New CB650R or other Inline Fours?

[Davey B]

Since 2006 that CBR has passed all but there MOTs due to shocks. But it has only done a handful of miles since 2006, not more than a few hundred in a single year and many dormant years too. I don't know if that's good or bad....

It will depend on what has been done to it by the owners...how it has been kept/stood and what Earnshaws offer by way of pre delivery checks and warranty (They've been in business for years...I bought a CBR1000 from them in c 1991)

Anything of that era...mid 90s to mid 00s will have been built well but you're obviously buying a 20-30 yr old bike...so buy on condition coupled with what has been done re maintenance over the years. (Look on autotrader...there are a few CBR600s that look to be in equally good condition.)
I'm probably a typical Yorkshireman....give me the option of a clean, reliable, good riding 25 yr old bike at £2k, that will be worth £2k in 5 yrs...or putting a deposit down on a new bike...pay monthlies for 5 yrs and hand it back and walk away..£5k or £6k later...for something that is a toy....I'll pick the £2k olden but golden every time...

 

[DorsetRider]

I'm probably a typical

No harm in that!

 

[DorsetRider]

I'm seriously considering an older CB.

Would anyone with any knowledge/experience of these things please give me some things I need to consider to help decide between:

1. 2000-2007 CBR600F
2. CB600F Hornet
3. 2011-2013 CBR600F

Also, is there anything from this era, with this engine-type configuration that is less sports oriented aesthetically? Or is that just a result of the engine type being suited to a higher-revving track-type riding style?

What I'd be hoping for is a more classic, naked roadster, with round headlight configuration much like today's CB650R, Trident, and XSR900. Which I suppose is almost the hornet in option 2, save for headlight.

Many thanks

 

[DorsetRider]

2. CB600F Hornet

I'm thinking more like a Gen 1 (1998-2006) Hornet, fully carburetted, such as this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202510247401954?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android-app

 

[Hairnet600]

hornet 600 mk1 unburstable - engine went on for 20 years and proddie racing and all sorts - had 5 600s (apart from 7 on model) and 2 900s

the 03 facelifted 600 are built in italy the electrics have ducati stamped on them - didnt have issues with an 05 i had

900 hornet good too nice bit of torque compared to 600

only thing ever put in them apart from chains and tyres was fork seals

fazer 600 again good bike but sat on rather than in hornet

fazer with underseat cans better but less character

fazer thou worth a go with 143 hp - must try one eventually

good looking thou on autotrader 1995 there was a 900 hornet for 1600 with small dent in tank that was great other wise

was looking at the new hornet but they have to be fours - 10k but same amount of fun for a couple of grand = why not

 

[glenn2926]

The Fazer of similar vintage is a better all round package. Better tank range, better brakes and definitely more comfortable. A long time ago two of our group had Fazers, two had Hornets and one had a Bandit.
The Fazers had better range and were more comfortable. The Fazer did feel stronger on the brakes than either of the other makes. Build quality? Perhaps the Hornet was slightly better, the Bandit was not as good quality. I believe they were all parts in specials.
There’s probably very little between them in reality.
I did like my old Fazer and would have liked to have kept it.

 

[leadfarmer]

I'm seriously considering an older CB.

Would anyone with any knowledge/experience of these things please give me some things I need to consider to help decide between:

1. 2000-2007 CBR600F
2. CB600F Hornet
3. 2011-2013 CBR600F

Also, is there anything from this era, with this engine-type configuration that is less sports oriented aesthetically? Or is that just a result of the engine type being suited to a higher-revving track-type riding style?

What I'd be hoping for is a more classic, naked roadster, with round headlight configuration much like today's CB650R, Trident, and XSR900. Which I suppose is almost the hornet in option 2, save for headlight.

Many thanks

I had a Suzuki GSX 750 Inazuma, kind of a retro styled bike before they were in fashion

They’re not very common but could fit the bill for you if you can find one, indestructible detuned, oil cooled GSXR motor



Otherwise a Kawasaki Zephyr or Honda 750 Seven Fifty were similar bikes

 

[richh]

If you're wanting a bike to thrash through the twisties I'd say stick to a 600 sports, as long as you're not prioritising too much comfort.

CBR600 is always a safe bet, if slightly bland (as most Hondas.)

GSXR600, R6, ZX6R will all get the pulse racing too.

 

[Hustler]

I ran a 1999 FX model Hornet for something over 6,000 miles and it was as good as gold.
Should have kept it really.
Mine was red.
Had a 900 Hornet for a few thousand miles but found it too bulky and much preferred the 600 model.
Here it is in France where it was re-registered as we lived in France for a few years.

 

[richh]

Loving the period Micron. Such good looking end cans we had back then.

 

[DorsetRider]

If you're wanting a bike to thrash through the twisties I'd say stick to a 600 sports, as long as you're not prioritising too much comfort.

CBR600 is always a safe bet, if slightly bland (as most Hondas.)

GSXR600, R6, ZX6R will all get the pulse racing too.

