Should I buy a CBR600F or a CBR600F?

[AddGee]

Hi, sorry for the confusing thread title! It will make sense below

I'm looking to get a bigger bike, been riding a CBR125R for a couple of years. I've pretty much narrowed my choice down to a CBR650R but can't justify spending £7k on what is essentially a toy.

So the sensible choice seems to be a CBR600F but I'm torn between a 2000-2002 CBR600FS or a 2011-2015 CBR600F. Both are roughly the same price for a nice condition low miles example (about £4k, could go a bit cheaper on the older bike).

I prefer the looks of the older bike by far, but wonder what the ride is like between the too? Any major pros or cons of either like when comparing them side by side?

As I said it's only really a toy with the odd commute to work. I don't do many miles, certainly a fair weather biker


What would you get?

These are two I've seen online as examples:

https://www.cmcbikes.com/used-motorcycle/2002-honda-cbr-600-for-sale-6359216c085ec

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202212162565588

[Rob W]

[P.]

'98 R1

[Kentol750]

2002 bike is an f-sport, not an f. Split seat is main giveaway after F-sport on fairing. It was step between f and the RR launch. Usual Honda issues of era! (Mate has one.) Nothing major and a great looking bike. Just slightly more sporty than the f.
Newer one has abs and may be better value, but F-sport in that colour with different exhaust looks far better (imho).
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Some bikes.

[stinkwheel]

You'll get a tidy FS for under £2k.

Neither will disappoint. Mrs stinkwheel has a 2000 CBR600F superlight, the handling is sublime, engine like a sewing machine and it goes way faster than any sane person would want to. It practically goes round corners by itself, calling you a pussy for winding off the whole way round. I suppose my only complaint is you have to really wind up the revs to get the power out of it compared to my VFR, but that's what 600 supersports bike do and there's no shortage of power once you get there.

I've been riding bikes for nearly 20 years and I can't take it anywhere near its limit.

My one comment for someone moving up to one from a 125 is it'll spoil you. The handling is so good and neutral, you'll probably think there's something wrong with every big bike you ride after it.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[AddGee]

[AddGee]

[Hong Kong Phooey]

I've got a 1999 CBR600F on carbs, I've ridden a 2001 with FI and the throttle response is snappier but there's not much between them power wise. They're essentially the same otherwise up to 2006.

No ABS, but the brakes aren't very sharp, so you'd have to try hard to lock up the front in normal use. Standard fork springs are too soft IMO, so I put some stiffer K-tech springs in, that with braided lines and CBR900 master cylinder made the brakes a bit better, but modern bikes stoppers will feel stronger, in reality you need to really grab hard to stop quick, the power is there but you really have to mean it.

I've had it seven years, I'll never sell it. You can thrash it on the road without things getting serious too quickly, it's also cheap and easy to run, insure and repair. Reliable in the main, comfy, and very capable.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[stinkwheel]

[Hong Kong Phooey]