I've been looking for a 01-03 F4i for about a month now and only found a few worth considering (Around $3.7k - $4k) with about 12k miles.

I recently found a 05 F4i with 10K miles, Yoshimura Exhaust, Rumble Import Fender Eliminator, Flush mount blinkers and new front and rear Metzeler tires. Bike has never been drop and is in excellent condition. The selling is asking for $5k. I made an offer of $4k - he came back with $4.4k. I think I can get it for $4.2K

Question - should I get it or wait out on a 01-03. My main reason is wanting to stay under $4k and having the split seat but I don't want to save $200 - $500on an older bike and then pay $$$ to maintenance work because it's a 01-03.

I've seen where you can by a rear cowl for the 05 or do the seat swap/conversion. But if I really think about it. When I'm riding the bike - you can't really notice the banana seat and from what I've heard - the banana seat is a little more comfortable.

Sounds like I'm trying to sell myself the 05 F4i. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Mike

 

It's all of a matter of looks..pretty much the same bike just whether you like the split seat or banana. And if you did go for the 05 i wouldn't bother with the conversion. And the banana seat does look more comfortable

 

I think everyone would agree that the split seat looks better but in this case that is really your only arguing point. The 04-06's performance was no different than that of their previous gen brothers. If you buy the 05 and decided that you want a split seat that bad then you can always do the conversion, or if its just looks then add a seat cowl. For what its worth though I have an 01 and if you're going to be riding a good amount of miles that seat SUCKS. I imagine that 'nana seat has to be better. I believe you made the best point though. This is all another one of totally preference but if you are going best bang for the buck I think your money is on the 05.

 

The other thing is that the earlier models have the d@mn CCT issue. Not sure when Honda got around to fixing it on the production line, but you may be better off getting a later model bike just for that reason.

 

All of them have it.

The nana seat is nice, especially for two people, but is looks are very important to you, get the split seat.

 

They never fixed it? I thought they came out with the "new and improved" CCT. Guess I was wrong...

 

They did... it was just as much of a POS as it's predecessor [:@] APE manual tensioner FTMFW!!!!

 

Hey Guys,

In less then 18 hrs - I'll be picking up me NEW 2005 CBR 600 F4i. Well new to me. It has 10k miles but the owner stated that he's done a lot of long distance cruising with his dad cruiser on the weekends.

The Color Scheme is Silver/Metallic Silver.

I can't wait.

 

Congrats!!! You'll love it, I promise You can always do the split seat tail swap later down the road, if you decide to.... it's not big thing

Good luck with the new bike, and ride safe!!