I am 47 as well and just got my bike in December. I sat on the RR and the small difference in the riding ergonomics put a lot more pressure on my hands and the RR's seat was a tad weak. The F4i's seat is no couch, but it is better than the RR. Some of these guys on here are pretty small, 5'10 and 150 lbs, so I'm sure the ergonomics don't have as much effect on them as it did me, so your size will make a difference.

I had not had a sportbike before, so I went with the comfort instead of the looks - I'm past the stage where I care so much about the bikes styling that I would sacrifice being able to ride as much as I want to.

I don't think I'll ever ride the bikes to their fullest to appreciate any difference in performance, but I'm no grandpa either - some of the young guys are having a bit of trouble keeping up.

I have a little over 1,000 miles on the bike this winter and so far I am happy with my choice.

Oh yeah... I'm not really old, and I'm not really fat, but if I keep telling the youngsters I am, they take me too lightly -- until I pass them. ha ha.

 

not to offend, but at your age you might look at the F4i. THe bars are higher so it'll go easier on your back. the seat is a lot more comfortable. All together good comfort on the bike.
comparing the performance of the two is kinda redundant. we're talking about a last gen supersport in the F4 vrs the next gen F4i. Its kinda like comparing the 05 gsxr 1000 against the 04. better yet its like looking at the new Yamaha R6 against last years R6..

 

I'm old too (42, 5'8' 195lbs), the RR beat up my wrists (only 11 minutes till my hands went numb), the F4i has a older, less smooth fuel injection system that make on/off throttle control tricky. I believe the RR has more adjustablility in the clutch and brake pull lengths. The underseat exhaust on the RR is a nice plus.

The F4i isn't as good looking but its not like us old farts are gonna get laid any more or less because of the seat style, so who really gives a crap about that. Money was absolutely no object for me, but I got the F4i for comfort and ease of riding even though the RR is a nicer bike in many ways.

If you think about it, only your *** and hands really matter on a bike, given that my *** and hands like the F4i, my eyes just have to suffer a bit.

 

I'd suggest the F4i myself. I bought an '06 a few weeks ago and compared it to the RR. This is my first bike ever, but I wanted something that I could easily learn on without beating my wrists and back from leaning over so much. From what I can tell, the main differences is a few HP/torque more in the RR, but that can easily be made up with a slip on and a K&N filter. The front rotors are slightly larger I believe, the seat is the most noticable, and the swingarm is a little beefier. I've only gotten on mine a little bit one time (because it's new with break in and all of that) but I took it up to about 6,000 rpm in 2nd with about half throttle, but didn't snap it, and I felt as though I was hanging on for dear life. I think the only 'real' noticable thing you get for an extra $1000 with the RR is the seat design, fairings and sore hands.

 

you guys crack me up. The RR is not that hard on your hands and all that. The seat is higher and more narrow, so it's not as comf, and you are hunched over, but if that little difference in being hunched over hurts you that bad, you shouldn't be riding any crotch rocket. Maybe it's cause I'm young, but I could ride an RR just as easily and comfortable as I could ride an F4i, it's just that the seat is a little more awkward. I'm not saying the F4i isn't more comfortable, but the RR isn't that much worse to where if you have the funds, you should get the F4i over an RR. That's just crazy. If money is no object, get the RR. You will be much happier at the end of the day. You see a lotta F4i guys say "I wish I got the RR" or "I wish I could have afforded an RR, or found one in my price range" but you never hear an RR guy wish he had an F4i.

 

It was a big difference for me comfort wise between the two. Then again, I'm 6'3 and 240. It's supposed to be enjoyed, not feel pain and stiffness when you ride for an hour.
I'm certainly not bashing the RR, it surely is sweet, but not for everyone. I looked into getting an Audi TT since it was so nice...but too tiny inside.

 

I'm glad I amuse you, it is what I live for.

 

Get what you like but I'm only 29 and love my 02f4I I was thinking about going to a 600rr but after about 20 min my wrist were killing me. You should know this better than anyone its not how much power that makes you fast its how well you handle what you have. I ride with 1000's all the time and have no problem keeping up. However I ride a friend of mine's 1000rr sometimes and it feel as comfortable as my F4I so that is what I will go to when get ready to change.

 

I agree too.... 37 here, and I stick with the F4. Quite a bit more comfortable, and I regularly do 250-400 mile days. Since June I've put over 11,000 miles on the bike.

Another guy I ride with sold his '05 VFR800 and got an '06 F4i, and he loves it.

 

We just simply disagree. I could've coughed up the extra $500, but I just didn't want to. I'll bet that is the same story as most of the other F4i drivers on here. $500 when you are talking about $8K is really not a decision maker.

Could I ride an RR? Sure. But I wouldn't be as comfortable.