[RavynX]

Hey all, I really like the F4i's, especially the 2000-2003 models with split seats. I'm curious as to how they differ against the CBR 600 RR and other supersports (ergos, power, handling, etc). Can they be used for sport touring or are they just as painful after 250 miles or so?

[nyteshades]

The f4i is the previous generation super sport. The ergo's aren't as extereme as the rr's, but my max day was around 350 - 400 miles. A lot depends on the kind of shape you're in and how big you are. I'm 6'0 220 lbs and the f4i just didn't work on the street for me. On the track, it was a blast...but the lack of midrange drove me nuts on the street.

I don't know about touring....I traded my f4i in for a vfr and feel like I got so much more. The only thing I lost was track days.

[slickwill]

I have an '02 F4i. My brother in law rides an RR. The bars are a little lower on the RR so you feel a little more forward but the seat is WAY more comfortable. My butt can't handle more than about 250 miles in a day on the F4i. I think I could do more on the RR actually but I'm not sure how my back, neck, arms, legs, etc. would be effected. I've only done short rides on the RR. Either way the early F4i's are not that great in the comfort department. I'm 5'10" 145 pounds and in very good shape. Supposedly the one piece seat on the newer F4i's is a little more comfortable but I've never sat on one. If you really wanted to a lot of touring you'd be better off with a VFR IMO.

[vipercnc]

I agree with these guys... I have and 2005 F4I with a split seat
conversion. The difference in the handle bars being on top of the
triple tree vs. under it like the RR's helped me but, I use it to
commute to work at about 22miles one way. I'm only good for about
an hour before I have to get off and stretch me back.

anymore than that, I would suggest a different bike like the other guys...

[RavynX]

I'm 5'6", 155lbs, with a 30" inseem; so I have fairly short legs but I've been told I can get a lowering link to take care of the height.

Most of my riding would be in the city but I'd like to be able to go up and see my brother in college about 175 miles (or 3 hours) away every now and then.
So the F4i isn't that good in the comfort department huh? I'm hoping my short legs would help not being so cramped on the sport or supersport bikes.

[slickwill]

At 5'6" with a 30" inseam you really don't need to lower it (and don't want to).

There is plenty of leg room and you would have even more. It is the shape and softness of the seat that cause the comfort problems. My legs are the last part to have any issues. If you have a short torso it is a long reach up over the tank so your back and neck get tired but for me the absolute number one complaint is just that the seat is way too hard. I've heard that riding with gel shorts makes big difference and I might try that for my long trips this year. The furthest trip I have ever taken was 125 miles each way (250 round trip) with a LONG break in between. However, after about 60 miles my butt is in pain. You don't notice it as much on a nice twisty road because you move around more on the bike but on the highway, OUCH.

I honestly think you might find the RR more comfortable. You'd have to sit on both and see which seems to fit you better.

[RavynX]

Interesting analysis, slickwill. I've been to the local bike store here and getting on the ZX-6R and the CBR RR I can hold the bike up but I'm on either my toes or the ball of my feet; I can't flatfoot any of them. If not the CBR RR then I might be looking at the Triumph Daytona 600.

You can get aftermarket seats like Corbin for sportbikes right? Are they any better?

[slickwill]

Originally Posted by RavynX

Interesting analysis, slickwill. I've been to the local bike store here and getting on the ZX-6R and the CBR RR I can hold the bike up but I'm on either my toes or the ball of my feet; I can't flatfoot any of them. If not the CBR RR then I might be looking at the Triumph Daytona 600.

You can get aftermarket seats like Corbin for sportbikes right? Are they any better?

Yes, corbins are available, I've heard mixed reviews. Some people complain that the corbins don't let you move on the bike properly for track use. Other say that the corbin's push you up into the tank too much. Every person will feel differently about it. Sargent also makes seats for the F4i.

I only have a 31" inseam and can just barely flat foot the bike but when I'm in full leathers they keep me from being able to straighten my legs enough that it makes me seem shorter and then I'm on my toes. HondaGal2 on here is only 5'4", wears full leathers, and rides a 929 or 954. The better ride and handling is worth learning to "use your toes."

[bettingpython]

you want comfort buy a goldwing......

guess what that's not even comfortable after 4 or 500 miles...been there done that.

I haven't tried my corbin seat since I took the vortex clip-ons off the 954 and went back to stock, it's okay but it definately increases your needed leg length to touch the ground.

It doesn't matter what you ride every 100 miles stop for gas and take a short....<<<< the key word being short break. you can get lots of good riding in a day that way. 350 to 400 mile day rides on a sport bike are no biggie.

[rolandk]

'04-'06 F4i seat is VERY comfortable but everybody hates it, except me.

[x[corwyn]]

I have one on in my garage that Im fixing up to be sold, removing the lowering dogbone, giving it a good once over, replacing the chain, rear tire etc etc...

Anyway back in 2002/2003 my ex g/f owned one that I took out and rode for ~ 200 miles. It was A LOT of fun in the corners, especially after a 5mm lowering up front, and I had a blast on it. That being said my 6'2" 200lb frame felt like I got the crap kicked out of me the next day. It was comfortable except for the seat. I know people that have gotten used to it, and have done iron butts on them and stuff, but if Im going to do 200+ miles I think I will stick to my 954, or get a VFR. Less than 200 miles or for track use only and that bike is a lot of fun and is very forgiving.

[Twincam]

Comfort - VFR (98) then Hornet (05) then 954RR (02) - Hornet & 954RR are very close
Power - 954RR then Hornet then VFR - VFR & Hornet are very close
Touring - VFR then 954RR then Hornet (Naked).

Thats my views anyway.