Old CBR - do up, or bite bullet and pay for newer version?

marty_400 · 12-29-2008, 9:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

Can't believe I didn't think about that...

An "OLD" 'Blade might be better (in terms of money and also your power thirst) but then again, it all depends on your status.

As you will be saving money by keeping the 600 (if you do), make sure you spend it wisely or save it.

Old School Blades huh?

That was the 1st thing I thought of when I got back into bikes again this year.... My bream bike is the 1992 bad boy original blade.

Problem is - they are too big for me! (Plus seat too wide - I can't get both feet on the floor. I'm off by 6 inches!)

I do have a compromise tho.... a £2500/ £3000 (1998-2002 cbr600f4 / cbr600f4i!) Its not the BHP - its the weight thats the kicker apparently!

Or hell, another cbr400! (But its getting pretty hard to find a nice one now a days!)

Cheers
Martin

Corvus · 01-02-2009, 6:32 PM

[quote=marty_400;754248]
Some questions if thats ok:
[quote]

Hey there,
Sorry, I was off email for a few days... travelling

RE # 1. The speedo healer is a good option, although it may not be necessary if you keep the sprocket changes reasonable (like my previous suggestions). Actually, if you decrease the ratio (drop teeth in front or gain teeth in rear sprocket), then your speedo will overestimate by a few mph. This could be a good thing for keeping your license, right?

Try this for fun: Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Gearing Ratio Sprocket RPM Speed Chain Calculator
On the F3, with stock gearing and tires, 4800 RPM in 6th would be about 60 MPH. Dropping one tooth in the front would mean you're going ~56 MPH when your speedo says "60" (assuming no error in the speedo, which tend to overestimate speed anyway).

RE #2. I'd bet that a good tuner, especially one familiar with K&N kits, could get your F3 rocking with the aftermarket air filter... But in order to realize top end HP gains from it, you'd generally need to have a full exhaust (race headers) or a REALLY open (and loud) slip-on so you could use 140/142 main jets. The mid-range HP could still drop with this set-up, and the low-end HP and smoothness usually WILL drop. Stage 1 K&N jet kit instructions say:

"If you are running the stock exhaust install the DJ132 main jets in the outside carburetors (1&4) and the DJ134 main jets in the inside carburetors (2&3). If you are running an aftermarket exhaust or slip-on with a high flowing baffle, use the DJ136 main jets in the outside two carburetors (1&4) and the DJ138 main jets in the inside carburetors (2&3).
When using a K&N filter with the stock exhaust use the DJ136 main jets and the DJ138 main jets accordingly. When using a K&N filter with an aftermarket exhaust or slip-on with a high flow baffle use the DJ140 main jets and the DJ142 main jets accordingly."

I think it's the stock headers / exhaust that are limiting the airflow, not a clean OEM air filter.

FWIW, many vintage racers (at least over here in "WERA" vintage 7 class) recommend that you keep the OEM air filter... and some of these bikes are putting out 100-105 HP at the rear wheel!

Corvus · 01-02-2009, 6:42 PM

p.s. Good work on the F3 / 600RR comparison numbers

The mid-range (6000 to 10,000 RPM) numbers aren't that different either...
like you said, the weight savings is a big deal though. And I know that the 600RR (and the older 900RR) would smoke the F3.

But there are other factors to consider too... like ergonomics. The 900RR I rode briefly back in the day was downright painful after a while. I guess that could be fixed though...

large600 · 01-11-2009, 1:58 PM

Evening - I asked my self the same question 12 months ago, after 6 track days and plenty of road riding this year i have no regrets.

Spent £500 on replacement forks, Metzeler Renntec,s, Tyre warmers, new rear shock, oil filter, oil, plugs, air filter,HH pads, new clutch and a full race system.

= 91hp at the tyre measured on Crescents dyno and Intermediate group on track days and lots of fun on the road including one questionable follow by the local constabulary.

All of my riding buddies have newer bikes and they are the ones at the back of the group.

Large600

CBR_Matt · 01-11-2009, 6:36 PM

I love all bikes, new and old. But for some reason i keep going back to the older ones. For me, it is more of a personal preference, I am 6'5"/260lbs, the old F3 fits me good. If I get on a new one, I feel cramped up and after a short ride, my wrists are killing me.

I ride a 1997 f3 and love it, it has enough power to do the 2nd gear wheelies I want, it has a good balance to it and with a couple upgrades to the brake system, the stoppies are coming along nice.

Like alot of people have said, it is all upto you and what your financial limits allow. Yes, a new bike is more expensive on insurance if you are under 27ish and you will probably have a higher loan payment (if bought on a loan) than an older bike would cost.

The bonus side to the older bike, there are literally TONS of parts out there for her, she can be fixed up cheaply and still look good and ride good.

marty_400 · 01-12-2009, 8:54 AM

Cheers for the advise guys.
Don't feel so bad about keeping the old 1996 bike now!

Money saved will go towards proper essentials, like decent helmet etc.

Cheers
Martin

CBR_Matt · 01-12-2009, 1:27 PM

yeah a good helmet is priority one in my book, although I dont always wear it. Another good investment, if you havent already gotten one, would be a good leather coat. Race fit is nice if you dont mind the mobility limitations but sometimes too warm for some weather.

Check this link for good deals, I have bought helmets, pants, gloves and jackets from them, their exchange policy is awesome, if it dont fit, no problem, send it back and they will send you a different size no questions asked...

New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough, LTD

firebladeking · 01-13-2009, 3:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marty_400

Cheers for the advise guys.
Don't feel so bad about keeping the old 1996 bike now!

Money saved will go towards proper essentials, like decent helmet etc.

Cheers
Martin

Hey Martin,
not sure what helmet you in the market for, but i picked up a bargin on M&P for a Shoei XR-1000, £199 that £160 off the RRP.

NLA Shoei XR-1000 Sykes 2XS

marty_400 · 01-15-2009, 1:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firebladeking

Hey Martin,
not sure what helmet you in the market for, but i picked up a bargin on M&P for a Shoei XR-1000, £199 that £160 off the RRP.

NLA Shoei XR-1000 Sykes 2XS

Hiya FBK,

A good Buy!

Unfortunately Shoei don't fit me! or Arias.... or Schuberts....

Only AGVs!

loads of time until summer, so I suppose I may spend some time perusing the local bike shops. come summer - i just want to ride!

Cheers
Martin