I have an urge...

[StreetHawk]

... to sell my ZX6R and buy a CBR600F..

I like the idea of a softer , more comfortable, easier to ride bike AND I like Hondas. I love the way my kwak looks and goes but it's harsh suspension makes it a pain in the a**e after riding for a while. Can't afford to put any money towards a new bike so it would be pretty much a straight swap.

This (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-HONDA-CBR-600-F-4-BLACK-F4-EXCELLENT-LADY-OWNER_W0QQitemZ280200641798QQihZ018QQcategoryZ9806 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) one looks nice :-)

Anybody in here ever owned a CBR600F?

[plowsie]

Nick having only ridden mine restricted and now trying to sell up, I can't really comment. Your best bets are Muffles and Tomcat on the latest models.

[StreetHawk]

Cheers Stu, how do you find the riding position and handling?

[ASM-Forever]

You're just trying to compete with Dan! Don't he's unbeatable! :)

I've ridden a 600F and it was certainly a good bike. I don't think they are as sedate/boreing as people say, but in the same breath, its not a ss600.

"softer , more comfortable, easier to ride". If thats really the criteria you want, then its a good choice.

I wouldn't have one as a weekend toy, but it would be among my first picks as a commuter that is still fun.

[StreetHawk]

I'll be commuting when it warms up a bit.. I've never ridden one but have sat on one in a showroom and it felt good. I'll have to get a test ride, only way to find out if I like it or not I spose..

[ASM-Forever]

Off on a bit of a tangent....i also was looking at bits to tart up my bike and it turns out my bike is a 'Raven' limited addition. You learn something new everyday!

Amusingly someone i know just sold a 05 on a 56 plate(same as mine!) that was virtually standard for ?4750.

My bikes worth more than i thought, and i can make circa ?1000 from stripping bits. :)

I also got a call from CN today and they asked if i tried/failed to get a quote for a R1 online. I said yes and they said they could do it ?700 FC! That wasn't even with any haggling.

This afternoon i was having silly thoughts(called on yer bike), but have decided to resist for 1 more year.

I suggest you do the same until you get the CBR!

Look at Dan...it all ends in tears.

[plowsie]

Cheers Stu, how do you find the riding position and handling?
IMO the handling is as good as my old SV which had Gixxer forks on it, although i feel like i'm fighting a front end battle some of the time, but think that is down to my style atm...Riding position gets a bit dodgy on my back, but i'm 6'1" i think, but about 6 foot wide too lol.

IIRC i am a little higher and the wheelbase is a tiny bit shorter...

[KnightRider]

Just remember to add £500 to the price of anything you buy cause you wont be able to stop yourself from adding new kit to it.

Personally I wouldn't do the swap. I commuted for three months on the 600rr and it wasn't a problem and that is doing 1hr 30 each way!

[Tomcat]

If you ride a bike hard, you can ride the cbr600f hard, and really enjoy it. In truth most of these boys who think they are racers on the gsxr's etc are playing the image game. My bike is the same model/year as you are looking at there and it can play with the rest of them. Ok, not on track, with a thou, but put it with other 600's, with an average rider, the confidence it gives you will soon have you kicking ass before you know it :D

On the road when you are combining comfort, thrill, safety, you really cant go wrong. They are not a boring ride, unless you want them to be. They are forgiving, but they will also bob on.

This bike is awesome for a sport tourer. You can ride all day, in comfort, and still have a blast. I cannot recomend it enough.

And Honda build, what more can I say. If it goes at that price, buy it ! :D

The only thing I would say is the is a little handlebar vibration, but that doesnt give me too much jip.

Ps: My other half has the black, exact same as you have on the link, and it is beautiful! Out of interest mine is silver, and much easier to keep clean :)

[ASM-Forever]

In truth most of these boys who think they are racers on the gsxr's etc are playing the image game.

:smt062 :smt110

[Tomcat]

:smt062 :smt110



:D av it! :D

[KnightRider]

:smt062 :smt110

Meh

[ASM-Forever]

This might be of use:

http://www.usedbikeguide.com/bible/display.asp?id=156

Ignore the prices though. They havn't been updated for a while and are now utter tosh!


