Today, I wanna talk about my little adventure with the Honda CBR600F4i, or as we affectionately call it, the “f4i cbr.” This bike’s been a blast, and I’ve got some stories and tips to share, especially for those who are new to this or thinking of getting one.
So, first off, I got myself a 2002 CBR 600 F4i. Thing had about 12k miles on it. Not bad, right? I was super pumped. First thing I did, naturally, was to take it for a spin. And let me tell you, the feeling of hitting the road on this thing is something else. It’s not just about the speed, though it does zip to about 156 mph (around 250 km/h) if you’re into that, but it’s the whole experience.
I started digging around online, checking out forums and stuff. Found out that most F4i’s are rocking around 95-96 HP. Mine’s pretty much stock, except for an APE manual CCT. And yeah, I did get an A/F test done, just out of curiosity.
Now, I’m no mechanic, but I like to get my hands dirty. I remember this one time, I was trying to figure out what oil to use. It’s like, everyone’s got an opinion, you know? Ended up going with what felt right for the bike, after reading a ton of advice online. Same goes for the fuel – lots of chatter about what octane to use. I just stuck with what the manual recommended, no need to complicate things.
Getting to Know the Community
Joining those online forums was a game-changer. It’s like this whole community of F4i riders, all sharing tips, arguing about the best mods, or just showing off their rides. I even found some local groups and went on a few rides. Man, it’s a different vibe when you’re riding with a bunch of people who love the same bike as you.
- Learned a ton from the forums.
- Found some riding buddies.
- Realized every ride doesn’t have to be a race.
The Modding Bug
Then came the modding. It starts small, you know? Maybe a new exhaust, just to change up the sound. I was debating whether to get a full exhaust or just a slip-on. Ended up going with a slip-on, ’cause it seemed like less hassle. But it’s a slippery slope. Next thing I know, I’m looking at frame sliders, performance parts, the works. It’s like, once you start, you can’t stop.
There was this one thread, “Thirdgen’s massive F4i rebuild thread,” that got me hooked. This guy was doing all sorts of crazy stuff to his bike. Inspiring, but also kinda intimidating.
The Ride Itself
But let’s talk about the ride. The seating position on the F4i is something else. It’s comfy, but you still feel like you’re on a sports bike. I’ve tried a few other bikes, and the F4i just has this balance that I really like. It’s like it wants you to push it, but it’s also cool with just cruising.
I had this one ride where everything just clicked. The weather was perfect, the road was clear, and the bike felt like an extension of myself. It’s moments like those that make all the tinkering and the forum lurking worth it.
Wrapping It Up
So, that’s my little story about the f4i cbr. It’s been an awesome ride, full of learning, a bit of tinkering, and a lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, the F4i is a solid choice. Just remember, it’s not just about the bike, it’s about the experiences you have with it. And hey, always wear your gear, and remember – every ride is not a race. Keep it safe out there, folks.
