I've seen this comparison for a long time and this is what I've come up with.

F4i - more streetable than the R6, comfortable, slightly slower at its limits than R6, Fuel injection is great
R6 - no fuel injection, little more racebred, more twitchy and precise, feels smaller/lighter, a bit less comfortable for longer trips

I know that both bikes are very similar in many aspects and are both great bikes ... which one would you get and why? This question basically pertains to you guys who've done a bit of riding and have experience because I will seriously consider your opinions and comments. I'm very close to buying one of these ... basically the only thing is that I can't decide fully yet, but I'm leaning towards an F4i at the moment. I won't be tracking it, just riding for the pure joy of riding and taking it through some twisties and perhaps a 400 mile mile trip once in awhile. Thanks in advance.

 

I got a 2001 R6 2 weeks ago. And I am absolutely in love with it. So much so that for the past 2 weeks I haven't even given one consideration about the S2000 sitting right next to it. They most likely will be coming out with a fuel injected r6 in 2003. If you so hung up on the FI issue, Just wait a couple months. I have driven an F4i before. The only thing I could notice is that the handling wasn't as sharp as it is with the R6. You needed more effort into flicking the bike into those corners. That could either be a good thing or a bad one. Matters what your skill level is. If you are an inexperienced biker, I would STILL get the r6, just get use to the limit of the tires and don't get over confident (very easy to do). I hope this helped out. I would recommend the r6 %100. I'll try to get pics of my bike as soon as I put the slip-on on and get the integrator.

 

I would say this... it depends.

It depends on your riding skill. It depends on your physical size. It depends on your personal taste with respect to looks, etc.

If it were me, I'd take the CBR. Granted, it gives away some hard core edge, speed, and trackability to the R6, but for the most part, IMO, it's all academic. I can't ride a CBR anywhere near the limits on the streets anyways and bragging rights don't mean shit to me. Moreover, as a short guy (5'6") I am far more comfortable in the saddle of the CBR. There's too much weight on my wrists on the Yammy and the saddlie is a touch too tall for me.

The truth is that they're both beautiful bikes that simply amaze me with the amount of technology you get for the $$. You really can't go wrong either way.

 

I'll fill in some more variables ...

Quite a bit of riding experience, dirt and street, 5'10" 165 lbs. --> both bikes fit fine.

 

Yea, you'd be good on both bikes. So I guess it's basicly which one looks better to you. It seems that the only thing holding you back from getting a R6 is the fuel injection, or lack their of. As I said before. if this is a big hang up for you, just wait till the 2003 comes out. Hope this helps?

 

Yea ... I always appreciate input from other people. Basically I was wondering which YOU guys would get and why ... like I said I'm leaning towards the F4i as of now.

As far as fuel injection goes ... I don't think it's THAT important. It's just one of those things that are "nice" to have. I'm considering the Yellow/black F4i or the blue/white R6. Having both would be great but what's the point of having two 600's? I've heard that the '03 R6 will have fuel injection, but who am I kidding, I can't wait that long!

Do you guys think the R6 is more aggressive looking? That's what most people say I think, but there's something about the yellow/black F4i that just says, "Buy me NOW." Ahh, the purchasing dilemma.

 

Well, I am obviously going to have a bias in this comparison. In my opinion, the r6 has the front fairing of a hornet. It seems it could sting you in the ass any time. I love it!! The f4i front fairing is a little to sharp and edgy for me. You can't even compare the back ends of the bikes. The r6 has those two amazing separate LEDs. That come stock whited out. I was in a similar situation you were a month ago. I was thinking of getting the gsx750 or the R6. So I know that your nervous about making the wrong decision. This is going to be YOUR bike for the next couple of years. You want it to perfect for you. Also, I'v heard that simple jobs such as changing the spark plugs on a F4i are insanely difficult. Just something to think about. Get the R6, your not going to regret it.

 

I have ridden ALL of the 600s and to me, the R6 is by far the most enjoyable ride. What it all comes down to is *FUN*. And the R6 is a LOT more fun to ride than the F4. Yes, the f4 is more comfy and more stable, but the R6 has a 15,500 rpm redline and a power hit that is almost vtec like that just makes you go . The F4 is smooth linear power that feels week in comparison to the R6 (although they are pretty close in acceleration), and the handling of the F4 feels tanklike compared to the R6.

If you relate them to cars, the R6 is a LOT like the s2000, quick steering, with a peaky, fun motor. While the F4 is more like a honda prelude... a 240hp prelude. Slow steering, refined, and kind of boring (zzzzzz). Honda bikes have always had a reputation of being over engineered to the point of boring, and I personally think the F4 is a prime example of this.

 

I got 3800 miles on my R6 so far and love it. I too considered the Honda mostly because of the FI. The R6 just kept calling to me. The only thing I don't like about the R6 is, it seems to be the choice bike of 4 out of 5 squids.
You gotta love tha 15,5k redline and those sexy taillights on the R6. If there were no R6 I would get a GSXR. I am not a big Honda fan.

 

Unfortunately I live in California, which means that my R6 (or any other bike too I think) would have a lower redline ... damn california!! (Although we have months and months of enjoyable riding weather!)

I've already ridden both too but haven't been able to spend enough time on either one as much as I'd like to. The past 2 responses have been very intriguing ... especially the comparison between an S2000 and an R6. I don't want to ride something that feels like a prelude right??? (No offense to prelude owners ... I've just been spoiled by the S2000)

I'm gonna go take a closer look at the Yamaha dealer today. Thanks for your input guys.