Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JasonB on July 24, 2003, 11:34:19 PM
Post by: JasonB on July 24, 2003, 11:34:19 PM
I'm going to be upgrading bikes this winter (keeping the GS tho). I want the sound of a inline 4 and maybe a bit quicker bike. I also want something light and easy to throw about in the curves. I dont need a wheelie machine. I also want something with full fairings cause I like that look. Right now I am looking at the CBR 600 F3 or F4 if its in my price range (gonna have to be a used bike I think)
So any suggestions?
So any suggestions?
Title: bikes
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on July 24, 2003, 11:59:21 PM
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on July 24, 2003, 11:59:21 PM
:? if you have to go used, get a mechanic to check it out before you buy.
even if you trust your shop. and you buy from them. they may have recieved it on a trade in. its former owner may have wheelied the hell out of it. wheelies are HARD on an engine. for some reason, especially the #3 cyl.the dealer may not be aware of any probs. as far as bikes go, gsxr600/750, cbr, kawasaki?,yamaha, all have great bikes that can be had if you know where to look. or you can like i did with my gs, buy a wrecked bike and revive it. hell of alot cheaper if you are willing to do the work yourself, and look for parts used :cheers: :thumb:
even if you trust your shop. and you buy from them. they may have recieved it on a trade in. its former owner may have wheelied the hell out of it. wheelies are HARD on an engine. for some reason, especially the #3 cyl.the dealer may not be aware of any probs. as far as bikes go, gsxr600/750, cbr, kawasaki?,yamaha, all have great bikes that can be had if you know where to look. or you can like i did with my gs, buy a wrecked bike and revive it. hell of alot cheaper if you are willing to do the work yourself, and look for parts used :cheers: :thumb:
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Black Snowman on July 25, 2003, 12:01:39 AM
Post by: Black Snowman on July 25, 2003, 12:01:39 AM
Well, I think it mainly depends on what you are going to be using the bike for and what you can find in your price range. Any supersport 600 is going to have nearly, if not more than, twice the horsepower of the GS.
Think about what you use the bike for. If you spend long periods of time on it you might want to consider a more comfortable bike like a Katana rather than a full SuperSport.
Think about what you use the bike for. If you spend long periods of time on it you might want to consider a more comfortable bike like a Katana rather than a full SuperSport.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 12:02:51 AM
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 12:02:51 AM
i was looking around.. and it was either the R6 or Sixxer (gsxr600) for me. I think they are the two best and for the money, id go with the gsxr. Plus the suzuki is just a better built bike, no question. :thumb:
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: mrslush50 on July 25, 2003, 12:34:32 AM
Post by: mrslush50 on July 25, 2003, 12:34:32 AM
the CBR600F4i is a good choice. great looks, great handling, great power, great build quality, and good priceing. my personal favorite however, is the VFR800 interceptor. it has all of the above, but with the added ability to cover long distences in relative comfort. great bike. it's not an inline four, but it is a four cyclider. don't know if you were looking for an inline specifically or just any four cyclider.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: rt_fz1 on July 25, 2003, 04:19:50 AM
Post by: rt_fz1 on July 25, 2003, 04:19:50 AM
I agree that the CBRs would be a good choice (reliable and comfortable)and don't forget the FZR600 which is sporty, but not as extreme as the supersports. If you go supersport, I highly recommend the R6 from personal experience. :thumb:
Rich
Rich
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: bob on July 25, 2003, 04:53:09 AM
Post by: bob on July 25, 2003, 04:53:09 AM
Toooo Mannny Chooooices!!!! LOL
There's a huge number of great 4cyl sporty bikes out there - from an old F2 (still a great around towner) to in-flippin-credible race reps like the R6.
You just gotta figure out what you want your bike to do & then narrow the list based on the size of your checkbook & then let your heart make the final call.
Any CBR will be reasonably comfy & capable, the Gixxer & R6 are a little uncomfy after any distance, but can spank a twisty road like nobody's business, the Katana and the ZX6 are great values... the list goes on & on.
What is your heart telling you to get??
There's a huge number of great 4cyl sporty bikes out there - from an old F2 (still a great around towner) to in-flippin-credible race reps like the R6.
