Re: Comparison: \'99-02 F4/i vs. YZF 600R vs. ZX6R
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ENP83 wrote:
I've ridden a friends '01 F4i for all of 15-20 miles? From what I remember the YZF is easily the more comfortable bike. <snip> I know the F4i was physically smaller and the 600R felt a porky after getting off the F4i. <snip> The F4i is also a GREAT bike, a good 50 lbs lighter and 10 more horsepower. Minus the hard Honda seat, the ergos are pretty comfortable for a full on race replica from what I remember.
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I was recently at a dealership that had an R6 (also on my list of want to buys), an F4 and an F3, and so I got to do a brief seat test. The F3 I think is dimensionally similar to the 600R, and that sums up what I felt going between the two: porky. Especially since I'm used to the EX500, which in comparison is just about anorexic. The R6 and F4 felt more at home because of their slimness.
How did the handling of the 600R feel after the CBR?
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KeithU wrote:
Environmental conditions can greatly affect the way an engine breathes. The biggest factor is air pressure, which usually changes as you go up in elevation. <snip> FWIW, I've owned fuel injected motorcycles for 12 years now and I've never had a single reliability issue related to fuel injection. <snip> OTOH, I've spent countless hours dealing with carb problems like stuck floats, clogged jets, etc.
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I live next door to the Texas Hill Country, and have spent some time riding in it. There is a fair amount of elevation changes. You can get an idea of it
in this thread. However I never noticed much of a difference during that ride, so perhaps the changes aren't drastic enough or the area isn't quite high enough above sea level.
I can
feel you on the clogged jets and stuck floats thing. When I was working on the bike, I got it started and running only to have it die when I tried taking off the choke. Several frustrated days later, after too many hours plugging away at it, I took it to a friendly mechanic who determined a plugged jet and fixed it for me (as well as a whole bunch of other stuff,
Thanks Fred!). Since then, I've had to take the carbs apart a couple more times, and can get the bike and carbs apart rather quickly now. Practice makes perfect.
I'm assuming though that EFi has it's own problems. What can I typically look out for, and what are the common fixes?
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TravellinJones wrote:
The factor I'm considering here is comfort. I need a bike that can go five hundred miles a day for a week. I also like the looks of the Yamaha. <snip> Carbs are more reliable because there's no electricity or electronics involved, unless they're fed via fuel pump. <snip> I've never been a Kawasaki guy, even though I've been happy with my KLR. Just a matter of personal preference.
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Unfortunately, comfort isn't a big factor for me. I have a 5-7 mile commute to work, so I don't get much lengthy riding in. I usually spend the weekend bonding with the wifey, although that's partly because I don't trust the EX too much over long distances. Some nice Sunday morning riding would be great, like I did in the thread above. Actually, it was all day Sunday while the wife was at work. However we're in the process of adopting a baby girl who, if everything goes ok, will spend her first birthday with us. So even on my vacation days I probably won't be able to roam too far from home, so I can be there to pick her up from daycare, or be with her if the wife's working on weekends.
I like the looks of the 600R. It was actually first pick for me when I first started looking at motoring. However I prefer the looks of the R6 more, and enjoy it's looks about the same as the F4 (maybe a little less than the F4i because of the split seat).
From what you've read, which one is more liable to give a sporty ride?
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RedCatz wrote:
I myself have a "99" YZF600 and the bike is one of the best for the buck, it's alot easier on your wallet which i'm sure you are looking for and one of the most comfortable bikes to ride. Try one out and i'm sure you would agree that on those long rides you'll be praising that seat when it's all over
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Yes, easy on the wallet is definitely a good thing with this baby coming! I refuse to be one of those "New baby, must sell bike!" guys, especially since this isn't exactly a surprise. So there's a lot of budgeting going on.
I think I'll be ready to buy in about a month and a half (end of February). Would now be too soon to call local people who are selling and go look (maybe test ride)?
I'm kind of surprised the Kawi is coming out with no real supporters. Any more opinions and advice, please post up!