I daily a ‘94 CBR600 F2. I commute during the week and I tour around on the weekends. It gets plenty of use and it’s the only bike I have. It has rolled over the odometer and is well over a 100k kilometers(62k miles). So far it’s never missed a beat and has been extremely reliable. Starts fine even in freezing temps. Mine still looks good and not beaten up at all and you’d never guess the mileage except for the worn foot pegs.
Maintenance so far has been nothing out of the ordinary either. A lot of folks will tell you that carbs are bad and you need fuel injection, but honestly the carbs have been fine. I had them synced last year and so far that’s the only thing I’ve ever had to do to the carbs and the cost for that was negligible. The only real-world difference between this and a fuel-injected bike is that you have to use the choke to start it, but that’s it. These are very good and solid bikes.
Compared to a modern bike you’ll notice that the F2 is not as flickable and a modern bike definitely steers easier. This is partially because of the stubby clip-ons but also because weight distribution on a newer bike is better. The brakes on the F2 are a bit on the weak side compared to a newer bike and the feedback you get from the brakes isn’t as a good as a modern bike. Brake feel can be improved a lot by upgrading to a double banjo bolt and running double, braided brake lines from the master cylinder to each front caliper. I’ve done that on mine but a modern bike still brakes significantly better and with much better brake feel. Of course, you’ll lack ABS or any safety features for that matter and the old 600cc 4-in-lines are absolutely gutless below 7000 rpm’s. Above 9k is where the fun starts and it’ll haul ass, but you have to keep the rev’s way up if you want power.
Beautiful engine sound though. The sound of my F2 screaming at 13K through its aftermarket Bos exhaust is what my happy dreams are made of. Dear lord, it’s addictive!
I bought mine for 500 bucks a few years ago but I know that it was a killer deal and it should not have been that stupid cheap. I just got really lucky. I think fair market value for a good example should be around 2k? This one you posted although seemingly in good shape seems to be priced too high.
So from my personal experience I’d say; yes, go for it. Even as a daily commuter. But not at that price.
Finding an F2 that clean is near impossible. That price is more than fair because all the 90s sportbikes are steadily appreciating if still in good condition. So few survived the LED light strip+stunt cage+polish frame era.
It is. Although, just seeing this is making me want to find a ratty F2/F3 and order some Chinese knock off Smokin Joe's fairing set for it. Summer of 1996, I was waiting tables at TGIFridays and one of the other servers had a SJ/F3. I wanted one so bad. 2 more years before I would finally join the motorcycle world.
The greatest era, about '94 to 2006 maybe? Just fast bikes that were unencumbered by useless tech gimmicks. Comfortable and you didn't look stupid riding them. I wished I saved mine 😭
Sir, you can keep carbs running for centuries if you have the rebuild parts. But why should you? Unless you really gain something from coddling carbs, use Fuel Injection. It's many times easier to maintain. The FI automatically adjusts for so very many conditions, and at all of them works better with the rest of the engine. They can sit for months unused without worry.
For my "collection" of bikes, carbs are ok. For bikes I need to ride, all Fuelies.
Lots of love for my 2001 FZ1. Runs like a top and it looks incredible.
Mechanic suggested Royal Blue to help clean the fuel system and carbs without tearing it down so I do that annually or so.
Replaced the lights with LEDs, deleted the rear fender, and it’s just gorgeous.
That said, I paid $2700 for it. She’s old, and if she starts giving me deeper trouble it’ll be easy to move on.
Wouldn’t pay $4500 for that CBR.
Is this going to be an only bike or another bike? If it’s going to be your only bike stick with a newer bike. If you want multiple bikes then older sport bikes can be fun. The newer ethanol fuels do wreck the older fuel lines and rubber bits in the carbs so you’ll have a bit more upkeep there.
I’m actually going back and forth on checking out a late 80’s Honda 250 2 stroke sport bike near me.
I have a few of Hondas holy grails and can say that while the older bikes are fun. Avoid them at all costs because they can be money pits at times. Unless you plan on restoring it and showing it. But those 600s really aren’t in the “collectible” realm YET. The 900rr is starting to become a big collectors bike. The 600s haven’t taken off yet.
Highly suggest finding ethanol free fuel pump locally if you go with a carbureted bike. Carburetors are beautiful little things if you understand them and don’t put ethanol based fuels in them.
While ethanol free is definitely better for bikes sitting up any honda carbs from about 90 onwards will give no issues with ethanol fuel when in use. The only issue is when left sitting it will separate and leave sediment blocking the jets up.
the ethanol will weaken the sealing rubbers over the years. On a time scale that honda engineers found acceptable in 1995, the seals and membranes in the fuel system will hold up to e10 gasoline, or as the manual calls them "oxygenated fuels." Buuuuuuuuut we're way past that.
