[nicolel007]

A little confused, does anyone know the differences between the various CBR 600 F models, for example f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6 etc ?

Is it just cosmetic differences ?

[MR_TiGGer]

Not at all, the minor cosmetic details are done every year, but major changes over the whole model that step it up a level get the new F number
CBR F to the CBR F2 was a huge leap and a much better bike but F2 to F3 not so much, more power and I think the Direct Air Induction stated then too, styling moved on. And the F4 moved to an alloy chassis and got rid of the steel finally, which the Blade had years before. And I suspect that pretty much everything got replaced and remodeled on the F4.
Since the F4 they have just tweaked it about a bit to improve according to development in the Superstock racing, then the RR or Race Replica got brought in for the track day heros.

But 20 years on since the 1st CBR600 it's still one of the very best 600 supersports you can buy, if not the very best ever. Got shaken a bit with the introduction of the R6, then Honda and Suzuki had to play catch up for a change.

[Phadreus]

Don't think f5 or f6 exists yet. There is an issue of one of the Motorcycle magazines that came out a few months ago which unveiled the 2007 CBR600RR, and also showed all evolutions of the 600 since the f1. The article was very well done, told all specs and spoke at length about each model with great pics. Find that, and all your answers shall be had.

[slickwill]

The switch from the F4 to the F4i in 2001 added fuel injection, slight remodeling of the upper and a switch from the "banana" seat to the split rear seat. In '02 they added a tooth to the rear sprocket, and re-mapped it. With the introduction of the RR in '03 they went back to the banana seat on the F4i so that they could market it easier as more of a street bike and less of a race replica. Since '03 it has remained relatively unchanged.

There is a little more of the "F" puzzle.

[Phadreus]

Here's some info I grabbed from other sites:
F4i

• Introduced in the US market in 2001, and was an update to the carbureted F4 machine, part of the 600F legacy. The first F machine was the Hurricane and has been radically updated since (F1 Hurricane, F2, F3, and F4/i).

• The F4i has a comparably more relaxed feel. The clip-ons sit above the clamp for a more upright riding position, akin to a sport-touring machine. Same as the F4 machine. The rear sets are adjustable but not as aggressively mounted as the 600RRs.

• The 2001 debuted with a 371 lbs. dry weight, one of the lightest machines Honda has made. Colors offerings, 2001 – white/red, silver/black, red/black; 2002 – yellow/black, silver/red, red/black; 2003 – silver/red, silver/black.

• The first generation (2001 through 2003) F4i was a split seat. The pillion seat was a separate seat than the rider’s seat. This was different than the F4 machine that came to pass. The second iteration (2004 through 2006) featured the return of the “banana seat”, the pillion and rider seat are the same assembly. Colors changed too, 2004 – black/red, black/yellow; 2005 – maroon/grey, silver/grey; 2006 – blue/black, yellow/grey).

• The 2001 through 2003 machines are very much the same. There was some changes made to brakes and ECU, but they’re relatively minor. Most of the changes were the different colors available; this is similar to the 2004 through 2006 machines, where similarities are plentiful and the only real differences are choices in tank/fairing colors.

• Seat height for the 2001 through 2003 machine is 31.7 inches (may also find 31.9” measurements). Chain (525 size), bore x stroke (67mm x 42.5 mm), and displacement (599cc) have not changed.

• There are some minor changes in the brake systems, but in large part, the debut bike featured front brakes sized with 296mm disks coupled with four piston calipers. Rear brake was a single 220mm disk on the 2001 model year. Brakes are pretty decent, but performance is slightly less than the 600RR.

• The F4i is fitted with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tires.

• Peak ponies for the 2001 machine are found at 12,500 RPMs, boasting around 94 HP, and torque crests at 47.9 ft-lbs. at 10,500 RPMs. There was some rumor that the 2003 had the most power, but this could not be confirmed. The 2004/06 iterations probably have similar power and torque figures.

• The driven sprocket changed in 2006, dropping a tooth from 46 (2001 through 2005) to 45 teeth. Drive sprockets had 16 notches.

• Top speed of the 2001 machine is around 155 MPH (actual, not indicated).

• Exhaust is a conventional, right-hand mounted pipe and muffler, opposes chain-side of swingarm. Ground clearance is slightly less than the 600RR, but for street use, probably not an issue.

• Has slightly more storage under seat than its 600RR ilk. Can easily fit an aftermarket fuel management system, alarm system, etc.

• Mirrors are acceptable, but don’t inspire any confidence. In my opinion, they offer a slightly better view of that tailgating SUV than its 600RR brethren.

• The front fairing offers more wind and precipitation protection than the 600RR. Because you’re sitting “in” on the F4i, you have a marginally better defense against bugs, wind and rain.

• Power delivery is pretty smooth and very predictable; the machine redlines a tad over 14,000 RPMs. Slight power drop after idle, perhaps around 4K RPMs.

• Quarter mile trap speeds (~120-130 mph) and times (low 11s) are similar to the “superior” 600RR.

• Same instrumentation cluster through the entire generation. No digital fuel gauge; however, there is a reserve indicator with bars. 4.8 gallon capacity tanks with 0.9 gallon integrated reserve (no manual petcock switching required).


600RR

• Introduced in the US market in 2003, and took the reign as the premier supersport in the Honda model lineup. This machine was fuel-injected like its F4i sibling, but architecturally modeled on the RC211V MotoGP race machine.

• This machine has relatively more aggressive ergonomics than the F4i; the clip-ons are below the yoke. The rides almost on top of the tank. Rear sets are also adjustable to the users preference, but are located in a higher, race-oriented position.