You just gotta figure out what you want your bike to do & then narrow the list based on the size of your checkbook & then let your heart make the final call.
Any CBR will be reasonably comfy & capable, the Gixxer & R6 are a little uncomfy after any distance, but can spank a twisty road like nobody's business, the Katana and the ZX6 are great values... the list goes on & on.
What is your heart telling you to get??
Title: OK fine...
Post by: The Buddha on July 25, 2003, 06:04:26 AM
Post by: The Buddha on July 25, 2003, 06:04:26 AM
Yea buy the F4 or F4i...Lesser competition when I buy my next GS...ha ha...
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: werase643 on July 25, 2003, 07:40:01 AM
Post by: werase643 on July 25, 2003, 07:40:01 AM
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: scratch on July 25, 2003, 08:06:13 AM
Post by: scratch on July 25, 2003, 08:06:13 AM
Search bike specific websites! There are so many out there! I'll post a couple links.
My freind has an F4i and it is SWEEEET!! The throttle is SOOOO smooth, because of the feul injection. If you look at the R6 site you will notice that alot of them complain about 2nd gear going out and the factory will not cover it under warranty, so they have to pay another $1500 to fix it. Haven't really heard anything bad about FZR's, YZF600's, Kawasakis or Gixxers.
http://pub105.ezboard.com/bhondacbr600f4
http://www.fzrarchives.com/
My freind has an F4i and it is SWEEEET!! The throttle is SOOOO smooth, because of the feul injection. If you look at the R6 site you will notice that alot of them complain about 2nd gear going out and the factory will not cover it under warranty, so they have to pay another $1500 to fix it. Haven't really heard anything bad about FZR's, YZF600's, Kawasakis or Gixxers.
http://pub105.ezboard.com/bhondacbr600f4
http://www.fzrarchives.com/
Title: Re: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: werase643 on July 25, 2003, 08:27:46 AM
Post by: werase643 on July 25, 2003, 08:27:46 AM
Quote from: JasonBI'm going to be upgrading bikes this winter (keeping the GS tho). I want the sound of a inline 4 and maybe a bit quicker bike. I also want something light and easy to throw about in the curves. I dont need a wheelie machine. I also want something with full fairings cause I like that look. Right now I am looking at the CBR 600 F3 or F4 if its in my price range (gonna have to be a used bike I think)
So any suggestions?
there is an ass for every seat.....
just because ..... likes a .....
and .....hates the same bike...
what kind of riding....
on the cheap...any honda....they just build good engines
F2/3 are great bikes for aggresive street riding....comfy, able to ride all day
kaw ZX6d/e....tranny problems
fzr600's recess the valve seats at about 20k
97-2000 gsxr600 is a good bike....burn a bit of oil with miles....i miss my 97... :(
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Black Snowman on July 25, 2003, 08:28:12 AM
Post by: Black Snowman on July 25, 2003, 08:28:12 AM
I've always been fond of Kawasakis. There's a couple used ZRX-1100Rs in town I wouldn't mind having.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JasonB on July 25, 2003, 09:17:33 AM
Post by: JasonB on July 25, 2003, 09:17:33 AM
Yeah I've heard the Honda CBR is a great bike and forgiving for the newer rider.
I want a bike that handles well enough to have fun in the twisties and power to get going on the interstate at 80-90mph.
I like the sound of the inline 4cyl thats why I want one.
I wont be traveling more than about 200 miles at a time and the biggest thing when I did travel on the GS with drag bars was my helmet being too heavy and my neck hurting and my hands going numb from gripping the bars. Just wish there was a way to remove my hand from the throttle to shake it a bit without slowing down.
I want a bike that handles well enough to have fun in the twisties and power to get going on the interstate at 80-90mph.
I like the sound of the inline 4cyl thats why I want one.
I wont be traveling more than about 200 miles at a time and the biggest thing when I did travel on the GS with drag bars was my helmet being too heavy and my neck hurting and my hands going numb from gripping the bars. Just wish there was a way to remove my hand from the throttle to shake it a bit without slowing down.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: scratch on July 25, 2003, 09:22:38 AM
Post by: scratch on July 25, 2003, 09:22:38 AM
My freind with the F4i does complain about the seat, but not the position.
