTS of work to do. Check out the worlds UGLIEST seat EVER!!! Leopard print? REALLY?!?!?!? WTF? Make it even better, it was a guy that did it..... just..... yeah..... beyond words... LOL

All the plastic is trashed. Beyond the fact that every piece is cracked in at least one place, it looks like the guy rattle canned them without any prep work because the paint is all crinkling/pealing/bubbled/etc.

Upshot, the tires are basically brand new (still even have the molding nubs on them)! Score!

 

more pics... in addition to the "awesome" seat, got to love the hack job on the header... lol

 

final shots (for now). can't wait to get in and start pulling it apart tomorrow!

 

Awesome looking bike for a rebuild!! There is a great thread here about painting in the how to section. I think you def need to check it out haha. The plastics can be repaired. I repaired mine with plasti fix. Its a great product. My f4 was dropped in the driveway by the previous owner. With time and attention you can fix plastics for little cost and at least have them primed and ready for paint. That way it wont cost you to have a body guy do the prep work.

 

Went to pull the kick stand and there was this switch/sensor on it. What is it and what exactly does it do?

 

Thanks, I'll certainly check that out, though I'm thinking I'll probably upgrade to F4i plastics on the front and do a GSXR tail when it comes time to do the body work. I do agree though about priming it myself.

 

that switch on the kickstand is an automatic kill switch so you dont start riding the bike with it down by mistake.