Here is my thread about what happened to my bike... long story short, friend test rode it, slammed into a curb, parts are damaged but he'll pay for everything.

https://cbrforum.com/m_268786/tm.htm

For my forks, do I have to get f4i forks or can I use some other bike's forks such as an f2, f4, etc? In a way, I want to install these myself if it's simple enough so I have some experience doing it, but if it requires special tools and hard work, i'd rather let my friend pay for the labor that a shop will charge. How many hours would a shop charge to install the forks, radiator, and rim?

 

If you have an F4I, the forks are not reverse compatible. Plus, why would you want to go witholder technology? F2 forks suck and the F3 forks are fine... just significantly smaller in diameter than the F4I. I would shop ebay for a set of straight forks. To change out the rim and radiator, it can all be done while working on the forks. I don't know how much a shop would charge, the averageseems to be$75/hr for labor. In terms of labor, it is only a few hours to tear down the front end and then reassemble. It is almost as easy as tearing down a bicycle with only a bunch of wires running around the forks. The hardest part is getting some thing that can lift the front end off the ground to tear down the front end. I have used a cherry picker and run straps in and around the frame. Do not run any straps under the triple clamps because you will need to loosen that so that you can properly align the forks. If you don't have a manual, look at online micro fiche. I will give you an idea on how the front end is assembled. Check out the site bikebandits.com and then select your model. Also, it is just good to have a service manual on hand when working on these things. They are a REAL life saver in terms of sanity. Hope this gives you something to work with.