• The 2003 and 2004 model years are strikingly similar, with very few changes; dry weight was 370 lbs. The color choices were the only changes made to USDM bikes (2003 – red/black, black, and yellow; 2004 – red/black, black/silver, and blue).

• Some revitalization was made to the 2005 bike, which carried over to the 2006 model. These changes included small changes to the engine, exhaust, fairings, forks and swingarm; shedding 9 lbs (down to 361 lbs. dry weight). Color choices were different (black, black/grey tribal, silver, silver/black, and red/black; 2006 – orange/black tribal, black, silver, and red/black).

• The 2007 was a complete redesign; an incredible 20 lbs. were eliminated, and dry weight was dropped to 341 lbs, although Honda claims 345 lbs. Changes included almost everything; new engine, new frame, new rear brake system, new wheels, new fairings, new cooling system (w/ new radiator) and an updated version of the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) system. The front forks and rear suspension system carried over from the 2006 machine. Front brakes are of the same specification, but may be different part numbers. The wheelbase was shortened. Current colors are white/silver, blue/silver, red/black and black.

• Through 2003 to the current model, the chain (525 size), bore x stroke (67mm x 42.5 mm), seat height (32.3 in), dual headlamp configuration, and displacement (also 599cc) have not changed.

• Both generations have superior braking systems (than the F4i), and boast similar specs.

• The 600RR also features the 120/70, and 180/55 tire sizes, front and rear, respectively.

• Power peaks on the 2003/2006 iteration at 13,500 RPMs (100 HP). Twisting force hits its crescendo around 11,400 RPMs (41.6 ft-lbs.) No idea what the 2007 machine carries, but it’s probably marginal at best.

• 600RRs are factory geared with 16-tooth front sprockets and 43-tooth driven sprockets.

• Top speed is around 160 MPH (again, actual, not what the speedometer says, which will be higher due to factory programmed error).

• Exhaust system is center-up design, exhaust gases exit near the brake lamp under pillion seat. This helps give the machine more turning clearance.

• Has very little storage. You can store your registration papers, and that’s it.

• The mirrors on the 600RR are subjectively worse than the F4i. Although I haven’t reviewed the 2007 600RR, I’m sure they also give you an excellent view of your elbows.

• Although aftermarket screens are a popular mod, the factory windshields offer little element protection. You’re sitting “on” the machine.

• Very touchy throttle, and not as confidence inspiring as the F4i. The 2003/2006 machine redlines around 15,000 RPMs.

• Quarter mile trap speeds (~120-130 mph) and times (low 11s) are similar to the F4i; I’m sure the 2007 speeds and times are similar.

• Same instrumentation cluster from 2003 to 2006, 2007 has new gauges. Has a digital fuel gauge (not sure on 2007 model). Same fuel capacity and setup as F4i, also with automatic reserve.


Sources
• “Honda 600RR”. Wikipedia.org. Honda CBR600RR - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
• “Honda CBR600F4i”. Wikipedia.org. Honda CBR600F4i - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
• “2003 Honda CBR600RR Timeline”. Sportrider.com. http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003...600rr_timeline.
• Kneedraggers.com.
• Neeves, Michael. “CBR v CBR: When the F is Better than the RR”. Motorcycle News. December 10, 2003.
• Personal knowledge.

[nicolel007]

WOW,

Some great replies guys ! Wish I had this info when I was purchasing. Can't complain though, got myself a 2004 CBR 600 f4 and love it.

[MR_TiGGer]

Wouldn't worry too much, it's all about the test ride and the money, if you love it and can afford it then buy it and be happy, cos next year there's even more modifications, you can't keep up unless you can buy a new bike every year.
Mine's 10 years old and I think it's the best bike in the universe, and will continue to do so ..... until I get my next Honda

[slickwill]

Originally Posted by MR_TiGGer

Wouldn't worry too much, it's all about the test ride and the money, if you love it and can afford it then buy it and be happy, cos next year there's even more modifications, you can't keep up unless you can buy a new bike every year.
Mine's 10 years old and I think it's the best bike in the universe, and will continue to do so ..... until I get my next Honda

I don't think you could even keep up then because it would take you almost that entire year to get all of your mods done. You would always have to have two bikes. The one from the year before that is fully modded out and then the new one that you are working on. When you get all the necessary mods done on the new one then you can sell the old one for a huge loss because no one will like your choice of mods

[MR_TiGGer]

Sorry I meant mods & tweaks by Honda themselves for next years model, for both the track & showroom performance. They change every year in some way or other

[vernieman21]

im guessing that putting a f4i engine in an f4 wouldnt work, correct? i need a new block or engine and i can only find an f4i for a decent price

[slickwill]

I think that the engine might fit but you would also have to have the different airbox, intake bits, wiring harness, and anything else related to the change between Carbs and FI. I don't know for sure though.

I guess that you might be able to swap the heads on the engines to keep your carbs and then do a more direct bolt in. 90% of the body work is interchangable between the F4 and F4i so I can't imagine that the block is that much different.

[MR_TiGGer]

Originally Posted by vernieman21

im guessing that putting a f4i engine in an f4 wouldnt work, correct? i need a new block or engine and i can only find an f4i for a decent price

I can only go on what I did with a car but it might help?!?!

I had a Ford Escort and needed a new engine so I took a fuel injected one, just had to swap both inlet/exhaust manifolds from my carb'd engine and everything else matched up and it was a flyer with a better higher lift camshaft. Mounting points were identical as the chassis was identical, so 3 hours later I was back out playing .... all those years ago

Unless the manifold bolts and locations are different, and Honda used the exact same chassis then I can see no reason why you can't use the F4i. But don't dream of taking the injection system across.