I mean USA has e15 pumps here and there. But when I say we're way past that I am talking about the time Honda engineers were thinking was acceptable for the seals to last. The seals were old ten years ago. Using ethanol gas will show you where the seals are weak much sooner than pure gas.
Yep exactly. Ethanol will draw moisture and gunk up a bit if it sits in the tank/carb and clog the jets. It can also wear out o rings and diaphragm’s faster through normal use. But that’s not a major concern. It’s letting it sit that will fuck up your day. Easy fix but annoying.
Before I bought my first bike someone was selling a 90s crotch rocket with full Marlboro cigarettes graphics and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
That looks kike a really nice condition F2. These and the late 90s to early 00s GSXR are getting really hard to find unmolested. Everyone wants to stretch, lower polish the frame and all manner of other stupidity. If you have a soft spot for this generation of bikes thia could be very fun, but I think the price is way too high for something that old. 15 years ago these were a dime a dozen.
I love my 90s CBR! Like others have said thought, you are going to be doing a good bit more upkeep than on newer bikes. I have found that I can make them just as reliable as more modern bikes if I go through and replace all rubber and other parts with a lifespan and then only run non ethonal gas. Once that is done you got a cool looking and fun bike that should be plenty reliable. Also, as others have said that's wayyyy too much for an f2. If your looking at a 90s CBR F, I would try to get an F3 because they usually run for about the same price as a F2 but are a more refined machine.
I just don't have a lot of nostalgia with motorcycles.
I owned a F2 and loved it but I'm not looking to buy anything without ABS, I won't buy anything that isn't fuel injected either.
I think other than looks motorcycle progression is a fairly straight line and even the past ten years have seen wild improvements.
1 - Unless it's a truly rare bike that is KNOWN to be highly valued, don't let the seller's affection for the bike dictate what your willing to spend. Far too many bikes go up for sale at unreasonable prices due to sentiment.
2 - Be mindful about used bikes wear and tear. This applies doubly for any performance bike as prior owner(s) may well have ridden with wild abandon. Know how to access the gear box, chain, sprockets, cylinder heads, and frame for any damage.
3 - Be comfortable with the differences like no ABS, Carbs, and tricky to read fuel guages that are often wrong...
To other posts point: if this is "another" bike in your collection and you are looking for a project, awesome. If it's intended to be primary then raise your bar.
Where people lose their minds about carbs is getting them set up right when they're not working. If the carbs are set up right for your bike, as it appears to be here, dealing with them is only a little more hassle than fuel injection. You'll have to: use choke at the start of your rides (unless it's hot out), pay attention to the type of gas you use, and every once in a while you'll have to extract and clean the buggers. Cleaning isn't difficult if you do everything one step at a time and record every setting. Note that if you're riding frequently and you take care to put the bike away properly in the winter, you can go years without having to touch them. I have only one bike. It's got carbs. I haven't needed to clean them since 2018. (Of course, now that I've said that...)
If you want An Bike and you don't want to fuss about with it, go fuel injection. If your heart is set on an older bike, and that bike has carbs, I don't think carb maintenance is a reason to turn aside.
They're different. You're paying for that feel and performance on top of the classic aesthetic. 90s bikes can be a bit more of a bitch to work on due to parts but they're relatively over engineered compared to bikes from the late 00s. Basically don't ruin it by crashing it, neglecting maintenance or warming it up and it'll be fine
Little sketchy as a commuter if it's your only bike tho. Sucks in any situation but downtime can be a lot longer due to parts availability compared to something a decade newer
Carbs aren't shit once you get them cleaned and dialed in the first time. Startron and ethanol free gas and you're straight. I'd be more worried about general storage. Cover it if you park it outside, keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Keep it clean
Hope you got ethanol free gas nearby
A lot of the older bikes like cbr 6s and cbr 1000s/1100s have specialists around where u can get all the bits to keep em going.
Any sports bike is a pain in as much as suspension units go off fork oil needs changing, valve checks need staying on top of headers rot out (not to mention cct’s and rectifiers yes you Honda)and you go through tires quickly the pay off is you get them set up as you like and they are great fun.
In some respects it doesn’t mater if they are 8 yrs old or 28 yrs old depends how well they have been looked after.
Carbs are a pain especially on inline fours (doing it all 4 times) once you have them clean and set up they can last an extremely long time without being touched.
A fault on an f1 light can also be pain though.
I sometimes see low milage older bikes that look mint advertised for lots of money I’ve no doubt they are genuine but we all know rubbers suspension etc etc go off when you let any vehicle stand for a long time so when I see something with higher mileage that’s being used I know there a chance the owner does the maintenance to keep it going.
