Hi, I had my Ninja 500R (2004) for 4 months now, and am considering a bike for an upgrade, would like more speed/acceleration but would like to keep the non-supersport type (non-aggressive) seating. Couple reasons for that are my desire to ride long distance with it, kinda like sport-touring; and also that passengers would be more comfortable on a banana type seat, and not the seat type like that of a gixer or zx6r, or CBR600RR...

So I was looking at the Katana series, but they got canned and had no fuel injection, so then there is the upcoming GSX650F but the thing is really heavy! (plus it's not out yet, and I wont be able to get any discounts on it/get it used for a while?)... as an alternative, I was wondering how the CBR600F4i would do, I know it's not made any more, but it does have fuel injection, and is about the weight of the 500R, the only question is about seating position...

So summed up, how does the sitting position compare to Ninja 500R, and how comfortable would it be to take the bike for 300 mile runs?


Thanks,
RMSe17

 

I sold my 04 Ninja 500 for an 04 F4i a few months ago. The seat is slightly higher and wider, and it puts you into a slightly more aggressive position (emphasis on slightly), but I found it more comfortable overall.

 

The F4i is comfy enough, you will like it. Recently I started having neck problems (I AM OLD, 44) so I put on Helibars and it really made it better for me. 300 miles runs are something that many other people have done on their F4i, but if that were myMAINgoal, there are a dozen other bikes I would choose over the F4i.

But if you can only have one bike to do everything, the F4i really is the best thing going.

 

Find a VFR

 

i had a katana, was comfortable for long rides, but a great way to get laughed at at bike meets. but if youre on a 500r, im sure thats nothing new. (sorry) but the f4i is a great riding position, very comfortable. i havent taken any long trips on mine, cause its like 30 degrees here now, but i can tell its very simalar to my Halfabusa (katana) and in that theory should be very comfortable.

 

I found long trips not too bad just dont carry a backpack on your back the added weight sucks after 4to 5 hours of riding but i have taken a run onmine for 12.5 hours straight

 

get a honda VFR for touring like your talking, but.. if you want an f4i get the 04-06 model the seat is a MILLION times more comfortable then the 01-03 which is like sitting on a plank of wood.. sometimes i wonder why i did the seat conversion =p oh yea.. im vain lol

 

Heres the seating position on a banana seat F4i (I'm 5'10" btw):



My back and butt don't ever get sore but on long slab rides my knees sure do. Thats probably because I'm getting old (43).

 

Dont wont to turn anyone away from honda but the kawasaki 650r is pretty slick looking and comfortable. Plus its got a red tube frame.

 

man i completly forgot about that bike lol my girlfriend has the 07 650r blue one and i like riding that thing more then i like riding my f4i! SUPER comfie and really an amazing overall bike it even leans in the turns for you, it's a really weird feeling but it's awesome