I added another link in my previous post.
Parts are expensive, though. If you get them from Honda.
P.S. Honda owns whaling ships.
I added another link in my previous post.
Parts are expensive, though. If you get them from Honda.
P.S. Honda owns whaling ships.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 03:16:00 PM
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Adam R on July 25, 2003, 04:17:02 PM
Post by: Adam R on July 25, 2003, 04:17:02 PM
I would go with a CBR. If you want an everyday bike, thats my suggestion for you (and it comes via the advice of an experienced mechanic.
Remember that condition is the most important factor and so if you find a spotless and well-carefored F3, it might be better than a F4i at the same price.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Also, go to dealer with a large used bike selection and sit on a bunch of 600ss. You'll quickly see that the CBR is very different from the Yamis and Suzukis.
I would be careful about the FZR, seems the built quality is low as compared to the rest of the Jap bikes.
Happy hunting!
Remember that condition is the most important factor and so if you find a spotless and well-carefored F3, it might be better than a F4i at the same price.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Also, go to dealer with a large used bike selection and sit on a bunch of 600ss. You'll quickly see that the CBR is very different from the Yamis and Suzukis.
I would be careful about the FZR, seems the built quality is low as compared to the rest of the Jap bikes.
Happy hunting!
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: DrtRydr23 on July 25, 2003, 06:06:17 PM
Post by: DrtRydr23 on July 25, 2003, 06:06:17 PM
If you want to go bigger than a 6 and keep the naked look (we all know you don't REALLY want a full fairing bike), check out the Honda 919 or the Yamaha FZ1. I love those two bikes, and may look into getting one in the future.
John L.
John L.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 06:46:53 PM
Post by: Rashad on July 25, 2003, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: DrtRydr23If you want to go bigger than a 6 and keep the naked look (we all know you don't REALLY want a full fairing bike), check out the Honda 919 or the Yamaha FZ1. I love those two bikes, and may look into getting one in the future.
John L.
AND you get the big bike power with the smaller (less sporty) insurance rates :thumb:
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: DrtRydr23 on July 25, 2003, 08:10:33 PM
Post by: DrtRydr23 on July 25, 2003, 08:10:33 PM
Tru dat Rashad........tru...dat.
John L.
PS- The FZ1's got the R1 engine on the naked chassis. That's pretty cool.
John L.
PS- The FZ1's got the R1 engine on the naked chassis. That's pretty cool.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: glenn9171 on July 25, 2003, 08:14:49 PM
Post by: glenn9171 on July 25, 2003, 08:14:49 PM
For the money, I like the Yamaha YZF600R. More comfortable and has 90% of the power of the SS bikes for a couple thousand dollars less.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: pantablo on July 25, 2003, 11:39:47 PM
Post by: pantablo on July 25, 2003, 11:39:47 PM
gixxer 750 is my vote. classic, lots of power, lots of aftermarket, gixxxer.com very active forum. Get a used one-say pre 2000 (I prefer the styling of the slightly older ones...okay, I have a soft spot for the first gen ones!).
CBR is an exceptional bike though-high build quality, reliable as hell, comfy for a sport bike.
kawi ZX-7r is a good bike too...bit heavy though but very managable (John's wife Anne has one now).
Why do you need/want a full fairing? Can you get away with a half fairing? Or is it just looks?
CBR is an exceptional bike though-high build quality, reliable as hell, comfy for a sport bike.
kawi ZX-7r is a good bike too...bit heavy though but very managable (John's wife Anne has one now).
Why do you need/want a full fairing? Can you get away with a half fairing? Or is it just looks?