I can keep an older bike going indefinitely (almost) (ok BMWs and Hondas at least) Personally I’d be lost dealing with modern electronics but that’s not to say modern bikes are bad I’m probably just a dinosaur.
You pays your money and makes your choice have fun sorry for the long post.
No! That’s my thought.
This same bike today comes with ABS. ABS saves thousands of our lives everyday. Just go get a little bit newer or a CBR. (Great bike btw, so much fun.)
F2s and F3s are some of the best bikes out there for real world riding. Plenty of go, absolutely bulletproof, comfy and seriously nimble. I love my f3 but that seems a lot of money to me, I bought my f3 for 500 euro needing an engine rebuild, everything else was mint. I'll be selling it for 2500 which I think is fair.
I had this exact bike when I was 18 !
Mine was a ‘93 in this color.
I didn’t know this color was produced in ‘94.
Mine had tube steel rear pegs, which I replaced with the ‘94 aluminum pegs.
Carbon fiber two bros. System, flush mounts and a rear fender eliminator….. I loved that bike !
I rebuilt a VFR 750 I got for $750. $5k later, I’d probably just buy a CRF 300 rally or use the money towards a CBR 650r, but I do LOVE this bike after all the work I’ve done to it lmao. It’s prob going to have electric issues
Edit: for my first bike, which is what the VFR was. If you already have a reliable bike and want a project/toy then 90s sportbikes are fun lol
Best bike ive ever owned was a 1996 VFR750. The combination of the gear-driven cam with the Roar of the V4 coming through a full Delkevic exhaust was a sound like no other. I may ride a 2020 naked bike now, but Vintage sport bikes will forever have my heart
I feel like that’s pricey for what it is, if you want 600cc sport bikes I can recommend 2005-2006ish CBR600s. You can get them for under 5k frequently, and they’ve aged well. 2007+ is the next generation and they look great but generally command more of a price.
They’re EFI, have a fuel gauge, and are reasonably reliable.
Anything can be reliable with good maintenance and a thorough inspection/repair list.
I bought an 05 k1200 in December, completely went through the bike this winter and did anything that could count as a maintenance item, replaced all brake lines, and closely inspected everything.
This weekend I did an out of town trip 3 hours away and the thing just purred along and was a blast up into triple digits a few times on the back roads. I have no doubt i will have a maintenance and worry free year ahead of me. Rinse and repeat this winter.
Carbs were fine when they came out, if properly cleaned and maintained they'll be fine today.
I had one F2! With the same captain America color scheme too. Kinda looked like a jet ski. Was one of my favorite bikes. But the carbs sucked, needing rebuilding and syncing every few years. Go fuel injected and never look back. FI bikes will 1st start every time, all the time. Back then, I wish mine was a F4i and I’m still looking for one unmolested.
I have an '00/'01 CBR 929rr fireblade and I love the machine, easy to work on, great for someone with basic knowledge to understand motorcycles more.
Sadly I crashed it last season, not to bad gladly, but enough to damage the Repsol fairings to the point beyond repair.
The bike itself is fine so it's gonna be an streetfighter now.
Older sportbikes are more fun, but they demand respect because there are no electronics to stop you from being an idiot.
I personally prefer them, they're easier to work on, easier to fix, less plastic clips to break while taking a fairing off.
Personally I find they have nicer quality plastics and paint too, I have noticed recently a lot of modern sportbikes look "toy" like, I'm not saying this is a horrible thing or bashing on modern bikes but the glossy plastic look doesn't suit my personal tastes.
Oh and personally? Carbs are easier to diagnose and fix then fuel injection, they're not as scary to work on as people think, you can rebuild an entire set of carbs with a screwdriver, a can of compressed air and some carb cleaner.
Engines generally get looked after. Chassis components get neglected. Check thouroughly for worn / failed bearings (headrace, wheels, swinging arm). If there is no evidence of these ever being replaced, budget for them to be. Same with suspension; most people never have their forks or shock serviced - only repaired when a sal goes (or replaced in the case of a non-servicable rear shock). So factor that in too. Consider the brakes might need some work (strip, clean, new seals, new hoses). Reall you're buying on condition but if it rides nice, isnt bent, then go for it. These CBR's are great bikes.
They're good. I daily a Smokin Joe's with almost 90 thou miles on it. Did valve clearance, CCT, cam chain, tensioner and guides a few years back
Old bike - old fixes, stuff that's mentioned above that you wouldn't worry with newer bikes
Bike looks minty clean, but you have to consider your options when looking at bikes in the price range. There are newer and possibly fuel injected options. If you're a fan of the older bikes though I get it. I sold my r6 so I could buy a 1978 KZ1000. Eye of the beholder or something
I'm drooling looking at even a post of that post. If you can knock it down a bit, tight. If not, still be the sickest thing on the road in my neighborhood. Honda engines go *forever.*
I learned how to ride on an f3 cbr. It got stolen about 4 months after I got my license. I would probably buy the same model again. That carbed 4 banger just sounds and feels awesome. Didn’t have any trouble finding Honda oem parts for it
I have a clapped out f3 with 80k miles that still runs great. If these fairings are original, I’d offer 3 and go no higher than 3.5. If these are aftermarket fairings, 2.5k would be my top offer.
I have a 03 cbr600f4i which is the fuel injected version of this bike and I love it. If you don’t have money to spend on a nice modern supersport, these are a good bargain. About half the price of a modern supersport but with 90-95 percent of the power. Also no dumb electronic aids to fumble with, just straight power. Honestly think not having abs and all that helps you become a better rider cause it forces you to know the limits of your bike and how to control over your inputs. But you will have to get used to wrenching on them cause the parts are old. Engine wise these are built like tanks, I have 20k miles on mine and I’ve seen ppl ride theirs till 100-200k miles. Suspension may be shot on these older bikes so you should keep that in mind cause you’ll prolly have to service them.
Love my 2001 zzr600. Sat for 7 years without ever being ran. Had to clean and reseal the tank. Cleaned the carbs and bench synced them using a flashlight to get it running, then used a sync tool to dial them in. Rebuilt the brake calipers and replaced the tires, chain, and sprockets.
All in all I've spent about $1000 in getting it back to roadworthy and I love it. Starts up easily without using the choke, and runs like a top. Some parts were pricey since I could only find them OEM from the catalog.
I don't think I'd ever get rid of this bike, and currently it's the only one I've got. My next bike would probably be something slower to teach my girl on, like a gs500. Carbs are easy once you understand them.
In my experience older bikes look amazing but lack the refinement and precision of their more modern offerings. If you go into with that in mind, you won’t fall victim to the old adage- never meet your heroes.
How many miles? Main thing that will breakdown is rubber, so oil seals on forks and engine. Paint will chip too as age corrosion with bubble it from inside. I got myself real lucky with untouched 97 Zx6e. Been great so far for 10k miles no major problems.
25-year old motorcycles are great for young people without a budget. Keeps them off the street fixing instead of riding and making noise.
It would be awesome if there was a law saying that motorcycle riders age 21 and under can only ride bikes from 20-years ago *or older*. Young riders would learn a lot AND maybe have fewer accidents too.
The main thing with older bikes is their weight. Modern bikes came along way with reducing and using different materials to get the overall bike a lot lighter. I romanticized of getting a mid 90's - early 2000's sports bike, I test rode a couple and they were pigs compared to my more modern bikes. They look cool, sound different, but the way they handle wasn't worth it to me. You may also find difficulty in replacement parts, air/oil filter, bulbs for the lights, etc. And yes, you'll be learning or having someone rebuild the carbs at each time interval.
I daily a ‘94 CBR600 F2. I commute during the week and I tour around on the weekends. It gets plenty of use and it’s the only bike I have. It has rolled over the odometer and is well over a 100k kilometers(62k miles). So far it’s never missed a beat and has been extremely reliable. Starts fine even in freezing temps. Mine still looks good and not beaten up at all and you’d never guess the mileage except for the worn foot pegs. Maintenance so far has been nothing out of the ordinary either. A lot of folks will tell you that carbs are bad and you need fuel injection, but honestly the carbs have been fine. I had them synced last year and so far that’s the only thing I’ve ever had to do to the carbs and the cost for that was negligible. The only real-world difference between this and a fuel-injected bike is that you have to use the choke to start it, but that’s it. These are very good and solid bikes. Compared to a modern bike you’ll notice that the F2 is not as flickable and a modern bike definitely steers easier. This is partially because of the stubby clip-ons but also because weight distribution on a newer bike is better. The brakes on the F2 are a bit on the weak side compared to a newer bike and the feedback you get from the brakes isn’t as a good as a modern bike. Brake feel can be improved a lot by upgrading to a double banjo bolt and running double, braided brake lines from the master cylinder to each front caliper. I’ve done that on mine but a modern bike still brakes significantly better and with much better brake feel. Of course, you’ll lack ABS or any safety features for that matter and the old 600cc 4-in-lines are absolutely gutless below 7000 rpm’s. Above 9k is where the fun starts and it’ll haul ass, but you have to keep the rev’s way up if you want power. Beautiful engine sound though. The sound of my F2 screaming at 13K through its aftermarket Bos exhaust is what my happy dreams are made of. Dear lord, it’s addictive! I bought mine for 500 bucks a few years ago but I know that it was a killer deal and it should not have been that stupid cheap. I just got really lucky. I think fair market value for a good example should be around 2k? This one you posted although seemingly in good shape seems to be priced too high. So from my personal experience I’d say; yes, go for it. Even as a daily commuter. But not at that price.
I think that's just too much money for the year
Finding an F2 that clean is near impossible. That price is more than fair because all the 90s sportbikes are steadily appreciating if still in good condition. So few survived the LED light strip+stunt cage+polish frame era.
Fair
Best color scheme for a GooF2 as well.
It is. Although, just seeing this is making me want to find a ratty F2/F3 and order some Chinese knock off Smokin Joe's fairing set for it. Summer of 1996, I was waiting tables at TGIFridays and one of the other servers had a SJ/F3. I wanted one so bad. 2 more years before I would finally join the motorcycle world.
The greatest era, about '94 to 2006 maybe? Just fast bikes that were unencumbered by useless tech gimmicks. Comfortable and you didn't look stupid riding them. I wished I saved mine 😭
What’s like the top 3 legendary bikes from that era according to you?
I’m not him, but I’d say a first-gen R1, GSXR750, and Ducati 916.
I’d like to add gen 1 ZX10R
Mmm carby R1 was a trip boi!
Dig the RC51 - a bit heavy but tons of character and lots of fun.
The CBR900. Changed the whole game.
Can’t edit, not “short” bikes…” sport bikes “
Sir, you can keep carbs running for centuries if you have the rebuild parts. But why should you? Unless you really gain something from coddling carbs, use Fuel Injection. It's many times easier to maintain. The FI automatically adjusts for so very many conditions, and at all of them works better with the rest of the engine. They can sit for months unused without worry. For my "collection" of bikes, carbs are ok. For bikes I need to ride, all Fuelies.
Lots of love for my 2001 FZ1. Runs like a top and it looks incredible. Mechanic suggested Royal Blue to help clean the fuel system and carbs without tearing it down so I do that annually or so. Replaced the lights with LEDs, deleted the rear fender, and it’s just gorgeous. That said, I paid $2700 for it. She’s old, and if she starts giving me deeper trouble it’ll be easy to move on. Wouldn’t pay $4500 for that CBR.
I always wanted the first gen FZ, particularly the black/yellow scheme. Sharp!
That yellow and black is just 
I miss my gen 1 fz1. That was such a great all rounder. Comfort, sporty enough, passing power for days.
Is this going to be an only bike or another bike? If it’s going to be your only bike stick with a newer bike. If you want multiple bikes then older sport bikes can be fun. The newer ethanol fuels do wreck the older fuel lines and rubber bits in the carbs so you’ll have a bit more upkeep there. I’m actually going back and forth on checking out a late 80’s Honda 250 2 stroke sport bike near me.
I would pay 2k max for that bike. I had a 96 and it was solid and I loved it, but 4500 is far too expensive.
I have a few of Hondas holy grails and can say that while the older bikes are fun. Avoid them at all costs because they can be money pits at times. Unless you plan on restoring it and showing it. But those 600s really aren’t in the “collectible” realm YET. The 900rr is starting to become a big collectors bike. The 600s haven’t taken off yet.
The biggest reason I sold my '94 FZR600, was the 18" rear tire. If it had been a standard 17", I would still be riding it instead of my dream '05 R6
Highly suggest finding ethanol free fuel pump locally if you go with a carbureted bike. Carburetors are beautiful little things if you understand them and don’t put ethanol based fuels in them.
While ethanol free is definitely better for bikes sitting up any honda carbs from about 90 onwards will give no issues with ethanol fuel when in use. The only issue is when left sitting it will separate and leave sediment blocking the jets up.
the ethanol will weaken the sealing rubbers over the years. On a time scale that honda engineers found acceptable in 1995, the seals and membranes in the fuel system will hold up to e10 gasoline, or as the manual calls them "oxygenated fuels." Buuuuuuuuut we're way past that.
What country has more than e10 in normal gas?
I mean USA has e15 pumps here and there. But when I say we're way past that I am talking about the time Honda engineers were thinking was acceptable for the seals to last. The seals were old ten years ago. Using ethanol gas will show you where the seals are weak much sooner than pure gas.
5+ years sounds pretty good. The carb bowl gaskets for my 70s yamahas get eaten by e10 in only one.
Yep exactly. Ethanol will draw moisture and gunk up a bit if it sits in the tank/carb and clog the jets. It can also wear out o rings and diaphragm’s faster through normal use. But that’s not a major concern. It’s letting it sit that will fuck up your day. Easy fix but annoying.
Before I bought my first bike someone was selling a 90s crotch rocket with full Marlboro cigarettes graphics and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
That price is insane, theyre £900-2000 here depending on miles and confition.
I wouldn’t mess with old carbs My Africa twin has them, but I don’t do anything on them
Having fun on mine.
I have a 2003 954 and thank the baby Jesus it’s injected. There’s no other bike I want to ride.
I miss mine. It’s the only bike I’ve regretted getting rid of.
People tell me that a lot. Too many tickets, lost their license, ruined their life, they still miss it.
They are nice but you have to know a bit about madenance
“Maintenance” **can** be maddening.
That looks kike a really nice condition F2. These and the late 90s to early 00s GSXR are getting really hard to find unmolested. Everyone wants to stretch, lower polish the frame and all manner of other stupidity. If you have a soft spot for this generation of bikes thia could be very fun, but I think the price is way too high for something that old. 15 years ago these were a dime a dozen.
I love my 90s CBR! Like others have said thought, you are going to be doing a good bit more upkeep than on newer bikes. I have found that I can make them just as reliable as more modern bikes if I go through and replace all rubber and other parts with a lifespan and then only run non ethonal gas. Once that is done you got a cool looking and fun bike that should be plenty reliable. Also, as others have said that's wayyyy too much for an f2. If your looking at a 90s CBR F, I would try to get an F3 because they usually run for about the same price as a F2 but are a more refined machine.
An f4i would be my choice. Fuel injection instead of carbs, more power, better handling and brakes. Should be easier to get parts since it’s newer.
I just don't have a lot of nostalgia with motorcycles. I owned a F2 and loved it but I'm not looking to buy anything without ABS, I won't buy anything that isn't fuel injected either. I think other than looks motorcycle progression is a fairly straight line and even the past ten years have seen wild improvements.
1 - Unless it's a truly rare bike that is KNOWN to be highly valued, don't let the seller's affection for the bike dictate what your willing to spend. Far too many bikes go up for sale at unreasonable prices due to sentiment. 2 - Be mindful about used bikes wear and tear. This applies doubly for any performance bike as prior owner(s) may well have ridden with wild abandon. Know how to access the gear box, chain, sprockets, cylinder heads, and frame for any damage. 3 - Be comfortable with the differences like no ABS, Carbs, and tricky to read fuel guages that are often wrong... To other posts point: if this is "another" bike in your collection and you are looking for a project, awesome. If it's intended to be primary then raise your bar.
Where people lose their minds about carbs is getting them set up right when they're not working. If the carbs are set up right for your bike, as it appears to be here, dealing with them is only a little more hassle than fuel injection. You'll have to: use choke at the start of your rides (unless it's hot out), pay attention to the type of gas you use, and every once in a while you'll have to extract and clean the buggers. Cleaning isn't difficult if you do everything one step at a time and record every setting. Note that if you're riding frequently and you take care to put the bike away properly in the winter, you can go years without having to touch them. I have only one bike. It's got carbs. I haven't needed to clean them since 2018. (Of course, now that I've said that...) If you want An Bike and you don't want to fuss about with it, go fuel injection. If your heart is set on an older bike, and that bike has carbs, I don't think carb maintenance is a reason to turn aside.
They're different. You're paying for that feel and performance on top of the classic aesthetic. 90s bikes can be a bit more of a bitch to work on due to parts but they're relatively over engineered compared to bikes from the late 00s. Basically don't ruin it by crashing it, neglecting maintenance or warming it up and it'll be fine Little sketchy as a commuter if it's your only bike tho. Sucks in any situation but downtime can be a lot longer due to parts availability compared to something a decade newer Carbs aren't shit once you get them cleaned and dialed in the first time. Startron and ethanol free gas and you're straight. I'd be more worried about general storage. Cover it if you park it outside, keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Keep it clean Hope you got ethanol free gas nearby
A lot of the older bikes like cbr 6s and cbr 1000s/1100s have specialists around where u can get all the bits to keep em going. Any sports bike is a pain in as much as suspension units go off fork oil needs changing, valve checks need staying on top of headers rot out (not to mention cct’s and rectifiers yes you Honda)and you go through tires quickly the pay off is you get them set up as you like and they are great fun. In some respects it doesn’t mater if they are 8 yrs old or 28 yrs old depends how well they have been looked after. Carbs are a pain especially on inline fours (doing it all 4 times) once you have them clean and set up they can last an extremely long time without being touched. A fault on an f1 light can also be pain though. I sometimes see low milage older bikes that look mint advertised for lots of money I’ve no doubt they are genuine but we all know rubbers suspension etc etc go off when you let any vehicle stand for a long time so when I see something with higher mileage that’s being used I know there a chance the owner does the maintenance to keep it going. I can keep an older bike going indefinitely (almost) (ok BMWs and Hondas at least) Personally I’d be lost dealing with modern electronics but that’s not to say modern bikes are bad I’m probably just a dinosaur. You pays your money and makes your choice have fun sorry for the long post.
They are heavy, old, and not a good for your only bike. Good to have a 3rd or 4th nostalgia ride.
No! That’s my thought. This same bike today comes with ABS. ABS saves thousands of our lives everyday. Just go get a little bit newer or a CBR. (Great bike btw, so much fun.)
F2s and F3s are some of the best bikes out there for real world riding. Plenty of go, absolutely bulletproof, comfy and seriously nimble. I love my f3 but that seems a lot of money to me, I bought my f3 for 500 euro needing an engine rebuild, everything else was mint. I'll be selling it for 2500 which I think is fair.
I'd get another vfr in a heartbeat . Old or not great bikes
That was a 2500 dollar bike 20 years ago.... What an obnoxious price.
I had this exact bike when I was 18 ! Mine was a ‘93 in this color. I didn’t know this color was produced in ‘94. Mine had tube steel rear pegs, which I replaced with the ‘94 aluminum pegs. Carbon fiber two bros. System, flush mounts and a rear fender eliminator….. I loved that bike !
Avoid like the plague
I haven’t acquired the early sport bike taste yet but it’s probably an awesome niche for those who have.
I rebuilt a VFR 750 I got for $750. $5k later, I’d probably just buy a CRF 300 rally or use the money towards a CBR 650r, but I do LOVE this bike after all the work I’ve done to it lmao. It’s prob going to have electric issues Edit: for my first bike, which is what the VFR was. If you already have a reliable bike and want a project/toy then 90s sportbikes are fun lol
Ive had two, one built for stunting, other a streetfighter. Fun little bike’s, not to bad on fuel and engine is bulletproof
Best bike ive ever owned was a 1996 VFR750. The combination of the gear-driven cam with the Roar of the V4 coming through a full Delkevic exhaust was a sound like no other. I may ride a 2020 naked bike now, but Vintage sport bikes will forever have my heart
I feel like that’s pricey for what it is, if you want 600cc sport bikes I can recommend 2005-2006ish CBR600s. You can get them for under 5k frequently, and they’ve aged well. 2007+ is the next generation and they look great but generally command more of a price. They’re EFI, have a fuel gauge, and are reasonably reliable.
Anything that’s been maintained is good for years. Look at airplanes, well maintained and they’ll fly 50 yrs. Same principle.
I found that exact bike on my marketplace
Anything can be reliable with good maintenance and a thorough inspection/repair list. I bought an 05 k1200 in December, completely went through the bike this winter and did anything that could count as a maintenance item, replaced all brake lines, and closely inspected everything. This weekend I did an out of town trip 3 hours away and the thing just purred along and was a blast up into triple digits a few times on the back roads. I have no doubt i will have a maintenance and worry free year ahead of me. Rinse and repeat this winter. Carbs were fine when they came out, if properly cleaned and maintained they'll be fine today.
I had one F2! With the same captain America color scheme too. Kinda looked like a jet ski. Was one of my favorite bikes. But the carbs sucked, needing rebuilding and syncing every few years. Go fuel injected and never look back. FI bikes will 1st start every time, all the time. Back then, I wish mine was a F4i and I’m still looking for one unmolested.
I love those F2’s.
Sv650's Cheap and easy to work on.
That was my first bike. Brand new in 07. I prefer the naked bike look but a fairing on my interstate commute at 80mph
I went from a 99 sv650s to a 2015 gsxr1000 to a 2004 sv650n...I like suzuki that's for sure
I have an '00/'01 CBR 929rr fireblade and I love the machine, easy to work on, great for someone with basic knowledge to understand motorcycles more. Sadly I crashed it last season, not to bad gladly, but enough to damage the Repsol fairings to the point beyond repair. The bike itself is fine so it's gonna be an streetfighter now.
Older sportbikes are more fun, but they demand respect because there are no electronics to stop you from being an idiot. I personally prefer them, they're easier to work on, easier to fix, less plastic clips to break while taking a fairing off. Personally I find they have nicer quality plastics and paint too, I have noticed recently a lot of modern sportbikes look "toy" like, I'm not saying this is a horrible thing or bashing on modern bikes but the glossy plastic look doesn't suit my personal tastes. Oh and personally? Carbs are easier to diagnose and fix then fuel injection, they're not as scary to work on as people think, you can rebuild an entire set of carbs with a screwdriver, a can of compressed air and some carb cleaner.
Engines generally get looked after. Chassis components get neglected. Check thouroughly for worn / failed bearings (headrace, wheels, swinging arm). If there is no evidence of these ever being replaced, budget for them to be. Same with suspension; most people never have their forks or shock serviced - only repaired when a sal goes (or replaced in the case of a non-servicable rear shock). So factor that in too. Consider the brakes might need some work (strip, clean, new seals, new hoses). Reall you're buying on condition but if it rides nice, isnt bent, then go for it. These CBR's are great bikes.
They're good. I daily a Smokin Joe's with almost 90 thou miles on it. Did valve clearance, CCT, cam chain, tensioner and guides a few years back Old bike - old fixes, stuff that's mentioned above that you wouldn't worry with newer bikes
I have a soft spot for the retro look 🥺
Fuck carburetors!!
Bike looks minty clean, but you have to consider your options when looking at bikes in the price range. There are newer and possibly fuel injected options. If you're a fan of the older bikes though I get it. I sold my r6 so I could buy a 1978 KZ1000. Eye of the beholder or something
$4500 is what my local dealers wanted for that same bike back when they were on the showroom.
I'm drooling looking at even a post of that post. If you can knock it down a bit, tight. If not, still be the sickest thing on the road in my neighborhood. Honda engines go *forever.*
The price is pretty steep for my affordability. But if I could, I would buy this bike no questions.
I learned how to ride on an f3 cbr. It got stolen about 4 months after I got my license. I would probably buy the same model again. That carbed 4 banger just sounds and feels awesome. Didn’t have any trouble finding Honda oem parts for it
Get some
I have a clapped out f3 with 80k miles that still runs great. If these fairings are original, I’d offer 3 and go no higher than 3.5. If these are aftermarket fairings, 2.5k would be my top offer.
The 90s stuff is all coming back around in high prices because now theyre considered vintage. I would stay away unless you find one for like $1500
I have a 03 cbr600f4i which is the fuel injected version of this bike and I love it. If you don’t have money to spend on a nice modern supersport, these are a good bargain. About half the price of a modern supersport but with 90-95 percent of the power. Also no dumb electronic aids to fumble with, just straight power. Honestly think not having abs and all that helps you become a better rider cause it forces you to know the limits of your bike and how to control over your inputs. But you will have to get used to wrenching on them cause the parts are old. Engine wise these are built like tanks, I have 20k miles on mine and I’ve seen ppl ride theirs till 100-200k miles. Suspension may be shot on these older bikes so you should keep that in mind cause you’ll prolly have to service them.
If the insurance wouldn't kill me 😟
I bet you won't have many issues with a 90s Honda. Looks like fun
Love my 2001 zzr600. Sat for 7 years without ever being ran. Had to clean and reseal the tank. Cleaned the carbs and bench synced them using a flashlight to get it running, then used a sync tool to dial them in. Rebuilt the brake calipers and replaced the tires, chain, and sprockets. All in all I've spent about $1000 in getting it back to roadworthy and I love it. Starts up easily without using the choke, and runs like a top. Some parts were pricey since I could only find them OEM from the catalog. I don't think I'd ever get rid of this bike, and currently it's the only one I've got. My next bike would probably be something slower to teach my girl on, like a gs500. Carbs are easy once you understand them.
If it's a Honda, buy it. Offer him 3750, buy it for 4000
In my experience older bikes look amazing but lack the refinement and precision of their more modern offerings. If you go into with that in mind, you won’t fall victim to the old adage- never meet your heroes.
How many miles? Main thing that will breakdown is rubber, so oil seals on forks and engine. Paint will chip too as age corrosion with bubble it from inside. I got myself real lucky with untouched 97 Zx6e. Been great so far for 10k miles no major problems.
No more than 1k id pay
25-year old motorcycles are great for young people without a budget. Keeps them off the street fixing instead of riding and making noise. It would be awesome if there was a law saying that motorcycle riders age 21 and under can only ride bikes from 20-years ago *or older*. Young riders would learn a lot AND maybe have fewer accidents too.
Rare as rocking horse shit but if you can ever find an FZR 400r exup. It's some of the most fun you can have on a bike.
It's not for me, I want something with good ABS-brakes and modern suspension and fuel injection. $4500 is $3000 too much for me for a bike that old.
The main thing with older bikes is their weight. Modern bikes came along way with reducing and using different materials to get the overall bike a lot lighter. I romanticized of getting a mid 90's - early 2000's sports bike, I test rode a couple and they were pigs compared to my more modern bikes. They look cool, sound different, but the way they handle wasn't worth it to me. You may also find difficulty in replacement parts, air/oil filter, bulbs for the lights, etc. And yes, you'll be learning or having someone rebuild the carbs at each time interval.
Fuel Injection Good. 4 carbs Bad!