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What's your favorite CBR 600 and why?

I'll throw in a quick unwelcome pitch for the 2003-2005 Yamaha R6, still built new as the R6S. Not quite as upright and comfy as the F4i, and I haven't been on any of the RRs, but it is considerably more upright and relaxed than the newer R6s and has a much stronger midrange.

I bring it up because the persistence of the R6S means that parts and low mileage bikes are plentiful.
 
augustiron said:
As a generalization, I think people's answers will vary based on a couple of factors:

1) when they started riding/age. Newer/younger riders probably are never going to consider the "older" bikes since RRs are now available cheap as starter bikes.

Yes, there will be exceptions, that is why I called this a generalization.
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Good point, I've never rode an F4 or newer CBR600 that I can remember. I rode a friend's Hurricane CBR600F1 back in the '80s, a friend's CBR600F2 in the '90s, bought my own first-gen CBR600F3 new in '96 and accessorized the hell out of it with a sport-touring slant, and later picked up a bone stock high-mileage second-gen '98 F3 as well.

Of these, I liked the F3 better by far. :teeth
 
My first sportbike was an F2. Before that, I only rode old fat pigs because that was what the friend who got me into motorcycles was into. The F2 changed my life and no matter what bike I've had since just does not hold the same charm.

Back to your question... It really matters what you want to do with the bike. The best advice I got when I was into retro bikes and wanted to go fast was to get the newest model I could afford. Usually but not always, newer bikes are better than the older models they replace.

Ultimately, you'll have to find your version of my F2 whether that is a Honda or not.
 
tetsing said:
/thread

HONDA_CBR600RR_2007TMS.jpg
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By far, the best CBR600rr color ever.
 
I had a 2002 F4i, it was okay but I didn't love it. I've also owned Harley's, Ninja 250's, Ducati's...fwiw.

I recently bought a 99 F4 with 2,800 miles, super cherry, all stock - LOVE IT. Starts up every time and warms up fast- rode it to the Hawthorne, NV rally - no carb issues despite the altitude changes. I lowered it, put a custom corbin seat on it, changed the exhaust and elskipador did a dynojetkit. Feels zippy and solid. I actually feel like it's smoother throttle wise than the F4i :2cents

If you are patient and look around you can find a good deal on a low mileage F4. I got mine for a steal of < $3k
 
thenewwazoo said:
04-06 F4i, bar none.
- Less likely to attract or have been owned by squids, so the bikes are usually nicer and cheaper.
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Actually parts are much more expensive due to the stunters needs.
hitman5532 said:
f4i is the best allround sportbike made

/thread
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I started on a 2003 F4i, then a 2006 rr and currently own 2 late model 2007+ rrs.
The F4i is a super user friendly bike with an incredible center of gravity and good balance....hence the reason why they are the stunters bike of choice. Probably one of the best all around bikes made as Hitman said.:thumbup
The 2006 was just okay, heavy but well planted in turns.
But the. 2007s on blew the older models away in both handling and power.
Still......the. 2008 on R6 trumps them all. Eventually I'll go back to one.
 
cencalballer said:
I like the 05-06 rr. The newer one doesn't feel right to me and the f4i's are usually heavily used now.
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Buy a 03-04rr and put a 05-06rr front end on it :teeth

I will be a 03-04RR fan till the day I die, built to last. And for me, it has an iconic street bike look, not all those sharp edges like a yamaha, and not as "tool" as a gsxr. (no offense to anyone)
:ride
 
I love my 09 that came with ohlins. I put almost 500 miles on it in in one day several times and felt great. A very good mechanic specifically recommended that year to me. It's my 2nd CBR (first one was a 400RR). I think it's the best looking of the 600RRs after those ugly engine covers were ditched. If only it was a V4.

The D675 was great too but not as a street bike.
 
ohio said:
I'll throw in a quick unwelcome pitch for the 2003-2005 Yamaha R6, still built new as the R6S. Not quite as upright and comfy as the F4i, and I haven't been on any of the RRs, but it is considerably more upright and relaxed than the newer R6s and has a much stronger midrange.
Click to expand...

Exactly.....Better fit & finish than Honduh, and it's the most vibration-free 600 I've ever ridden.
 
Kurosaki said:
It's not red so I don't see how your statement could possibly be true.
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I'm with Rick James on this.

As far as looks and fun on the track go, I like the 03-04/05-06.
As far as comfort and street riding, I like my old F4.

8442187691_918e211f98_b.jpg
 
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