Does anyone ride an F3 here? Opinions? I'm shopping bikes currently. I don't want to buy anything new and preferably a little older since I plan on paying cash. I'm looking at 99-02 R6 and Honda F3. I know it's an R6 forum so most will say just get the six, but most of the F3s I'm seeing are generally cheaper. I'd rather spend less on the bike and more on better leathers.

I'd like to sit on both sometime soon so I can get a better feel.

I've been reading here since 04 but I'm only just beginning to actively pursue riding in the next month or two, so I figure those of you who do ride can help.:)

What about the F4?

TIA

Also, where's a good place to shop other than picking up the local cycle trader?

try craigs list...i picked up my bike on there 3 months ago..www.craigslist.org
I think you gonna find the r6 to be alot more expensive..i payed 4300 for my 01 champions edition.. theres good deals all around you just have to be patient..my buddy had the f3 and it worked for him till he lowsided into a ditch..and then was smashed by an suv

try craigs list...i picked up my bike on there 3 months ago..www.craigslist.org
I think you gonna find the r6 to be alot more expensive..i payed 4300 for my 01 champions edition.. theres good deals all around you just have to be patient..my buddy had the f3 and it worked for him till he lowsided into a ditch..and then was smashed by an suv

That's right... I didn't even think about craigslist. Did you ever get to ride your friend's f3 or get any opinions from him?

I googled a few articles on the F3 and F4. Seems the concensus is the F3 and F4 are 'tamer' versions of the 600rr. Which is ok with me.

I've mostly decided on the F4i. Problem is I'm having trouble finding ones with the colors I want.:( (red/black)

yeah the problem buying older bikes is generally there all smashed up by now casue some one dumped it..his was orange white and black it was sharp lookin..it wasnt nearly as fast as the r6 but he was pretty bad at riding it

had one for years! sold it to a friend of mine .......... good bike!

I had an F2 and used it as a daily driver until I got my r6 then turned it into a stunt bike. The whole F series from Honda is bulletproof and can run the shit out of them. Very comfy for long trips too with the big banana seat. If your just looking for something to ride around and go from point A to point B and don't really care about looks, go with the F3 or F4/F4i, but definitely spring for the better leathers with whatever bike you go with. I might stunt from time to time, but safety is still the number one concern.

my roommate who runs a zx-10r now started on an F4.... i've been looking at those or maybe an early R6 as possible starter bikes.

I had an f2 and it was a great bike, i converted it to a stunt bike as well

I had an F3.Never any problems with it rode it street for a year or so then switched it to track only.Nice bike.

F3 is diffinitely one of the toughest bikes made. Dump, crash, wheelie, stoppie. Bike still runs fine. Why did I ever get rid of it?