I sold my 99' cbr F4 around july and have been contemplating buying me another bike recently. I know i want fuel injection this time around and a newer bike than a 99. i have been looking at the F4i and rr models that honda has out but also have come to like the ninja 636 and yamaha r6.

The only things im set on are having my new bike have a electronic speedometer, Fi, and less than 12k miles.

i loved my cbr F4 - but are the F4i and rr just that much better than the r6 and 636 to count them out. I know this is a CBR forum but, ya'll have prolly ridden mor assortments of bikes than me. I can only account for the F4 and ZX6R

Also this will not be a brand new bike looing to get something 2004 and newer. Have been seeing prices of the f4i in the $3500 - $5000 range. Dont want to spend much more than $4500.

 

Hunt around for the deals... I picked up an 02 F4i in the spring for 2200, with about 11K miles. Last bike was an 00 F4. I also like the 01-03 F4i for the split seat. I have ridden the R6, and it's a good bike as well. It just felt a little narrow and small for lack of a better description while I was on it. I haven't ridden the 636 at all, so no commentary on it.

 

I have a ridden a 01 R6. I liked it in some ways and others way didn't care for it.

Pro's:
-Very light
-Looks good
-Good on gas economy
-Only the shift lever spring has broken so far otherwise been good

Con's:
-They keep moving up the rev range on these bikes so I hate were the power band is now
-Feels too narrow in ways


Other than that all jap bikes are pretty close to each other. This is my experience with one. I keep thinking of getting a newer bike too yet to be honest after racing my buddy's 600rr I don't think I will be selling any time soon. Get what you like and what appeals to you the best.

 

ya im gonna shop around for a little while wont have the cash til mid january so i got awhile to look. $2200 for an f4i was a steal, best deals im finding right now r around $3800 for f4i and $4300 - $5500 for the race ready model.

Most likely going to stick with the honda rr or f4i cause my f4 did me just fine i just hated that it wasnt fuel injected and didnt have digital spedo.

 

dont forget comfort on the r6... i dunno about the 01 because last r6 i sat on was a 05. I dunno if the tank changed but when i rode it, i felt very different than any cbr i rode. it actually hurt my back because of how different siting/riding style but its nothing you cant get used to

 

out of the bikes you are looking at i would recommend a 600rr, then a 636. You should be able to get something pretty nice for 4500

 

I got my 02 f4i for 1700. Needed new fairings and had high mileage, but now that I've replaced the new fairings runs and looks like a new bike...

 

Paid 3000 for my F4 which was a rip off cause it needed a good bit of tlc. It had been slopily converted to a f4i. After i converted it back it was all good til the regulator started going bad, after that i got tired of working on it more than i rode it and ended up selling it for the same i paid. Had converted it back to and F4 by then and painted it matte black.

Finding F4i's over in dallas, tx for around 3500 now on craigslist. Its were i got my f4 from, bout a 4 hour drive but well worth it cause it's like sportbike city over their lol.

 

Check on this board pretty often, and also look at the Wera board. lots of previous track bikes can be found reasonably. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, then I would suggest looking at Argo Cycle. Friend of mine just sold a track bike 600 RR with lots of upgrades for 3500. He was willing to throw in all the street gear (repsol replica) for an extra 300 bucks. Clean title single owner. Just food for thought.

 

if your fairly aggressive and plan on track days i would get the R6. if your more laid back and plan on a lot of miles F4. have never ridden a 636 but have been unimpressed with other kaw sport models.