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  #1  
Old 10-09-2011, 09:19 AM
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Default Looking for Pointers - F4i

Hi everyone, some of you know me from other areas of the forum. I'm looking at expanding my stable so to speak. I'm wanting to find out from all of you about the F4i's. I know they range from 2001 to 2006. Are there any model years that were more troublesome than others ? Any features that were added or removed during the production runs ? Things to look for or watch out for that I should keep in mind while on my journey ?

PS
Please don't contact me or make offers to sell your bike to me (or post up here). I'm just starting to investigate the F4i's and I'm not looking to purchase anything at this time. I'm just wanting to begin my education on them.
 
  #2  
Old 10-09-2011, 10:56 AM
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Swiped all of this from a fireblades site.
Hope it's a start on what you're looking for, Ern



• Introduced in the US market in 2001, and was an update to the carbureted F4 machine, part of the 600F legacy. The first F machine was the Hurricane and has been radically updated since (F1 Hurricane, F2, F3, and F4/i).

• The F4i has a comparably more relaxed feel. The clip-ons sit above the clamp for a more upright riding position, akin to a sport-touring machine. Same as the F4 machine. The rear sets are adjustable but not as aggressively mounted as the 600RRs.

• The 2001 debuted with a 371 lbs. dry weight, one of the lightest machines Honda has made. Colors offerings, 2001 – white/red, silver/black, red/black; 2002 – yellow/black, silver/red, red/black; 2003 – silver/red, silver/black.

• The first generation (2001 through 2003) F4i was a split seat. The pillion seat was a separate seat than the rider’s seat. This was different than the F4 machine that came to pass. The second iteration (2004 through 2006) featured the return of the “banana seat”, the pillion and rider seat are the same assembly. Colors changed too, 2004 – black/red, black/yellow; 2005 – maroon/grey, silver/grey; 2006 – blue/black, yellow/grey).

• The 2001 through 2003 machines are very much the same. There was some changes made to brakes and ECU, but they’re relatively minor. Most of the changes were the different colors available; this is similar to the 2004 through 2006 machines, where similarities are plentiful and the only real differences are choices in tank/fairing colors.

• Seat height for the 2001 through 2003 machine is 31.7 inches (may also find 31.9” measurements). Chain (525 size), bore x stroke (67mm x 42.5 mm), and displacement (599cc) have not changed.

• There are some minor changes in the brake systems, but in large part, the debut bike featured front brakes sized with 296mm disks coupled with four piston calipers. Rear brake was a single 220mm disk on the 2001 modelyear. Brakes are pretty decent, but performance is slightly less than the 600RR.

• The F4i is fitted with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires.

• Peak ponies for the 2001 machine are found at 12,500 RPMs, boasting around 94 HP, and torque crests at 47.9 ft-lbs. at 10,500 RPMs. There was some rumor that the 2003 had the most power, but this could not be confirmed. The 2004/06 iterations probably have similar power and torque figures.

• The driven sprocket changed in 2006, dropping a tooth from 46 (2001 through 2005) to 45 teeth. Drive sprockets had 16 notches.

• Top speed of the 2001 machine is around 155 MPH (actual, not indicated).

• Exhaust is a conventional, right-hand mounted pipe and muffler, opposes chain-side of swingarm. Ground clearance is slightly less than the 600RR, but for street use, probably not an issue.

• Has slightly more storage under seat than its 600RR ilk. Can easily fit an aftermarket fuel management system, alarm system, etc.

• Mirrors are acceptable, but don’t inspire any confidence. In my opinion, they offer a slightly better view of that tailgating SUV than its 600RR brethren.

• The front fairing offers more wind and precipitation protection than the 600RR. Because you’re sitting “in” on the F4i, you have a marginally better defense against bugs, wind and rain.

• Power delivery is pretty smooth and very predictable; the machine redlines a tad over 14,000 RPMs. Slight power drop after idle, perhaps around 4K RPMs.

• Quarter mile trap speeds (~120-130 mph) and times (low 11s) are similar to the “superior” 600RR.

• Same instrumentation cluster through the entire generation. No digital fuel gauge; however, there is a reserve indicator with bars. 4.8 gallon capacity tanks with 0.9 gallon integrated reserve (no manual petcock switching required).


600RR

• Introduced in the US market in 2003, and took the reign as the premier supersport in the Honda model lineup. This machine was fuel-injected like its F4i sibling, but architecturally modeled on the RC211V MotoGP race machine.

• This machine has relatively more aggressive ergonomics than the F4i; the clip-ons are below the yoke. The rides almost on top of the tank. Rear sets are also adjustable to the users preference, but are located in a higher, race-oriented position.

• The 2003 and 2004 model years are strikingly similar, with very few changes; dry weight was 370 lbs. The color choices were the only changes made to USDM bikes (2003 – red/black, black, and yellow; 2004 – red/black, black/silver, and blue).

• Some revitalization was made to the 2005 bike, which carried over to the 2006 model. These changes included small changes to the engine, exhaust, fairings, forks and swingarm; shedding 9 lbs (down to 361 lbs. dry weight). Color choices were different (black, black/grey tribal, silver, silver/black, and red/black; 2006 – orange/black tribal, black, silver, and red/black).