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JasonB on July 26, 2003, 12:19:49 AM
Post by: JasonB on July 26, 2003, 12:19:49 AM
Mainly looks on the fairing, I havent seen a half fairing bike I really like. Most all have that ugly radiator like the SV650s or ZX7R. I dont need a real powerfull bike I dont weigh enough to need anything over 600cc or so and I want to keep the insurance rates reasonable. Its gotta be reliable of course and fun to ride. I'd like it to be decently confortable for longer rides but I dont need a concours or goldwing, I prefer the GS with drag bars and would even like to be a little lower. Might have to test ride some of the bikes with the seat down low and the tank up higher where its sorta a chest rest I forget which ones but I do know the BMW's are like that. (Prob wont be affording one of those)
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: john on July 26, 2003, 08:36:56 AM
Post by: john on July 26, 2003, 08:36:56 AM
Ridden many modern 600s. Gotta say:
1) 2000 - 2002 Kaw zx6R (comfy and smoothest of all)
2) Yam yzf600 (not R6) (more comfy, still quick)
3) Suz GSXR 600, 750 (seat very comfy,bars too low, takes a beating)
4)Suz Bandit 600/1200 (cheap and comfy -1200 hauls ass)
1) 2000 - 2002 Kaw zx6R (comfy and smoothest of all)
2) Yam yzf600 (not R6) (more comfy, still quick)
3) Suz GSXR 600, 750 (seat very comfy,bars too low, takes a beating)
4)Suz Bandit 600/1200 (cheap and comfy -1200 hauls ass)
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Black Snowman on July 26, 2003, 06:19:31 PM
Post by: Black Snowman on July 26, 2003, 06:19:31 PM
I sat on a Kawi ZR-7S and I liked it. They dealer was asking $6000 new and I've seen them for around $4000 used. Nice simple motor, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, air cooled, much like the GS.
Not extremely powerful bikes but that helps keep insurance down. Considered a compeditor for the SV650 for people who like I4 motors.
Now lower faring, but no radiator. I think they look pretty snazy.
Not extremely powerful bikes but that helps keep insurance down. Considered a compeditor for the SV650 for people who like I4 motors.
Now lower faring, but no radiator. I think they look pretty snazy.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Arpee on July 26, 2003, 10:24:20 PM
Post by: Arpee on July 26, 2003, 10:24:20 PM
CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR CBR
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I think you get where I'm heading. That 's the only bike (besides the GS) I'd definately buy again given the chance. What a motor! What balance! What workmanship! IF I wanted an I4 that'd be what I'd get again...F2, F3 or F4.
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I think you get where I'm heading. That 's the only bike (besides the GS) I'd definately buy again given the chance. What a motor! What balance! What workmanship! IF I wanted an I4 that'd be what I'd get again...F2, F3 or F4.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Kerry on July 30, 2003, 04:54:44 PM
Post by: Kerry on July 30, 2003, 04:54:44 PM
Quote from: JasonBJust wish there was a way to remove my hand from the throttle to shake it a bit without slowing down.Not exactly the main gist of this thread, but since you mentioned it....
See my Throttle Retainer page for a homemade solution:
EDIT: Changed links from sisna.com to bbburma.net
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JasonB on July 30, 2003, 04:59:45 PM
Post by: JasonB on July 30, 2003, 04:59:45 PM
Wish I could do that but my mirrors are there. I think I am gonna get one of those palm throttle things.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: smp on July 30, 2003, 06:22:19 PM
Post by: smp on July 30, 2003, 06:22:19 PM
I've got a soft spot for the pre 2000 ZX-6rs .. I hear they are very comfy on longer rides.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Black Snowman on July 30, 2003, 09:18:44 PM
Post by: Black Snowman on July 30, 2003, 09:18:44 PM
The Kawi ZX-6 / ZZR600 (same bike, just renamed for the new model year and ditched the Ninja badge) have always been made to be street friendly sportbikes comfortable for extended riding. They're not anywhere near as ugly as the Katana too which is a big plus in my book ;)
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JasonB on July 30, 2003, 09:28:09 PM
Post by: JasonB on July 30, 2003, 09:28:09 PM
Yeah saw a Katana this weekend boy was the front end work on that thing fugly, didnt look as bad in the pics but in person it was terrible.
I also got to see a SV650 in person and sat on it. Loved the tank and the knee cutouts for it. And that headlight looks tons better than the GS one. I am thinking my next bike might be the SV650S with the lower fairing. Kinda covers that single pipe on the front that looks odd and has the SS full fairing look. Almost had my dad buying a SV650 but he went with a cruiser instead. Got a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 instead.
