i figure by next summer or maybe during the winter i'd like to upgrade and get a newer bike. The f2 is ok, it's just that the thing has some little issues that get on my nerves-i don't need to do any more wrenching than i already do, nor do i want to put any more money into a 12 year old bike with 54000 miles.

After riding my friend's 00 zx6r i realize what i'm missing. not so much in terms of power, but it's nice to be able to feel my hands after a ride, which is rare with the F2. Even as my form improves and my death grip becomes a nice relaxed grip, there are times when my hands are useless after a ride, and it's starting to worry me (carpal tunnel?). then there are the occasional wiring issues and less than stellar headlights, and the strangely low mpg (i'm sure i need a carb tune cuz the thing is running pretty rich and i'm getting roughly 33 mpg, but don't want to drop hundreds on getting that done)

I really like kawis, fuel injection, and a nice compromise of daily ride-ability and performance. it seems like the 03+ zx6r is a no brainer...

but just wondering what you guys think? It also seems like the F4i is right up my alley. i've planned a 5000 dollar budget and would like a sportbike. If i got extra stupid and somehow found an extra couple grand, i'd really really love an aprilia or would also enjoy a Rc51!1!!!11one

or should i just fix the F2?

 

I've never had a problem with sore wrists on my F3 (similar to your F2). I believe it comes down to riding posture.

It sounds like your bike needs a little bit more TLC before she'll be running smooth. After you do some work, you'll probably fall in love with her all over again.

Instead of a newer 600 supersports bike, I would suggest spending the money on something different. An SV or Monster may be the ticket to keep your passion going for riding.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've never had a problem with sore wrists on my F3 (similar to your F2). I believe it comes down to riding posture.

It sounds like your bike needs a little bit more TLC before she'll be running smooth. After you do some work, you'll probably fall in love with her all over again.

Instead of a newer 600 supersports bike, I would suggest spending the money on something different. An SV or Monster may be the ticket to keep your passion going for riding.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm wondering how much getting those carbs sync'd and cleaned and otherwise made nice will change the way the bike feels? there's definitely an issue with the bike at low rpm's--more so than what you'd expect from an 600 cc I4--where the bike will bog badly at under 3000 rpm, i'm guessing it's a carb issue too...

The thing rattles like hell.

i'm also thinking it could be motor mounts? i know the motor is from an F3, but the prev owner didn't mention anything about mod's to the motor mounts...

 

i say upgrade. the bike is mostly for pleasure...?

i had a basket-case bike that i was trying to fix up, but like you was unfamiliar with the systems of a carb'd bike, as well as the bike having strange electrical problems. i sold it and bought the bike i have now- couldnt be happier! instead of screwing with a bike on a nice day, im riding one.

 

It's possible that the bike just needs a bit of cleaning and adjusting. I IM'd you the info of a place nearby that might be able to help you out.

 

anyone have any opinions on the triumph daytona 600?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">anyone have any opinions on the triumph daytona 600?</TD></TR></TABLE>
A cut below the similar-generation 600 Japanese supersports, but it is still a capable machine. If you find one in good shape and a really, really cheap price, go for it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A cut below the similar-generation 600 Japanese supersports, but it is still a capable machine. If you find one in good shape and a really, really cheap price, go for it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

the SBN guys have me swaying towards the 636. my non-bike friends like the triumph. and marmalade stands alone in suggesting i keep the f2!

decisions decisions!

 

My f4i is my only bike that didn't give me sore wrists. Actually if anyting I find myself having to lean forward a lot more on the f4i when i do ride agressive.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Duster &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My f4i is my only bike that didn't give me sore wrists. Actually if anyting I find myself having to lean forward a lot more on the f4i when i do ride agressive.</TD></TR></TABLE>

my wrists aren't so bad, it's numbness that's really getting to me.

it's been getting better with me sitting up straighter and having a really light grip, but i still get it in my right hand.

 

humm, id go f4i before i went 636, but thats obvs when im riding a f4i, honestly though 636 was my runner up, if i was able to find a blue 636 (that met my requirements) when I was looking i would have snagged it in a second..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the SBN guys have me swaying towards the 636. my non-bike friends like the triumph. and marmalade stands alone in suggesting i keep the f2!

decisions decisions!</TD></TR></TABLE>
The ones who are Kawi fans or selling a Kawi should not influence your decision - they are obviously biased.

The 636 is immensely capable. It will feel like your F2, but on steroids. The riding position is much more extreme than the F2.

FWIW, I sold my F3 two years ago and I miss it everytime I see another one roll by. Super-fun bikes that remain as capable and pretty back in 91-98 as they do today.

 

well it sounds to me that if youre not going to keep your f2, you should upgrade to an f4i.

if i were in your position, i'd stick with the f2 and use some of that 5k budget to just upgrade/fix/maintain it.

like marmaladeboy said :

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It sounds like your bike needs a little bit more TLC before she'll be running smooth. After you do some work, you'll probably fall in love with her all over again.</TD></TR></TABLE>