Bike specifications
Years-87-on
Size-600cc
Eng.Type-dohc 4
Output-85-108bhp
Top Speed-140-160mph
MPG-50mpg
Weight-182-170kg

The original CBR600F was a sensation which stood head and shoulders above the opposition. It went straight to the top of the sales charts and 18 years later the CBR is still there, but the 1987 and 2005 models have nothing in common apart from name. Over the years the engine, frame, suspension, brakes and bodywork have all undergone major changes. The weight has dropped from 400lb to 374lb and an increase of more than 20bhp has raised the top speed from 140 to 160-plus mph. However, versatility is this bike’s real trump card. It’s a go anywhere, do anything motorcycle that can be used for commuting, touring and track days. Launch in 2003 of the the brilliant CBR600RR version (see separate listing) freed this bike from the need to be refined into a more sharply focused sports machine and has strengthened its position as one of motorcycling’s great all-rounders. The original CBR600F-H version featured fully enclosed ‘jelly mould’ styling that was innovative in its day, but now looks old hat. That 1987 model was clocked by MCN at close to 150mph but 14omph was more realistic on the road. Most people loved it. UBG editor Brian Tarbox thought it brilliant at the time, but voiced reservations about the narrowness of the rear tyre which felt inadequate in the wet. That flaw was quickly taken care of and the bike has got better and better. It would require far more space than we have to list all the year-by-year changes. However, we can say with confidence that whichever model you go for will be superior to most 600cc rivals of the same vintage. Major stepping stones in its history include engine upgrades and a performance increase to 93bhp on the 1989 K model. Two years later the M version underwent radical alterations, including a change of bore and stroke and became the first 600 to produce a claimed 100bhp. Ram-air induction was added on the S model in 1994/5 and this was further uprated in 1996. An alloy frame and swinging arm were introduced on the FX in 1999 and fuel injection replaced carbs in 2000. There was another change of bore and stroke and a short-lived F-S Sport version was offered in 2001/2 with stiffer suspension and two-piece seat. There are lots of bargains out there - and the usual dogs. Pass on any bike you have any doubts about. This is one of the most popular Japanese motorcycles in Britain there has ever been. You see them everywhere, because they are so good, but they are not faultless. A clunky gearbox is the norm, cam chain tensioners have given problems, and on certain models the Rectifier has been known to cook batteries, so be careful out there.

[StreetHawk]

If you ride a bike hard, you can ride the cbr600f hard, and really enjoy it. In truth most of these boys who think they are racers on the gsxr's etc are playing the image game. My bike is the same model/year as you are looking at there and it can play with the rest of them. Ok, not on track, with a thou, but put it with other 600's, with an average rider, the confidence it gives you will soon have you kicking ass before you know it :D

On the road when you are combining comfort, thrill, safety, you really cant go wrong. They are not a boring ride, unless you want them to be. They are forgiving, but they will also bob on.

This bike is awesome for a sport tourer. You can ride all day, in comfort, and still have a blast. I cannot recomend it enough.

And Honda build, what more can I say. If it goes at that price, buy it ! :D

The only thing I would say is the is a little handlebar vibration, but that doesnt give me too much jip.

Ps: My other half has the black, exact same as you have on the link, and it is beautiful! Out of interest mine is silver, and much easier to keep clean :)

Cheers Tomcat, thats comfirmed what i was thinking :D

Jon - I'd rather get an RR but can't afford it, my ZX6R is HARSH, even an RR would feel plush in comparison. May have to add a few bits of course but thats half the fun isnt it :p

[ASM-Forever]

Cheers Tomcat, thats comfirmed what i was thinking :D

Jon - I'd rather get an RR but can't afford it, my ZX6R is HARSH, even an RR would feel plush in comparison. May have to add a few bits of course but thats half the fun isnt it :p

Its a ninja...they're meant to be. :cool:

[Tomcat]

In response to plowsie camparing it to the sv. My sv didnt have the gsxr forks, but I would say the cbr is worlds apart from the sv. The amount of times I ride a road and think, thank god I'm not on my sv, it soaks up uneven road surfaces more then I could have dreamt of compared to the sv. I would imagine it to be much softer then the zxr also.