I also got to see a SV650 in person and sat on it. Loved the tank and the knee cutouts for it. And that headlight looks tons better than the GS one. I am thinking my next bike might be the SV650S with the lower fairing. Kinda covers that single pipe on the front that looks odd and has the SS full fairing look. Almost had my dad buying a SV650 but he went with a cruiser instead. Got a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 instead.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: on July 30, 2003, 09:56:24 PM
Post by: on July 30, 2003, 09:56:24 PM
If you can afford it go with a 2001+ Honda F4i.
I had one and loved it for the following reasons -
1)165kg (less then the GS500)
2)Fuel Injected (unlike the R6 :nana: )
3)0-100km/h (60mph) 2.6 seconds
4)Fully adjustable suspension
5)Honda quality - including anti-theft system
6)F1 sounding motor!!!
There are heaps more reasons I could keep going, like the digital display that looks awesome at night, easy to mono, beats most things in the twisties! :thumb:
I wish I had the money to get mine back! :x
Stay Safe
I had one and loved it for the following reasons -
1)165kg (less then the GS500)
2)Fuel Injected (unlike the R6 :nana: )
3)0-100km/h (60mph) 2.6 seconds
4)Fully adjustable suspension
5)Honda quality - including anti-theft system
6)F1 sounding motor!!!
There are heaps more reasons I could keep going, like the digital display that looks awesome at night, easy to mono, beats most things in the twisties! :thumb:
I wish I had the money to get mine back! :x
Stay Safe
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: octane on July 31, 2003, 11:54:28 AM
Post by: octane on July 31, 2003, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: werase643Quote from: Rashadid go with the gsxr. Plus the suzuki is just a better built bike, no question. :thumb:
i see we got up early and started smoking crack!!!!
where shall we start with the cheap engineering flaws of the beloved 2000+ gsxr
According to some of the other WERA guys I talked to who run gixxer 600's, they also have a tendency to break the small end of the connecting rods under constant race conditions - which in turn can bust up a whole lot of other stuff.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: 96gs on July 31, 2003, 02:02:52 PM
Post by: 96gs on July 31, 2003, 02:02:52 PM
if you want a naked 4 cyl. sportbike, i would go wit hthe Kawasaki K 1000. i hear its a pretty dame good bike. but it might be out of the pricing range. i think its like right at $10,000 with tax. well thats just what i saw on a trip in talledaga, al other places might have different prices.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: JamesG on August 01, 2003, 02:20:06 PM
Post by: JamesG on August 01, 2003, 02:20:06 PM
You mean Z1000. :P
And yeah they look tasty. Naked, excellent suspension, powerful motor.
Down side is no wind protection, funky looks, too much motor, very big price tag for what you are getting.
And yeah they look tasty. Naked, excellent suspension, powerful motor.
Down side is no wind protection, funky looks, too much motor, very big price tag for what you are getting.
Title: Best 4cyl bike out for the money?
Post by: Pam G on August 03, 2003, 03:34:07 PM
Post by: Pam G on August 03, 2003, 03:34:07 PM
I haven't seen any votes for a Triumph TT600 yet.
I have one and love it, although the seat height is a bit high for me. I don't feel quite as comfortable riding it (or rather coming to a stop & putting my feet down) as on my GS500.
Pro's for the TT:
Nice, comfortable riding position.
Great brakes.
Great handling.
Fuel injection - no carbs to screw with.
It's NOT the same ol' dime-a-dozen Jap bike.
The earlier models did have a fuel-injection glitch, but a tune upgrade should take care of that. I took my early 2001 TT in for a tune upgrade, and it runs better now. I have a Power Commander III that I have not installed yet.
I have one and love it, although the seat height is a bit high for me. I don't feel quite as comfortable riding it (or rather coming to a stop & putting my feet down) as on my GS500.
Pro's for the TT:
Nice, comfortable riding position.
Great brakes.
Great handling.
Fuel injection - no carbs to screw with.
It's NOT the same ol' dime-a-dozen Jap bike.
The earlier models did have a fuel-injection glitch, but a tune upgrade should take care of that. I took my early 2001 TT in for a tune upgrade, and it runs better now. I have a Power Commander III that I have not installed yet.