Hey Guys, I've been hanging around on the 600RR side mostly because I've been planning to get a new one. HOWEVER, I just ran across a pristine 2002 F4i with 1,800 miles. Yellow. 2 matching HJC helmuts + 1 Pit Bull rear stand + a tank bra. NADA says $3805 low retail - $5005 high retail. I'm at $4000 with the guy.

What do you think?

The bike is truly showroom in appearance. I've smoked it over really well. HOWEVER, I fly jets for a living & race cars as a hobby, etc., and understand mechanical things fairly well. My issue with this bike is it's 4 yrs old. Only 1800 miles. Sounds good on the surface, but mechanical things that sit around and are not started, run, used do not have good reliability. Rust, corrosion, bearings, seals, electrical gremlins develop -- these are the sorts of things I'm concerned about.

What's your opinion on this? Do Honda motorcycles break down from lack of use?

The guy's trying to get me higher because of the pristine condition and low miles. I kinda shocked him when I said it would be better off if it had more reasonable miles on it. That's less than 500 miles a year!

My problem is I'm buying it at auction if I'm high bidder. So I cannot really take it and have it pre-purchased at the Honda shop. Do a compression check etc.

I'd truly appreciate your opinions. My first foray back into street bikes in 28 years or so. Trying not to get burned.

Thanks in advance!!

 

change all the fluids/oils

 

I just got my '01 F4i with 600mi on it and it runs great. I talked to a four different mechanics and they all said the thing it really needs is more miles put on it by ME. Chage the fluids and tires maybe. What do you fly? I fly cessnas right now but will be in Texas for AF Pilot training in June.

 

Thanks all! Scotty I own my own plane a 1980 Piper Warrior II which I use for fun, travel & also to commute to work in Atlanta, GA where I fly jets for SunTrust Banks. We run Cessna Citation XLs.

I'm hoping that buying a bike which has been sitting around for 4 yrs is not a huge mistake. Everything mechanical I'm familiar with deteriorates from such. Lots of problems going forward. So, I'm not sure.

How much to change all fluids? I'm thinking oil of course, tranny fluid, shock fluids, brake fluids. Anything else?

 

I bought my 02 600f4i in 05. It only had 2100 mi. on it. My buddy babied it the 3 yrs. he had it. He was good about maintenence, changing fluids, etc., even though mileage wise it didn't need it. He did it anyways. I noticed that it didn't really break in until after 3000 mi. I have not had any probs with it.

 

To quote Tahoe SC, if I may: "It's a Honda mang!!!"

 

I wouldn't worry too much, I got my 02 with only 3000 miles on it. And it runs great. The prior owner had it and never rode it. I put on 800 miles last year on it, you should be lucky to get such a great deal.

 

Indeed...It's a HONDA MANG!!!![sm=exactly.gif]

I'm just hoping there are no problems with it. It's not a done deal yet, so time will tell.

 

I got my '02 last summer, 4k miles... it sat for a long time, and it ran just fine.

Just make sure the drain-plug in the oilpan hasn't been overtightened... trust me on this...

 

Hey,

I've followed your thread on the RR vs. F4i decision making process. I went through the same process and eventually ended up with a used F4i. I'm 56 if it matters; didn't want to have to bend any farther than necessary...

Almost the same situation, mileage and years, with the F4i I found. It was a 2003 with 1980 miles.

My thinking is that although the mileage is low, it is not so low as to be a negative. I think it is a positive. If I was still in the market and ran into the same deal as you are looking at then I'd definitely consider it.

As far as I can tell I ended up with a bike that was for all intents and purposes brand new but at a much lower price. Plus with that year you (and I) get the split seat which, in some peoples eyes (mine included) , gets you style points, when compared to the banana.

The fact that it is an auction situation is an issue I didn't have to deal with... However it sounds like you've got the background to make an educated decision. I'd go with my gut on this one, if you are thinking that an F4i is really what you want then the price sounds decent and then there are the extras he's throwing in.

However some people consider used helmets to not be worth the risk. Unless they look totally pristine, you could argue that you don't know the back ground and do you really want to risk your noggin... You might be able to use that argument to talk him down a bit...

good luck with your decision,
d.