Hi everyone,
just purchased a 2001 F4i with 21k miles.

For reference, I have a budget of $600 and can go up to $1600 if truly needed.

I have a list of some things I am curious about, any help would be appreciated as I am new to the motorcycle world.

Also, the bike started fine when I checked it out, and I rode it and everything seemed good to me.

• Had the bike on the highway in cold (below freezing) temps for about 2 hours on the way home. I got home, started it up, got it warmed up and revved it a bit then it died. Would not start and sounded like a dead battery when trying to start. I left it on the battery tender, came back and it started. How badly does the cold affect the batteries? Is it normal in these temperatures for the bike to crank slowly and then just click from the relay? (Won’t be starting in cold weather unless I have to)
• When revving at idle, the headlights seem to brighten. Is this normal?
• Is it okay to leave the bike in a below freezing garage for extended periods of time? I could store it in my house if I really need to.
• What is a good rear stand to get for the bike?
• What are some good ideas to do maintenance wise before the season starts?
• Any general maintenance/care tips or things I should check out before dumping money into the bike
• Are there any accessories or maintenance items that would be a good idea to get?

I have experience working on cars, so I’m confident in my motorcycle wrenching abilities.

 

Welcome aboard!!!

1) Motorcycle batteries are not very robust. They're small and tend to only last 2-3 years. If it hasn't been on a tender and sitting it could just be that it was low and didn't get a good charge.
2) Revving at idle and the lights getting brighter is normal since the stator (similar to the alternator in a car) spins faster creating more voltage. If they are getting significantly brighter this cold also show your battery is getting weaker. These bikes need to rev above 3k to really get the battery to charge so don't feel bad about riding it above this number.
3) Cold weather will only hurt the battery, everything else is like a car. Even when riding in the rain and it getting the display/controls wet.
4) I have an inexpensive rear stand and I've never had an issue, similar to this: https://www.harborfreight.com/motorc...torcycle+stand
Mine has springs to move the pads in/out but this one looks like you set it and forget about it - I like that.
5)Maintenance I would look at: Brake fluid, coolant level/age, oil change, check brake pads, air filter. Check the date codes on your tires. You don't want to ride around on old ones!
6) I never carried tire plug/small compressor for those 'get you home' moments but that would be about all I could think of as far as accessories.

Take care of it and it'll last MANY MANY miles. I've seen at least 2 over the 100k mark.

Mine made it to just over 19k and suffered the worst fate - https://cbrforum.com/forum/f4i-main-...1/#post1347277

 

+ Brake lines if you are changing the fluid (you might as well)

 

Welcome! In addition to the above, I always advocate for a serious 1st Aid Kit, not just for you but also for fellow cyclists. Chances are that you'll never need it, BUT if you do...

 

1+2- make me say check charging system.
3- Yes, just like any other vehicle as long as it has coolant and not just water in the cooling system.
4- I've never seen a bad rear stand. They all work fine.
5+6- are the same question. Fluids, fork seals, drive chain, and cam chain tensioner lifter are really about it.
7- chain cleaner and lube. Fork seal driver.