Okay I am a brand new rider. I am registered to take the MSF class Dec 17, 18, and 19. I learned how to drive on a manual and I race for a performance shop so I know the concept well of balancing the clutch to the amount of gas to get going and such, although I know it's not the same for a bike. Therefore, what I was wanting to know is how much of a difference is there between the new 2005 F4i and the 2005 600RR. I want one of these bikes DEFINITELY for my first bike. I understand 600 is bigger and I know RR is a Race Ready bike, however I am able to control myself and I will not be racing, stunting etc. I will be wearing about $1,200 worth of gear with full perforated leather 2 piece suit, Shoei helmet, race boots, etc. I like to stay safe and alive! I definitely love the looks of the RR much better with seperated head lights and how the front fairing is shaped. You know I also love the underseat exhaust. How much of a difference in performance/suspension is the F4i and RR truthfully? I would like to get the RR but my friend that is a salesman at the local dealership tells me to get the F4i but I'm kinda stuck on the RR after seeing a lot of good things about it and I personally love it a lot. I've done research and I want a straight up answer tailored to my question. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

I think your answered your own question.....

Actually the F4i has been changed more to a sport touring type bike. The bike is not as aggressive in stance than the RR as with the engine and its design.

Yes the RR is more along the lines of a racing style wherease the F4 is not.

It is more of a prefrence, I myself like the RR, but I am more of the type that likes to take the twisties.

 

Congrats on taking the MSF class. I will caution you about a few things since you are a new rider. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. Congrats on the gear, safety first. But how are you going to feel when you crash your brand new $8000 bike. It's not a matter of how you crash, but when. Everyone will crash at some point in time, new riders just have a higher chance. It may not even be your fault. There are several situations that will come up that an experienced rider may avoid, where a new rider might not be able to.

Personally, I would pick up an older 600F2 or 600F3 and learn to ride and practice your skills for a year. Then get whatever bike you want. The great thing about getting an older bike is they hold their value. You can buy an older bike, ride it for a year, and get pretty much what you paid for it back when you sell it. Good luck with whatever way you go. If you are set on getting a new bike, the best thing I can tell you is sit on both bikes, see which fits you better. You don't even need to think about racing for a year or more. So don't buy a bike to race. Buy a bike to ride.

 

I also applaud you on wearing full gear.

However, I would have to say that either bike is not a good idea for a new rider.
You can get yourself in A LOT of trouble VERY FAST on these bikes.

I would suggest something smaller like an EX500 Kawi or a Suzuki SV650.

Get some miles under your belt before you jump on a supersport. You will also be a better rider as a result.

 

I agree with Duke. Both are pretty expensive bikes for a first bike. I bought an 92 F2 to learn on, and once I felt comportable (3 months later) and after taking the MSF course I knew I was ready to move up. I bought a 2002 F4i and sold my F2. The F4i is awesome. Although I will say that the newer F4i's are not as cool (I'm not a fan of the one seat) and after 2002 the design is not as racy as the RR. Case and point, if I were buying a new bike, I'd want a 2005 RR over the 2005F4i for the same reasons you stated above. Hoever, if I were buying my first bike, I'd get an f2 or f3 to get comfortable on.

 

I'm inclined to agree thus far. You are way better off starting with a F2 or F3, you can pick one up for realtively cheap and your not gonna be bringing either of those bike to their limitations any time soon and you won't be to pissed if you drop one. The rr and F4i, on the other hand, will probably get you pretty heated when you drop it. If your still hell bent on getting an rr or F4i, It pretty much comes down to which one has the looks that you prefer. Your not gonna be able to tell the difference in the two. You definately won't be pushing the limits of either of these two bikes while riding. Nor should you be trying to on the street anyway. I prefer the F4i's seat myself since I do alot of commuting on mine and the seat is a lot more comfortable. That, and my passengers are never comfy on the solo seat when they ride.

 

That's a good point Duke, I started out with the Ninja 500, got 17,000 miles (3 years) before I got my new 02 F4i.
I learned to be a better rider with my 500, and now I love the F4i cause they are so different.

Good luck and ride safe or not

-TJ

 

as someone once said on this site.. "Holy old post resurrection Batman." haha

 

I was in the same position as you,I wanted the looks of the RR but the comfort of the f4i so I got an 02' f4i for $4500 with all the aftermarket goodies.It looks like the RR minus the undertail exhaust.I'm also a new rider of about two weeks,I had never even ridden an atv and have had no problem learning on my bike.Just take the back roads for a while,also with you taking the class I wouldn't see any problem with an f4i.here's a few pics of my bike.http://img195.echo.cx/img195/7536/e239wc.jpg http://img195.echo.cx/img195/8576/6131vl.jpg