I am however, 9 stone and 5 ft 7, so I am asking different things from it then the manly build of plowsie :D;)

The power supply is smooth as you like, gears maybe slightly clunky, but you get used to that, cornering is a dream, and my Bt021's have done the job nicely.

Am I going on too much! I really do love it! :D

[plowsie]

No keep goin Esther, any more kind hearted comments on my Physique wouldnt go a miss either ;)

+1 to what she saying, except for the power bit :(

[Stig]

I'd consider anything past 2000. FI and alloy frame. All the ones before then were steel frames and carbed. All though the very first CBR was good and they haven't stopped being good, in comparison to your kwak, your going to be seriously disappointed with anything older than 2000.

[DanAbnormal]

I've heard the 600F is a very good bike. People told me that the Hornet would be slow and boring compared to a SS600 but I have video of me vs gixxer 750's on the 'ring' that says otherwise. ;) And best of all, it's a Honda, they last forever and are sooo comfy. Best of all worlds really.

Just don't do what I do! :rolleyes: That being said my bike buying has been a true test of my marriage and I've past with flying colours. Perhaps I should aim for 3 bikes at once now? :eek:

[Tomcat]

The cbr changed a lot and really came into its own after the frame change and fuel injection, which I think was 02... but I stand to be corrected :D

[Stig]

The cbr changed a lot and really came into its own after the frame change and fuel injection, which I think was 02... but I stand to be corrected :D

1999 Aluminium frame introduced.
2001 FI introduced.

[StreetHawk]

Cheers for all feedback..

Gonna try and get a test ride on one, only way to find out!

[ASM-Forever]

I've heard the 600F is a very good bike. People told me that the Hornet would be slow and boring compared to a SS600 but I have video of me vs gixxer 750's on the 'ring' that says otherwise. ;) And best of all, it's a Honda, they last forever and are sooo comfy. Best of all worlds really.

Just don't do what I do! :rolleyes: That being said my bike buying has been a true test of my marriage and I've past with flying colours. Perhaps I should aim for 3 bikes at once now? :eek:

You have your vice- bikes

She has her vice- me.

;)

[DanAbnormal]

You have your vice- bikes

:laughat:She has her vice- me.

;)

PMSL!!

My wife just walked in and wanted to know what she is the topic of this conversation........I could be in for a beating later.........with any luck!

[ASM-Forever]

She's probably flattered, but is masking that with mock outrage.

If you catch her unawares you'll probably notice a glazed over look in her eyes.

She'll be thinking of me! :)

[DanAbnormal]

She's probably flattered, but is masking that with mock outrage.

If you catch her unawares you'll probably notice a glazed over look in her eyes.

She'll be thinking of me! :)

PSML again!

Please stop it. I'm going to get clobbered! :D

[philbut]

Just read a comparisun in BIKE between the 600FS and the RR. the FS seems to be the better all round bike, and I bet the handling and performance would be fine for us mear mortals. i'll bring it along to the next meet Nick (or just pick up a copy, It's the march issue). they also review your ninja and confirm it's really a bit harsh on real roads. I know you were unhappy with the skitish handling over potholes etc - seems like it's not just you

BUT...if you do decide to sell, give me a shout. i shouldn't but I am tempted. The SV is going in summer anyway so...hmmmmm It's not green though but still...

[ASM-Forever]

LOL.

You just want Karolina back Phil. :)

[Stig]

LOL.

You just want Karolina back Phil. :)
He ain't that dumb...

is he :?:

:lol:

[KnightRider]

When booty calls....

[StreetHawk]

Just read a comparisun in BIKE between the 600FS and the RR. the FS seems to be the better all round bike, and I bet the handling and performance would be fine for us mear mortals. i'll bring it along to the next meet Nick (or just pick up a copy, It's the march issue). they also review your ninja and confirm it's really a bit harsh on real roads. I know you were unhappy with the skitish handling over potholes etc - seems like it's not just you

BUT...if you do decide to sell, give me a shout. i shouldn't but I am tempted. The SV is going in summer anyway so...hmmmmm It's not green though but still...