• The 2007 was a complete redesign; an incredible 20 lbs. were eliminated, and dry weight was dropped to 341 lbs, although Honda claims 345 lbs. Changes included almost everything; new engine, new frame, new rear brake system, new wheels, new fairings, new cooling system (w/ new radiator) and an updated version of the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) system. The front forks and rear suspension system carried over from the 2006 machine. Front brakes are of the same specification, but may be different part numbers. The wheelbase was shortened. Current colors are white/silver, blue/silver, red/black and black.

• Through 2003 to the current model, the chain (525 size), bore x stroke (67mm x 42.5 mm), seat height (32.3 in), dual headlamp configuration, and displacement (also 599cc) have not changed.

• Both generations have superior braking systems (than the F4i), and boast similar specs.

• The 600RR also features the 120/70, and 180/55 tire sizes, front and rear, respectively.

• Power peaks on the 2003/2006 iteration at 13,500 RPMs (100 HP). Twisting force hits its crescendo around 11,400 RPMs (41.6 ft-lbs.) No idea what the 2007 machine carries, but it’s probably marginal at best.

• 600RRs are factory geared with 16-tooth front sprockets and 43-tooth driven sprockets.

• Top speed is around 160 MPH (again, actual, not what the speedometer says, which will be higher due to factory programmed error).

• Exhaust system is center-up design, exhaust gases exit near the brake lamp under pillion seat. This helps give the machine more turning clearance.

• Has very little storage. You can store your registration papers, and that’s it.

• The mirrors on the 600RR are subjectively worse than the F4i. Although I haven’t reviewed the 2007 600RR, I’m sure they also give you an excellent view of your elbows.

• Although aftermarket screens are a popular mod, the factory windshields offer little element protection. You’re sitting “on” the machine.

• Very touchy throttle, and not as confidence inspiring as the F4i. The 2003/2006 machine redlines around 15,000 RPMs.

• Quarter mile trap speeds (~120-130 mph) and times (low 11s) are similar to the F4i; I’m sure the 2007 speeds and times are similar.

• Same instrumentation cluster from 2003 to 2006, 2007 has new gauges. Has a digital fuel gauge (not sure on 2007 model). Same fuel capacity and setup as F4i, also with automatic reserve.


Sources
• “Honda 600RR”. Wikipedia.org. Honda CBR600RR - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
• “Honda CBR600F4i”. Wikipedia.org. Honda CBR600F4i - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
• “2003 Honda CBR600RR Timeline”. Sportrider.com. http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003...600rr_timeline.
• Kneedraggers.com.
• Neeves, Michael. “CBR v CBR: When the F is Better than the RR”. Motorcycle News. December 10, 2003.
• Personal knowledge.
 
  #3  
Old 10-09-2011, 11:22 AM
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Obviously you know bout the split seat vs nana seat versions. 06 has an O2 sensor on the pipe. There is a difference in the wire harness between the 01-03 and 04-06 but it's nearly impossible to figure out what exactly.

I've seen people claim the 01-03 are faster than the 04-06. But i write that off to Nanner Hate. I suspect but can't confirm that the later model prolly came with the revised r/r stock.
 
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Old 10-09-2011, 12:24 PM
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I would be remiss if I didn't mention that doing the split-seat conversion is basically a simple swap & bolt up process. ;-)

A link to my tutorial is in my sig-line.
 
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Old 10-09-2011, 01:21 PM
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here in europe, older F4i's had a light switch, while newer ones didn't have one.
i don't know which years though and whether thats the same in the states.

@gotcbr.. but its very hard to find a split seat subframe imho..
 
  #6  
Old 10-09-2011, 10:54 PM
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Wow Mad, who needs Wiki when we have you.

Great info guys, appreciate the replies. I'll be perusing the F4i section as well.
 
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Old 10-10-2011, 05:24 AM
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I've been researching with the internet since before it was called the internet.
Remember 14.4 modems, BBS's and the like? ;-)

Always glad to help, Ern
 
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Old 10-10-2011, 09:24 PM
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I have read that the 04-06 were detuned a bit to make the RR stand out a little more.

If you check the attached link the 01-03 makes about 6 more HP, over 0.5 sec faster 0-60 and about 3/4 of a sec faster 1/4 mile.


http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2010JanIndex.pdf
 
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Old 10-13-2011, 03:30 AM
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If you like your f3's then you'll love the f4i, i've ridden both 97 f3and a 01 f4i and of course my 04. If you don't mind the seat on your f3 then the 04-06 will be simlar, if you want the look then go for a 01-03.
I didn't feel much of a difference between the 01 and mine except my seat was way more comfy, power wise me and my friend with the 01 have
ridden together alot and they pull the same and I got 50lbs on him. In 05 they all got cats installed as well as all cali models all years.
Are you gonna get rid of your f3's that smokin joe's is rare and looks in good shape. Oh and my friends f3 was just a bit slower even with a d&d exaust geared k&n and rejetting.
 
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