I'm looking to move up in power from my 01 F4i with commander/ 2bro slip on etc. I'm fearing losing the comfort since I put on about 10,000 miles a year and travel 25 miles each way. How bad will a 954 be compared to an F4i and what's the difference between a 954 and 1000RR? Same seating position etc? Should I be looking at something else? Is there a larger displacement similar in concept to the F4i? A good balance of rocket and comfort? Thanks in advance.

Kevin W.

 

Not sure about diff between f4 and the 954 but between the 954 and 1000 i think the 954 is more comfy as far as sitting positions and the seat itself. A friend of mine has an 07 1000rr its beautiful but i feel like i am leaning down to the handle bars more. I don't know just an opinion

 

The 954 seat sucks *****. Other than that it's a very nice bike. It's more upright than anything else in that era with the exception of the ZX-9R, which would also be a good choice for commuting. 25 miles isnt too bad, I ride my GSX-R that far each day one way to work and then back and it's not bad at all, but it has a VASTLY better seat, but is more agressive in seat/peg/bar postitioning so..........
The 1000RR is more radical yet, esp compared to the 954. The ZX-9R is the same concept as an F4i, upright (comparitably speaking) and PLENTY of power.

A 929 would be a nice upgrade as well.

 

I know somebody on another forum (*gasp!) selling both a sargent seat and a corbin seat for the fiddy four... you can really change the comfort from a 2 to an 8 or so out of 10 just by changing seats... it's by the far the worst seat on any Japanese bikeI've sat on in stock form

The Triumph Daytona 675 IS the worst seat of all though. It feels like you're sitting on cinder blocks!

 

ACTUALLY THE 954 IS LIGHTER THAN THE F4I. TRUST ME I RIDE ATLEAST 30 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK NOT INCLUDING WHEN I GET OFF AND GO RIDE FOR 3 HOURS. ITS NOT THAT COMFORTABLE BUT NOT THAT UNCOMFORTABLE, ON A SCALE FROM 1-10 ILL GIVE IT A 5. MY BROTHER HAS THE 600RR AND THE SEAT AND RIDIN POSITION AS FAR AS COMFORTABILITY IS HORRIBLE, BUT THE COMFORTABILITY IS MADE UP BY MANEVERABLITIY.

 

I have a Corbin seat on my F4i so I'd be planning on one for a 954 as well as the handlebar end weights and gel grips to reduce hand numbing. Sounds like the same comfort mods from my F4i on a 954 would make itpretty reasonable as a rocket commuter.

Next question is what should I expect to pay for a difference between selling my 01 F4i 20k miles and picking up a ~10k to 15k miles 954? I've seen people mention paying ~$5500 for a 954 but I'm seeing them online for asking prices in the $6500+ range. Are people just that optimistic.

Kevin W.

 

Kevin.......decide what the right price is for you! The 954 is a 600 machine that was fed steriods at the factory. People want them! If the condition of the machine is good. Expect to pay more. If it shows signs of wear and tear...........less money. Factor in the bling value as well. Undertail kits, pipes, etc....I was in the market for a liter machine. 1 triple 0 or a 54. The 54 fits my frame better and I feel is a much better fit to my style of riding. The seat is an easy fix. Either aftermarket or a custom shop can throw some butt cushion on the pad. You wont regret the 954. Great machine that gobbles up pavement! I get wet just thinking about mine.........time for a cold shower!

 

Since I don't want to be without a bike while waiting to sell one and then waiting till I find the right one of the other is it realistic that an owner would actually do a trade down with cash? I was thinking offer my 01 F4i with 2bros carbon slip on, commander, handlebar end weights, sliders, corbin seat and smoke windshieldin theblack and red scheme plus $2000 for a similar 10k to 20k mile 954 in the similarblack and red scheme. Does that sound like a reasonabledeal beforeI post it inclassifieds?

 

You could put that offer on like Craig's list or something, but iwouldnt pay for an ad. Most people that get rid of liter bikes are either quitting or trading for newer. Its possible you could find someone looking for a track or stunt bike that may trade but i would lean towards i doubt it.

 

Guess I'll just suck it up and buy the 954 then put my F4i up for sale. Found a clean 954 with 3500 miles.

Kevin W.