Hey all, this is my first post here. I am looking at getting my first bike in the near future, been reading a lot online and trying to figure out what the best bike for me to get would be. A lot of people recommend the F2's and F3's over the F4 for a first bike it seems like, however the craigsilst in my area has much more F4's and F4I's than F3's . Is there a large difference between an F3 and an F4? Enough so that an F4 would be a bad bike to start out on ?
Taking my MSF next weekend.
Thanks for the help

 

welcome to CBRF
question is, which bike do you like better.

 

Your biggest difference will be carbureted vs fuel injected.

FI is a lot easier. I'd probably try to find a F4i if you can find one you like / price range for you.

Good job on taking the MSF class - its the smartest / best way to start.

 

The only real point I can see in the F3 vs F4 argument for a first bike is entry level price. Which is negated if you are seeing better deals on the F4's.

Another consideration, the F3 after-market and new/used parts-market is starting to dry up. Not completely but from my own current ownership perspective , it's getting to be a pain finding inexpensive, quality parts. The pool is shrinking as the manufactured inventory is depleted and they become a niche market.

More important than what the first bike is, your attitude when you get on it. Be smart/alert, be safe.

Ern

 

Welcome aboard. I applaud you taking the MSF. I recommend it. You'll learn a lot & it will provide a good basis for further learing.

As for bike choice, do your research on the different bikes & make the choice that's best for you. There are a lot of variables; price, style, carb'd vs FI, etc. Most importantly is the bike's condition. Be sure to have a pre-purchase inspection done at your local factory Honda shop.

 

Right on. Is the F4 a significantly faster/ less forgiving bike or is it about the same?

 

Your question of the F3 vs F4 differences reminded me of an article I'd read some yrs ago. Well, after a little searching, I found it for you. One quote from the article really stands out & is pertinent to your question... "Head-to-head, the F4 retains the same character of the venerable F3, but it does just about everything better."

I hope you enjoy reading it. Here's the link to the article...
First Ride: 1999 Honda CBR600F4 - Motorcycle.com

 

Welcome to CBRF.. I went through the same decision when it came to buying a CBR.. it was my second bike though...

I love the F3s.. it has plenty of power, great handling... everything you probably need and want and more than enough for a first (or second or third) bike.. I went with the F4 obviously.... for a few personal reasons..

1) styling - this is totally subjective, but the paint and decals on some of the F3s makes them appear dated compared to the F4 which resembles the F4is and therefore looks newer. The aluminum exposed frame is also a win to me.

2) weight - the alum frame is lighter than the steel framed F3.. not by a lot, but it is lighter...

3) aftermarket - many of the F4 parts are interchangeable with the 01-06 F4i. You can also swap some parts with an F4i.

Having said this, I am still lusting after the Smokin Joe F3s.. which IMO are one of the best looking CBRs ever... and I was looking for one.. but I am glad I picked up my F4.
Ride safe in whatever you get.

 

Hi

I have a F3 and i love it its fast enough for me the parts are easy to get in the UK im more than happy with it try both out and make your choice. Hope this helps.

Dave. UK

 

I've owned early CBR, F2, F3 and F4i sport. If you have no idea about geometry, tires and suspension setup go F4. The steel framed bikes are hard to make corner well.

My next CBR600 will probably be an early carb model F4 because I don't rate early Honda injection (drinks loads of fuel) and performance wise bikes with carbs run as well as those with injection if everything is setup right. Carbs are also cheaper and easier to adjust.

One of my current track bikes (CBR600 F2) which I am developing (to be a wet bike in the end) is getting smoked by CB500's and SV650's which never happened on anything else I took to the track including my Kawasaki Versys.

The F3 I own actually feels slightly over powered for the ill handling chasis, my old FZR600 was far superior. Unfortunately Honda are generally the only old bikes that you can use without rebuilding and replacing parts every 5 minutes when they get old which is why I generally only ride them now.