I've been searching for a 01-03 F4i for quite some time now and seen a few 05-06 F4i that may interest me.

At first I was not feeling the Banana Seat but found out you can convert it to a 01-03 split seat if you really wanted too.

So my only concern is how does a 05-06 F4i handle compared to a 01-03 F4i. Is there any difference other then the seat.

I'm choosing a F4i because I want something a little more "First Timer - Friendly".

There's a lot more 05-06 F4i out there for sale then a 01-03 F4i that I may consider it if it ride about the same. Since I won't be doing anything crazy and won't be pushing it to it's full potential - Speed is not a factor to me. I'm looking more for "fun" and "Beginner Friendly".

Most threads are about F4i vs RR but I can't find anything about 01-03 F4i vs 05-06 F4i unless there's really no differenc.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Looks like I may have found my answer unless someone who actually rode both can tell me what the difference are:







2005HondaCBRĀ®600F4i







2002HondaCBR600F4i








CBR600F4i
CBRĀ®600F4i

MANUFACTURER
Honda
Honda

MODEL YEAR
2002
2005

MODEL
CBR600F4i
CBRĀ®600F4i

M.S.R.P.
$8,199.00
$8,499.00

Engine
599cc, liquid-cooled, inline, four-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Displacement
599cc
599 cc

Bore x Stroke
67mm X 42.5mm
67.0 mm x 42.5 mm

Compression Ratio
12.0:1
12.0:1

Weight
370.0 lbs.
370 lbs.

Wheelbase
54.5 in.
54.5 in.

Fuel Capacity
4.8 gal., including 0.9 gal. reserve
4.8 gal. including 0.9-gal. reserve

Seat Height
31.7 in.
31.7 in.

Transmission
6-speed, close-ratio
Close-ratio 6-speed

Final Drive
#525 O-ring sealed chain
#525 O-ring-sealed chain

Suspension
Front: 43mm HMAS cartridge fork, with spring preload and rebound and compression damping, 4.7 in. of travel
Rear: Pro-LinkĀ® mounted, HMAS single shock, with rebound and compression damping adj., 4.7 in. of travel
Front: 43.0 mm HMAS cartridge fork with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 4.7-inch travel
Rear: Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 4.7-inch travel

Brakes
Front: 296mm dual disc with four-piston calipers
Rear: 220mm single disc
Front: Dual 296.0 mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear: Single 220.0 mm disc

Tires/Wheels
Front: 120/70 ZR-17 radial
Rear: 180/55-ZR-17 radial
Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial

Colors
Red/Black
Yellow/Black
Metallic Silver/Red
Candy Dark Red / Silver, Silver / Metallic Silver

 

i think you answered your own question....

There is no difference really. Some debate the 01 has more power but never proven.
But according to sport rider. The 06 actually has i think 2 hp more on the earlier models.

Honda really didn't change anything except the frame is polished aluminum on the newer models and the seat is like the F4 bannana

 

Aesthetics are the only difference.

Be prepared to spend at least $500 on the tail swap, and that's if you can find good deals on parts. The F4i is a popular stunt bike, and 01-03 subframes get scooped up FAST if they're in good condition.

 

My butt hurts after riding my '01 for more than two hours or so, and is a fairly common complaint. I hear Corbin makes a seat that's a little softer, but I'm not sure how good it is. They changed seats for two reasons- to better distinguish the bike from the RR and because the lack of comfort.

 

You are in luck I have a parts bike with a full split seat tail and all hardware and i have a corbin that i am going to throw up for sale in winter

 

Dude, go with the 01-02. Price-wise, you save 1000+ for virtually the same bike. If you do decide to convert to split seat, why bother paying the extra? I see tons out there especially at this time of the year; Obviously, this will depend on where you live. Where I'm at, Northern Cali, there are a handful for sale on Craigslist. These bikes are rock solid even for the '01s.

 

The Corbin seat isn't really softer at all; it's shaped better. And is much better than stock, as long as you aren't hitting twisties or track days. Put your stocker back on for those; it's easier to slide your butt around on.

 

Xuracing if you are going to sell that split tail seat section let me I may take it off your hands this winter.

 

That's just it. I finding 05 for the same price as 01-03 with about the same amount of miles.

I like the 01-03 looks a lot better and will keep looking but if I can get a 05 for about the same price - wouldn't it be better since it's a newer year?

They main reason I've been looking at 05-06 is that there aren't any 01-03 around and the ones at a great deal are sold before I have a chance to call.