Honda CBR600F4i

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda CBR600F4i


aka =
manufacturer = Honda
production = 2001 - 2006
predecessor = CBR600F4
successor = CBR600RR
parent_company =
class = super sport
platform =
engine = 599.00 cm³ straight-4
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 42.5 mm (2.6 x 1.7 inches)
Power = 81 kW @ 12,500 rpm
Torque = 63 Nm @ 10,000 rpm
transmission = 6-speed, chain drive

electric starter
rake = 24.0°
trail = 96.0 mm
wheelbase = 1,390 mm
length =
width =
seat_height = 805 mm
dry_weight = 167.8 kg (370.0 pounds)
wet_weight =
fuel_economy = 40-50 mpg
fuel_capacity = 18.16 L (4.80 gallons)
related = Honda CBR600RR
similar = Kawasaki ZZR600
Yamaha YZF600R
Suzuki GSX-R600

The Honda CBR600F4i was a sport bike produced by Honda between 2001 and 2006.

History

For the 2001 model year Honda released an upgraded version of the popular CBR600F4 with intentions of becoming more competitive in the middleweight sport bike class. The 370 pound F4i is not a totally new bike, rather a modified F4 with numerous engine, chassis and bodywork changes.

The single largest change, other than styling, is the addition of high-pressure (50 psi) programmed fuel injection - thus the model designation "F4i". Fuel injection allows for more precise fuel metering and delivery over a wider rpm range, while providing better throttle response and decreasing the ever important emission levels. The injectors that make up the i in F4i reside one per cylinder and work with 38 mm throttle bodies. The injectors have four nozzles each. The injectors add up to five horsepower increase over the previous version. The new horsepower is contained within a chassis that sports a five millimeter shorter wheelbase with a 5.9-percent increase in overall rigidity.

Weight has also been reduced quite a bit due to the shaving of a few hundred grams off of key components. The rear wheel lost 400 grams, the cush drive lost a whopping 600 grams, and the front wheel lost 300 grams. The wheel bearings were moved outward, closer to the fork tubes and the rotor carriers were moved out closer to the brake calipers - all to reduce weight and to improve rigidity of the pieces. Each caliper carrier also lost 100 grams a piece. There's additional bracing on the steering head for more response, better feedback and feel from the front end. The suspension has also been tweaked with less high-speed damping and a bit more low-speed damping.

Additional engine changes include a lighter cam shaft sprocket and increased valve spring pressure (two springs per intake valve) which allow for higher revving. There are new piston rings that slide with less friction and increased internal engine oil flow. Redline is now 14,200 rpm, 700 rpm higher than the previous year's F4. To increase the bike's pulling capabilities at high speeds, 5th and 6th gears have been shortened slightly and the rear sprocket was enlarged from 45 teeth to 46. To make sure that the top speed remains the same as last year, the rev limit was increased by 700 rpm. These extra rpm come from a few internal changes that also allow the motor to rev quicker than before. To keep things cool at the accelerated rev ceiling, the oiling holes in the camshafts have been enlarged by 0.5 mm (to 2.5 mm) and piston ring friction have been decreased as well. Spring pressures on the intake and exhaust valves have been increased to avoid dreaded valve float. Also, there are now two valve springs (inner and outer) on the intake side instead of the single item that resides on the exhaust side. The camshaft sprocket is lighter this year, as well, to keep things spinning freely.

In 2003, Honda introduced the CBR600RR, a higher-performance race-ready middleweight to succeed the F4i. The F4i remained available for three more years until its demise after the 2006 model year. In 2006 the Honda CBR600F4i retailed for USD|8,499. No major updates were made in these final years except for color scheme changes.

tyling

Honda also included some styling changes due to criticisms of the styling of the F4 being too bland. The 2001 F4i features a new subframe which raises the seat by five milimeters and an improved two-tier seat allows for more storage room in the rear compartment. The new tail unit has a little less padding and a bit of a higher perch for the passenger. The F4i’s taillight is also smaller with a new dual-bulb configuration. The F4i features a new dash layout with a large analog tachometer. The all new LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, clock, engine temperature read-out, amber shift indicator, and trip meters. The clock stays on even when the ignition is switched off which is a handy feature.

The F4i's new bodywork carries a more racy look and slips through the air with a 3% reduction in drag. It also houses a new dual headlight front crowl design which uses 40% brighter H7 bulbs compared to the old H4 bulbs. The headlights are new dual multi-reflector units covered by a one-piece flexiglass lens. The turn stalks are shorter and the mirrors are now positioned higher and closer to the rider. The elimination of carburetors allowed for a slightly larger air box and a larger fuel tank (4.8 us gallons / incl. 0.9 reserve) complete with a delayed fuel level sensor to fight against false readings when the bike is leaned over. When there are 3.5 litres left in the fuel tank, one bar shows on the left side of the LCD which then progresses through to 4 bars as the fuel level gets lower before starting to flash.

In 2004 Honda replaced the black frame with one in silver and a banana seat to differentiate the F4i from the 600RR. A one piece seat was also added due to complaints of comfort.

References

*cite web|author=Dirck Edge|publisher=Motorcycle Daily.com|url=http://www.motorcycledaily.com/05april01honda2001cbr600f4ireview.html|title=CBR600F4i review|date=April, 2001|accessdate=2006-06-06
*cite web|publisher=MCNEWS.COM.AU|url=http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/CBR600F4i/Page1.htm|title=Honda CBR 600 F4i|accessdate=2006-06-06
*cite web|publisher=Bikez.com|url=http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cbr_600_f4i_2006.php|title=Honda CBR 600 F4i|accessdate=2007-08-26

External links

* [http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/model.asp?ModelName=CBR600F4i&ModelYear=2006&ModelId=CBR600F46 Honda CBR600F4i] official Honda site
* [http://www.hondanews.com/CatID7129 CBR600F4i Media Newsroom] official media from Hondanews.com
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Honda/HONDA-CBR600F-2000--current/?&R=EPI-344 Honda CBR600F Review] Honda CBR motorcycle road test