CBR600's

I have an '07 Ninja 650R that I have enjoyed since early '08. It's been 100% reliable and has done everything I asked of it without complaint. While it's been a great bike I've been itching for something different the past few years. Honda CB919's seem like a great choice. Around here at least they seem to be a little pricier than what I want to spend. CBR600 F2/3/4's however seem to be pretty good bargains. I've always wanted one and while I was ready for something a little less sport minded I think a CBR600 should be a good all-rounder without being too uncomfortable on longer trips.

So, anyone have experience with these or know of specific issues I should look for? Any significant differences between F2/3/4's I should be mindful of? I'm not looking at the newer F4i or RR due to cost as well as the more aggressive riding position of the newer bikes, which I don't like.

What say you?

Not much to say, but I had a '96 F3 that I bought at 5k miles and sold at 25k miles. Never had a problem and was a very easy/forgiving bike to ride. All I did was a new chain at some point and tires. Otherwise just oil changes and ride.

My wife had a F1, F3 and F4i. None had any issues.mhad to get a manual cam chain tensioner for the F4i but that was it.

I raced a F3 back when it was new. Again, nothing ever went wrong with it.

A Corbin seat is a good mod for long trips, we did 5 states in 3 days once and almost never went on a highway.

Yea, as long as you're not looking to be at the sharp pointy end of the spear, its hard to go wrong with the f2/3. I love those bikes, but they're thin on the ground up here in good shape.

I had an early 90's F3 that I bought new. I don't recall the details (too long ago), but I recall having an electrical problem with the start switch and the tab that holds the rear fairing to the frame snapping off when I had to do something when it was cold. Other than that, the bike was pretty reliable.

I recently helped a buddy who picket up a F3 Camel Joe Edition. The carb work due to it sitting and rubber boot replacements racked up to close to 1k. Look out for dried out rubber and gummed up carbs, or even better, look for a fuel injected model. IIRC, all F4 models are injected.

Ouch, that's pricey! Thanks for the info.

I've seen a few CBR's in decent shape and reasonable mileage but unfortunately I haven't found a buyer yet for my Ninja 650. Once it goes I'll get more serious about the CBR search.

Helibars would be a good touring addition as well. They'll have less pullback on the bars and raise you up a bit to get some air in your chest to help lift your body off the tank.

former520 wrote: I recently helped a buddy who picket up a F3 Camel Joe Edition. The carb work due to it sitting and rubber boot replacements racked up to close to 1k. Look out for dried out rubber and gummed up carbs, or even better, look for a fuel injected model. IIRC, all F4 models are injected.

The F4 came out in 1999 and has carbs. The F4i came out in 2001 and was the first CBR600 with fuel injection.

The carbs are not hard to rebuild, nothing unique about them compared to other 4 cylinder motorcycle carbs.

Bike Bandit has the OEM rubbers that attach the carb to the head for $15 each. A rebuld kit should be about $40 each. Miltiply those by 4 and add a little for new mains and piolet jets and possibly floats. If someone paid $1000 just for the car rebuild, they got taken.