Thanks for all of the replies!
Ok, so looks like it will be a tad less comfortable on long rides, I am still considering it.

So I checked out the VFR, and actually, from first look, really liked what I saw (not just the pics, but stats and features). Infact, went out to a dealer and test rode a 2004 one. Was considering a deal, then read some more at home, and apparently there is a flat in power band before vtec kicks in, and while cruising on the highway, it can end up in that band, making one downshift to be able to pass..? Also, since vtec activates and diactivates at the same point, that led to some weird things if you are running at that RPM. Also, I wonder about the passenger seat getting hot from those pipes stuck up there(just my thought, I dont know really). Sooo I turned down the offer. I read that the power issues are fixed in 2007 and to some degree in 2006?

The one thing I didn't like about the VFR personally on the short run around the dealership was that it takes significantly more to lean it over, but I guess thats what I get with 100 lb more. I figure the 600F4i will take turns easier, but the 800 would definitly go better with a passenger.. hmmm. decisions decisions... I guess the 600F4i is now 2nd choice for me?

Yea, I didn't look at ninja 650 cause it's a 2 cyl, and I really want a 4. Plus, I just hear good things about Honda engines in general.

 

Dont get me wrong i LOVE my Honda.. but Kawasaki is always my 2nd choice. just go sit on one, you'll be pleasently suprised.. and the bike tops out around 150 so power isint a problem. I'd love to see you on an F4I but all 3 bikes are a great choice

 

F4i FTW!!!!!

 

Have you rode an F4i yet? I bet you would find it a little harder to "turn over" also. Maybe I don't mean harder, but it is differrent from my Ninja 500. The 500 is what I would call "flickable" while turning on the Honda is much more smooth and a better feeling of precision, but not quite as quick.

I'm not so sure you want the F4i if you will do a lot of touring. The longest I rode my 500 was 3 hours, and my butt was a little sore and my whole body a little tired from the vibration of the twin. My longest ride on the F4i so far is 2 hours, and the only thing to bother me is my wrists, but I'm still learnig to hold my body up with my legs and stomach and not my arms. I think the seat is actually more comfortable on the Honda.

Other than the Ninja 650 someone mentioned, the SV650 might also be worth looking into. It's supposed to be pretty comfy. I don't know how the comfort of theSV650s version compares to the F4i though, it might end up being about the same (thes has a fairing and more aggresive seating than the non-s).

 

For comfort AND a sporty ride, take a look at the RVT1000 aka RC-51. Cushy seat, upright position, plenty of power, AND it's a Honda.

 

i traded up from a 04 ninja 500 to a 06 f4i and couldn't be happier
im 6 ft. tall so i was a little crampt on the 500 but the f4i fits perfect
the longest ride ive been on was about three hours, but was a little sore
but other than that everything ok.
upside of f4i comfort, smoothiness, power, looks and its a HONDA
upside of ninja 500 60 miles per gallon
06 yellow f4i
21000 miles
stock

 

interceptor all the way on this one

 

i've seen 57 mpg on my f4i