Cheers Phil, had a quick look at that review in Bike. I need to get a test ride on one and if I like it then we should talk! :p

[philbut]

He ain't that dumb...

is he :?:

:lol:

Well, no...not usually, but then again, just read the thread title - appropriate non?

[KnightRider]

I think we should sticky this thread so that we all have a place to dump our little urges.

I would add the CBR600RR or Fireblade among other things.

[DanAbnormal]

Only thing is my urges seem to change with our weather.....:rolleyes:

[Stig]

Only thing is my urges seem to change with our weather.....:rolleyes:

I think that's unilateral isn't it :?: :lol:

[ASM-Forever]

I raced one through Hampton Court(20mph limit) and i can confirm that it is slower than a ss600 0-20. :)

Of course you have to consider the calibre of the R6 rider(gp standard apparently) and the 600f rider might not have known we were competing.

[KnightRider]

BAh

[Lozzo]

1999 Aluminium frame introduced.
2001 FI introduced.

As many will tell you, the last of the steel framed bikes are reputed to be a much better choice than the alloy framed models until the introduction of the RR series. In short, a CBR from 97/98 is a better choice than anything from 99 to 2003.

[StreetHawk]

Well, i've done a bit of research and the CBR's i'm after are 2800 pounds upwards. I reckon mine is worth around 2500 so I'd have to put another 300 plus there's bound to be a few bits I want to do on the new one so i'd budget 300 extra for that. So i'm looking at paying another 600.

OR..

I got a quote for the following to tidy up mine -

New cam chain fitted
BT014 rear tyre
New chain / sprockets
New fork oil
Horn fixed (it broke!)
All in at 420 pounds....

Any maybe add this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200200640862&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching) shock..

Decisions decisions...

[ASM-Forever]

Well, i've done a bit of research and the CBR's i'm after are 2800 pounds upwards. I reckon mine is worth around 2500 so I'd have to put another 300 plus there's bound to be a few bits I want to do on the new one so i'd budget 300 extra for that. So i'm looking at paying another 600.

OR..

I got a quote for the following to tidy up mine -

New cam chain fitted
BT014 rear tyre
New chain / sprockets
New fork oil
Horn fixed (it broke!)
All in at 420 pounds....

Any maybe add this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200200640862&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching) shock..

Decisions decisions...

2 things....

Shock looks good if you can get it for that sort of money. However worth asking what weight its set up for.

BT014....whilst people complain about them, i think they are reasonable, but they do wear pretty quickly. Might be worth getting some sports touring rubber. More than enough for the real world and cheaper long term. Also a consideration, is that in winter/crap weather i found the BT014 worse than sports touring rivals. Good summer tyre though, although i reckon there is better out there now.

Just IMHO of course. :)

[StreetHawk]

I've never had an issue with my BT014's.. The rear has squared off and worn quickly but I don't do that many miles so not so much of an problem. Seems grippy enough for my riding :-)

I think there is a lot of carp written about tyres!

[ASM-Forever]

I've never had an issue with my BT014's.. The rear has squared off and worn quickly but I don't do that many miles so not so much of an problem. Seems grippy enough for my riding :-)

I think there is a lot of carp written about tyres!

Like i said i think they are good, but my mate killed a rear on his gsxr in less than 2k miles. Thats quite a common life as well, which for me is a bit short. I have rode it in the wet/dry and it was great in the dry, but markedly worse than the BT020 in the wet. I guess it probably needs a bit more heat in it.

Tyres are a very subjective thing, so at the end of the day get what you want. I just think its a shame that you might not consider trying something else. The last few pairs of hoops i've bought have all been BT020, but i'm gonna take a chance on something different this time around. I think i need to see what else is out there.

I've never got on with Michelins but the PR2's look good, but i may take the safe option and go for BT021. Despite the good reviews the Sportsmax are getting, i can't bring myself to buy Dunlop.

