Which CBR600 for £2000ish? *UPDATE - BOUGHT ONE!!*

[Vinyardo]

Hi peeps, I need some advice! I'm looking at trading the Bandit in for something a bit more sporty - I have settled on the CBR over the R6/ZX6R/GSXR for a number of reasons (feel free to mock my reasoning!):

Reliablity
Lower Insurance
Better looking (pre-2000 models at least)

I've got a few questions about the CBR in general, so if anyone has owned or even ridden one before then please enlighten me!!

What is the difference (performance wise) between the carbed and FI models?
What are common problems to look out for?
What sort of age should I be looking at for £2k - £2.5k (I'm guessing pre-2000 for something in decent nick?)
How much difference in performance/handling are they than the Bandit?

I have spotted a few black/yellow 1999 models around the £2200 mark - does that seem reasonable?

If you have any other CBR-related useful info, then please share that too!

Thanks

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--| Current bike: |--
--| Previous bikes: Honda CB500 -- KTM Duke 390 -- Honda CBR1000RR7 Fireblade -- Honda CBR600 FX -- Suzuki Bandit 600 -- Yamaha TTR250 -- Suzuki GN125 |--

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Vinyardo]

[UnknownStuntm...]

^^ No. You're just less aware of the wind. CBR as a first faired bike is a pretty good choice, I'm told. They're super comfy and will feel very plush compared to a Bandit. You might find yourself having small issues with the lack of steering lock though, Bandits have loads, CBRs have less, and I have had to modify how I ride a little when at junctions and so on, slow speed stuff, so I'm not relying on the 'lock' to turn.

Get one, you wont be disappoint. But the cam chain tensioner may very well cause you a small amount of hassle.

[DrDonnyBrago]

[G]

I think I saw on his facebook that Swaffs may have his CBR (FX I think) for sale, worth giving him a PM.

[StevenF]

Check downpipes! Both my brothers and my own bike - his 1995 and mine 1991 had busted downpipes, I'm in the middle of replacing mine at the moment. Looking at about £120 for a set of new Stainless Steel ones.
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My Project - Honda CBR 600 F2/FM

[Vinyardo]

[DrDonnyBrago]

[StevenF]

I got a superb condition '91 last week for £1k, you should be able to get very last 90's or even a 2000 for that price.
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My Project - Honda CBR 600 F2/FM

[Vinyardo]

Donny, that looks sweet

I quite like the 1999 colour scheme like this:

https://www.shearwatermotorcycles.com.au/images%20used%20bikes/road/Honda%20CBR600F%201999.JPG

The earlier bikes look a little dated, but that is just my opinion!
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--| Current bike: |--
--| Previous bikes: Honda CB500 -- KTM Duke 390 -- Honda CBR1000RR7 Fireblade -- Honda CBR600 FX -- Suzuki Bandit 600 -- Yamaha TTR250 -- Suzuki GN125 |--

[G]

[bacon]

[DrDonnyBrago]

[DrDonnyBrago]

Nice polsihed rims too

[Vinyardo]

Just been to have a look at a 1999 as above (not the same bike, but same colour ).

It was very comfy to sit on - sporty, but not too much. Unfortunately, it wasn't in great condition - rusted downpipes (cheers for heads-up or I wouldn't have spotted that ), plus some scrapes down one side of the fairing.

It was good, but not for the £1900 asking price. Guess I'll keep looking...
____________________
--| Current bike: |--
--| Previous bikes: Honda CB500 -- KTM Duke 390 -- Honda CBR1000RR7 Fireblade -- Honda CBR600 FX -- Suzuki Bandit 600 -- Yamaha TTR250 -- Suzuki GN125 |--

[DrDonnyBrago]

There are plenty around mate so keep on looking

TBH though most bikes this age will have a fair amount of rust on the OEM headers. If the bike is sound all over except for the pipes I'd be tempted (I did in fact) to factor in the cost of replacing them (£150 ish) and buy it anyway.

The bit to check is 4 into 2 collector boxes as they seem to rust the most, you can see these if you lie down next to the bike and look about 6 inches back from the tip of the bottom fairings.

If you hear a tapping noise, feel for a leak (will be very hot!). There is little point in welding them so break out the putty for now and be prepared to replace them soonish.

Good luck with yer hunt!

[issey9090]

great thread, im in same position as op, bandit ---> cbr f hopefully.

The narrow turning span is slightly of concern, have got used to the handy tight turning on the bandit, esp around london

in an ideal world, would keep it and have the 2!

[multijoy]

I've switched from a CB500 to a CBR600f, and I'm commuting in/out of westminster- the only difference that the lack of steering lock seems to make is when you're trying to get round some cars when at a stand still.

That's the only time I've found it to be an issue!
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[T0MMY]

I really miss my CBR now, some bastard bought it off me

How is she going mate, any problems?
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ZX6R + CBR600RR

[multijoy]

Nah, it's running grand. New front 21, carb balance and a scottoiler have done the job nicely!
____________________
'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[Vinyardo]

Right, I got one now!! Just picked it up - 1999 CBR600F:

https://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss3/vinyardo/CBR600F/2.jpg?t=1269097899

https://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss3/vinyardo/CBR600F/1.jpg?t=1269097941

https://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss3/vinyardo/CBR600F/5.jpg?t=1269097962

https://https://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss3/vinyardo/CBR600F/4.jpg?t=1269098050

https://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss3/vinyardo/CBR600F/3.jpg?t=1269098016

I am very impressed - quick, yet comfy!

Thanks for all your help and advice guys


____________________
--| Current bike: |--
--| Previous bikes: Honda CB500 -- KTM Duke 390 -- Honda CBR1000RR7 Fireblade -- Honda CBR600 FX -- Suzuki Bandit 600 -- Yamaha TTR250 -- Suzuki GN125 |--

[Ichy]

Bit late in the day but you REALLY need to check the service history. The 16k service is the biggy since its the first valve check and one reason why people sell. Cost is anything from £400 to £700.

OEM chain is good for 17k+, it might never have been changed. Cost is around £120.

Make sure you get a spare key. A new one will cost £20 plus another £50-£70 for programming. Lose the only key you've got and the bill is £800+.

Suspension adjusters can seize due to lack of use. Be very careful when changing the exhaust downpipes, studs can break.

The bike is a bit top heavy, especially with a full tank. Not a problem when riding but can throw you off balance when pushing it.

[Vinyardo]

Having taken it for a nice spin now to get used to it (albeit in the rain ) here are my initial thoughts:

It is much faster than the Bandit, but doesn't really feel it at first because the gear ratios are longer and the fairing keeps the wind off you. I accelerated up to what I thought felt like 60, then noticed 100 on the speedo

Despite the sporty riding position, it is much more comfy than the Bandit - mostly due to the fairing, but also thanks to the seat.

The gear change is suprisingly smooth, but the clutch seems to be more aggressive (making quick starts harder)

The turning circle is bigger, but not by much - it is a 9-point turn in my garage instead of 7-point

All in all, great little bike - looking forward to some good weather so I can really open it up!!
____________________
--| Current bike: |--
--| Previous bikes: Honda CB500 -- KTM Duke 390 -- Honda CBR1000RR7 Fireblade -- Honda CBR600 FX -- Suzuki Bandit 600 -- Yamaha TTR250 -- Suzuki GN125 |--

[Vinyardo]