I struggle with lower back stiffness and soreness since a double discectomy a few years back. I don't think I could handle too far forward a stance. So the more classic, upright naked ride is better suited for me.

It's also not so much about speed as a different riding style to the grunty GS which I can almost be in any gear with most of the time. I feel an inline four will get me thinking more about braking for entry speed and gear selection for corner and exit much more than the GS.

 

[DorsetRider]

I ran a 1999 FX model Hornet for something over 6,000 miles and it was as good as gold.
Should have kept it really.
Mine was red.
Had a 900 Hornet for a few thousand miles but found it too bulky and much preferred the 600 model.
Here it is in France where it was re-registered as we lived in France for a few years.

View attachment 471108

Nice!

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

I think you have plenty of appropriate suggestions above. If you've got a dodgy back you won't want to be riding an underseat exhaust CBR600RRRRRR

 

[dean0n0]

I think you have plenty of appropriate suggestions above. If you've got a dodgy back you won't want to be riding an underseat exhaust CBR600RRRRRR

Especially with a fire you out the seat rear shock.

 

[beemerboy9]

Nice!

You need to consider your riding style and your riding rhythm. You need to try a 600 four on the road before committing. I did try a 600 four once (for a laugh, I'll admit) and hated the lack of low-down torque compared to big boxer.
I'd take the triple given the choice. How about an early MT-09?

 

[Davey B]

With your back issue, the riding you want to do etc...I'd be looking at the 750 IL4 road bikes as described by Leadfarmer above....or a 550 version. (In reality...IMHO, I reckon you'll get bored of it quickly and pretty much always opt to take the GS...so I'd spend the £3k on petrol for the GS....)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202601018873092?sort=relevance&searchId=a3255748-6da8-4f6a-b8c6-ee16a55f7702&make=Kawasaki&model=Zephyr%20550&page=1&postcode=bd22%209qp&advertising-location=at_bikes&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=channel%3Dbikes%26make%3DKawasaki%26model%3DZephyr%2520550%26postcode%3Dbd22%25209qp%26sort%3Drelevance%26flrfc%3D1

 

[DorsetRider]

You need to consider your riding style and your riding rhythm. You need to try a 600 four on the road before committing. I did try a 600 four once (for a laugh, I'll admit) and hated the lack of low-down torque compared to big boxer.
I'd take the triple given the choice. How about an early MT-09?

You make some good points. I'll be trying the new CB650R this Saturday, weather permitting (postponed from last weekend), which will give me an idea.

This isn't to replace the GSA though, it's really just a toy for when the weather's great and I want a a couple of hours worth of different fun.

My thoughts with the Triple are that riding style will be much like my GSA, albeit a lot more nimble. I don't think the GSA lacks any excitement or ability to be quick because of the sheer amount of torque it has.

So, my thoughts with a four were to have a completely different ride style intentionally. Take what I learn from from Roadsmart on the GSA and apply it to something sporty and different. I'm not certain that the four is the right choice, which is why the triple is there to test against.

I thought of the MT09 but I think it's just a bit too modern and hooligan for me. The XSR900 does appeal more for looks. By comparison the four in a 600 package will be very smooth, easily controllable at low end, and there to be enjoyed at the top.

 

[DorsetRider]

I reckon you'll get bored of it quickly and pretty much always opt to take the GS...

Now that is a risk, I was on the GS a lot over the past two weeks and this thought had crossed my mind. The GS is just so forgiving and comfortable. It's another reason for the planned test rides.

 

[Davey B]

Buy right and the risk will be a few hundred quid depreciation at the most (if you go on to sell it). Don't buy right...and it sits, SORNed costing nothing bar the original price.

 

[DorsetRider]

Buy right and the risk will be a few hundred quid depreciation at the most (if you go on to sell it). Don't buy right...and it sits, SORNed costing nothing bar the original price.

I've shortlisted a few. Sticking with Honda F-options for now, only because it's a minefield for someone like me to scout across many manufacturers, the prices stack up something like this.

CBR650F (2014+) £3.2-£5.2k
CB650F (2011+) from £3.5k-£5k
CBR600F (2011–2013) £2.8-£4.8
CBR600F (2001-2006) £1.5-£4.8

I may be leaning towards the R over the CB because I prefer the look and I think they're essentially a similar setup and only slightly more sporty a riding position. The best of the early CBR600s appear to be priced around £2.5k-£3k, some of these being carburetted and of course they can also be had for much less.

The better option, also considering addition of traction control might well be the reintroduced R600 between 2011-2013 though there are few and best value therefore might come from an early R650 before 2014 and prior to the introduction of 650R, but they start to get too expensive quickly.

Overall. I'm finding something I can buy with confidence at less than £3k a little tricky unless I move to private only selling market, but that increases risk for me without reputation to protect from reliable trade sources.

Things to consider will be build quality and reliability variance over these periods, making an earlier model tempting if it's in good nick.

Street Triple 675 and MT09 can be had in this price range but they're not to my taste.

Thanks to all for input so far. This thread has been another enjoyable and valuable source of knowledge and opinion.

What a great place this is to be.