My plan is to get some sports touring put on, then get some part worn sports rubber for the summer. Of course i'l have to learn how to change a tyre. :safe:

[DanAbnormal]

I can vouch for BT021's. Back lasted about 12'000 miles and front never really wore out at all. This included a fewe laps of the ring and I never had an issue with grip in the wet or dry. Well, no issue that wasn't my own doing.........:p

Got some Avon Storm ST's and I'm really unsure about them. The front feels like it's flat even though it's new. Apparently the tyre squishes out the more you lean it to give you more of a contact patch but it feels like they are made from jelly babies. Had so many front end twitches, although this could be my throwing it round roundabouts in dodgy weather. Will see how they go in the dry. Either way next time I'll go back to BT021's.

[StreetHawk]

But can I mix a BT021 with a BT014 on the front? The front is half worn so don't want to change that to..

[ASM-Forever]

Some people will say never mix tyres, but i would have thought that would be ok.

The BT021 is dual compound and newer, but essentially the BT014 is meant to be the grippier tyre. So theoretically it shouln't be a problem.

Personally i would avoid having a crap tyre on the front and a good one on the rear, but both are decent.

IMHO a lot of the stuff about mixing tyres is probably ********. People have an off and then conveniently blame their rubber. Sure sometimes maybe, but i doubt its as big an issue as people make out. Look at Blue...he always seems to be mis-matching part worns/remoulds all the time and he has no problems.

I think a lot of it is mental more than anything.

[Stig]

Got some Avon Storm ST's and I'm really unsure about them. The front feels like it's flat even though it's new. Apparently the tyre squishes out the more you lean it to give you more of a contact patch but it feels like they are made from jelly babies. Had so many front end twitches, although this could be my throwing it round roundabouts in dodgy weather. Will see how they go in the dry. Either way next time I'll go back to BT021's.

See now I have the Storms on the Dullsville. It took a bit of getting used too, but I have to say, I have never had a more confidence inspiring tyre in the wet. I've reached the limit in the wet a few times. Although it does seem to twitch a bit. slide and grip, slide and grip, at the edge of traction, I found it goes over far more than other tyres I have used. It gives excellent grip in the dry too. I'm a fan. Not sure if they will be the same on the SV but the heavy old bus of the dullsville seems to love them.

[ASM-Forever]

See now I have the Storms on the Dullsville. It took a bit of getting used too, but I have to say, I have never had a more confidence inspiring tyre in the wet. I've reached the limit in the wet a few times. Although it does seem to twitch a bit. slide and grip, slide and grip, at the edge of traction, I found it goes over far more than other tyres I have used. It gives excellent grip in the dry too. I'm a fan. Not sure if they will be the same on the SV but the heavy old bus of the dullsville seems to love them.

[translation-mode] The avons work great on my 'big-rig'[/translation-mode]

:p

[StreetHawk]

Maybe i'll consider a BT021 then, I don't do that many miles and don't want to compromise grip but the BT021 should have plenty enough grip for my riding ability..

I read all kinds of things written about tyres, someone will lose the back or front end and then say they'll never buy that tyre again.. It was probably something to do with road surface or too much power/speed at the wrong moment. But what do I know!

[ASM-Forever]

Maybe i'll consider a BT021 then, I don't do that many miles and don't want to compromise grip but the BT021 should have plenty enough grip for my riding ability..

I read all kinds of things written about tyres, someone will lose the back or front end and then say they'll never buy that tyre again.. It was probably something to do with road surface or too much power/speed at the wrong moment. But what do I know!

Quite a lot, as you seem to be agreeing with me. :p

Consequenly while you're up, shire horse in an hour. ;)

[StreetHawk]

SWMBO is in the shower, on the road to Kent in 30 mins.. Wish I could join you , but no can do..

[Warthog]

lame! Not heard a bad thing about Z6's, me and Philbut both have them. I don't have much to compare them to but I really like them over my old Maxxis pile o crap.

[StreetHawk]

Somehow this has turned into a general tyre review thread.. :rolleyes: