Sorry, the title should read "F4I" - A little dyslexic today

Hello - I'm new to this forum, but have been on a Ninja 250 for a while now (don't laugh ) I want a bike that I can upgrade to and stay in for a while -- I'm not a "super go fast" person, but I would like a little more power--something that I will enjoy for a good 2-3 years before trading again. I prefer the upright riding position on the F4I over the RR and similar bikes. I do a lot of commuting to/from work and just around town. I'd like to go on a few longer road trips too soon (but the little Ninja just really isn't made for it). Is the F4I comfy on longer trips, yet still good around town?

I have been shopping around for a 600 F4I and found a 2006 that I love at a dealership here locally in Kansas City. The bike is the Yellow/White/Black scheme with 7,500 miles on it. It is as clean as a whistle - I can't find any scratches on it or anything - previous owner was a cop (the salesman says) and it is obvious he took really good care of the bike. They want $5,800 out the door. Anyone have any thoughts? New rear tire, everything is still stock on the bike (which is what I prefer) and it is CLEAN. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks! -Tony

 

sounds good. They are plenty comfy esp with the bannana seat (so some say).

 

A Ninja 250 is nothing to laugh at, those things can handle like a 5 star chefs knife.
have you looked at a VFR800? They are the best of both worlds.

 

Hi Toni,

The biggest difference you will see from switching from a 250cc bike to anything higher is the substantial weight difference.

Have you considered looking at the ninja 500?


Correct me if I'm wrong.......You purchased a Ninja 250. This leads me to believe you are very cautious when it comes to bikes and do not wish to purchase something waay beyond your skill level. This is very understandable.

Some things you may need to decide:

What type of handlebars do you prefer? Straight across or sport?


If you are looking for something to get you from one place to the other at highway speeds you may want to look at a Yamaha FZ6 or perhaps a Suzuki Katana 600.

Although many people say bad things about the katanas, people forget that less than 10 years back the "katanas" were what everyone wanted, NOT Gixxers.

Great bikes that are possibilites to upgrade to : Suzuki Katana 600, Yamaha FZ6, Kawasaki Ninja 500, Kawasaki ninja 650, CBR 600.

If you are looking for a step up the ninja 650 would be quite adequate. Their first year they were manufactured was 2006 after replacing the kawasaki 636. They are a great commuting bike and are very comfortable.

The only reason why I am mentioning other brands is because I don't want you to jump into a bike you won't like and or give you a bias opinion.

 

Thanks for your tips! I ended selling my Ninja on Craigs List and purchasing a 2005 CBR600F4I from an individual. My out-of-pocket was $800 ! The Honda has 10,000 miles on it and the gentelman took immaculate care of the bike. New tires were on it as well. He was nice enough to let me test-drive it and you are right, the big thing I noticed was the weight difference. But I also really liked the overall feel of the bike, and I have to be honest, the price was right ($4,000). I actually go and pick it up today!

I think this will work out nicely for me and am really excited. Thanks again for all the info and other options you presented -- I think this will be a bike that will last me a long time - I can't imagine myself wanting more power than this, and the look of the bike I just love.

 

Sounds like you got a great deal, KC. Congrats on the bike, and enjoy the ride! (I know you will!)