Ok, I've been out of the sport bike loop for some time now so I'm a little behind the times. Just as a comparison, what are the differences between the RR and the F4i? If you look at the spec sheet, they're the same with few exceptions. The suspension and brakes have some minor changes, but that's all I see. I know the body styles are different, but is that really it?

 

RR is based on the GP bike. Engine is also a little stouter. F4i is much more comfortable.

 

Looking at the spec sheet, both the RR and the F4i have 599cc, bore and stroke are 12.0:1, DOHC 16 valves with the same ignition. Carburetion is a little different. The RR has DSFI (dual stage fuel injection) and the PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection with automatic enricher circuit) All of that is greek to me, but it looks close enough to me. And Honda only has a $500 price difference in the MSRP. So for what you said, the RR is designed after the GP, meaning more of the racing style and the F4i is designed for the week-end comfort rider. With the same, or nearly the same engine setup, they should run about the same, just the f4i offers more comfort.

 

a 2005 RR vers a 2005 F4I I would put money hands down on the RR allot more fun the F4i would be a nicer cruiser but that's the only advantage the RR is a machine I love mine I upgraded from a 2002 F4I and the RR is 100 times the bike but maybe I am biase cause I sold the F4I and have a RR

 

RR is more of a racer type of bike from what I understand. Angles down more, not as comfortable as the F4i on long rides.

 

Thanks for all of your answers. This clears up my misunderstanding. I always assumed the race version or GP models had different engines, or at least different configurations. I was arguing the point with my buddy that they did, thanks for proving me wrong. Oh well, I can't always be right.

 

well the engine in the RR will put out more power then the engine in a F4I the engines are the same size but differnet ratios and angles make the engine perform differently a stock F4I will probably be under a 100 rwhp where as a RR should be over that mark

 

The engines and trannies in the RR and F4i are identical, although the RR is tuned a little different. I recently needed to make the same decision as you and chose the F4i for a couple of reasons:

1. I'm not a GP racer, nor will I ever be.
2. F4i rides nicer, even on short rides.
3. F4i is cheaper.
4. I'll never notice a power difference between the F4i and RR.
5. Honda has yet to make a motorcycle that looks as cools as the 2004 F4i in red and black (guess which one I bought?)

That being said, the RR has some nice features too:

1. A real gas guage, not just when you are on reserve.
2. Underseat exhaust looks and sounds way cool.
3. Tribal paint is awesome.

Both are great bikes, you'd be happy with either.

 

I think someone would be happy either way. I really like the undertail exhaust on my 600RR but I dislike the ride angle. Oh well......

 

I am not a pro but I can noticeably tell the difference between the two