Hi guys. I have just taken ownership of a yellow 2001 CBR600F4i and wanted to ask a few questions.

I'm quite OCD about my bikes and while this one is in good nick, there are a few things that I'd like to address.

I have a minor dent in the petrol tank which could probably be pressed out by a dent man.
Question is; does the F4i have a single or double skinned tank?

The exhaust manifold is badly discoloured. Is this mild or stainless steel?
If it's stainless I'll remove it, fit new gaskets and give it a rub down.

Engine oil - I've just dropped the oil and removed the filter.
I know oil is a divisive issue among bikers. I was planning on using Silkolene Comp 4 10w40. Anyone suggest a better option?

Tyres - I checked the date on the tyres and whilst they have lots of tread left, they were manufactured in 2009, which means they're 7 years old.
They're Bridgestone Battlax sport / touring. Should I replace them for safety's sake?

I plan on replacing the spark plugs with what NGK recommend and will get a look at the air filter when I'm in there.
The bike has 16,000 miles on the clock. Would it be time to take it to get the valve clearances checked?

Tail tidy - is there such a thing to tidy up the rather fugly rear end?

LED indicators - can I fit LED indicators without resistors or changing relays?

Phew... I'm sure there'll be more questions but thanks in advance for now!

 

The tank should be single wall, double wall would weigh too much. Exhaust is not SS. Any motorcycle specific oil will do. Fresh tires for sure. Yes, its a good time to check the valve clearances. Tidying up the tail, I doubt anyone is making new ones since the F4i is a little dated, maybe could get a used one from ebay. I dont know about leds.

 

hello and welcome, ditto above, I think you will need resistors for leds

 

Thanks for the replies! Much appreciated.

I am taking the bike to a local specialist next week to get the valve clearances looked at.

I have new NGK plugs and a K&N air filter that I'll get him to fit when he's in that far.

The engine is quite whiny on idle which I assume is a worn cam chain tensioner.

After browsing the forums a lot of US owners swear by APE tensioners as opposed to the OEM Honda one. Would it be worthwhile sourcing one and a gasket.

Would it be advisable to get the valve clearance shims replaced and get the throttle bodies synced too?

I plan on keeping the bike for a long time so want to leave it right.

 

A bad cam chain tensioner doesnt whine, it rattles. If the valve clearances are out of spec is the only reason to change the shims. An APE is a worthwhile replacement when the "rattle" does appear. If it dont rattle, you dont need it yet.

 

Thanks again.
It's more like a distinctive whirr / rattle like the cam chain is running a bit loose that is more noticeable here than any inline 4 I've owned before.

 

Oil is probably the least of your concerns given that the bike hasn't been abused. Just use any car oil without friction modifiers and change it once a year. SOmething else will break long before the engine will because you didn't spend $11/quart on oil

 

Don't worry about the valves either, not at 16K. I've had three Honda I-4's all checked at 40K, 45K and 60K. Only one valve was out of spec and just slightly.