Questions: CBR 600 f3

I'm looking at buying this bike. The guy told me it was a 1998. I asked how many miles it had on it and for some pictures. Here's the only picture he has sent so far. Isn't this model a '95 or '96? He said it has 18,000miles on it and he said he would let it go for about $1800. If it was a 97/98 that price is pretty good if the bike looks decent, but I'm not sure if it's a 95/96. I've researched and pretty much the only difference between the two years is the 97/98 has 38mm carbs apose to 36mm, better ram air, and 5 more HP. Along with a different tail section. Is this all that's different? I was also wondering if the '98 tail section will fit on the '96?...it just looks better.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/M3FordBoy/1063_3.jpg

People can change the look of a bike so easily, its hard to tell for sure what year they might be.

I met a guy who had the exact same 1996 gixer as me only his was a 99 and had changed the fairings coz he liked the color scheme better.

If i were you, i'd just go and see the bike. if its a long drive then ask for document proof in the way of rego papers or insurance details.

if he's serious on selling, he won't mind.

don't buy a bike without seeing it or riding it!
here's some good advice
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

He doesn't have a title or what? I assume not, or you'd know what it is.

Have him take a pic of the VIN/vehicle info tag on the frame neck.....

If no title or missing tag, back slowly away...it's not worth the aggravation and trouble you can get in...

Yeah, thanks for that site...I've checked it out before.

I assume he has the title, but I haven't asked.

The bike is a long drive away so I can't really go and see it.

He said he was picking up the bike this saturday. So, I'm guessing it's in storage of something, but once he gets back to me with more pictures. I'll ask him if he has a clear title and a picture of the vin/bike info off of the frame.

PS love the car...there's a ragtop like it for sale here I've been eyeing for a while...nneds a lotta work but those are really tough looking cars...

^Hey, thanks man!...
I noticed you're in Arnold, MO...I live in O'Fallon, but down in Oklahoma city right now going to college.
That is actually my first car...I've had it for a little over 4 years.
It's kind of been a money pit and I probably would have sold it by now if it hadn't been in the family since it was new. If I ever decide to sell it I'll let you know.
Once I get a bike I'm afraid working on the car is gonna take a back seat to it.

Oh, and I talked to the guy again today about the CRB and he said he's thinking about putting new plastic on it and asking 2200 for it. I don't want to spend that much on a bike right now, but I'm also looking at this one he has. Which I think is nice looking...1991
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/M3FordBoy/1991KawasakiNinja600r.jpg
This is probalby a better choice anyways for my first bike: price, gas, and it's slower.

not much slower. Truth be told, the bikes from the mid 90's arent really all that much slower than the modern ones.

^haha cool...
I got the '91 Ninja.
I'm down at school, but my dad picked it up for me around noon.
It has got a Vance & Hines pipe.

Congrats on your purchase!!!

Good luck with your bleeding eardrums. :p My last bike had a V&H on it, and people could hear me coming from about a mile away... doesn't mean the cagers paid any attention, but it was LOUD!

I should be fina haha...My Galaxie has long tube headers and dynomax bullets side exit tails.

not much slower. Truth be told, the bikes from the mid 90's arent really all that much slower than the modern ones.

Awhile ago I had a 1991 CBR 600 F2 and was keeping up with my buddies CBR 600 RR all day. It's all about rider skills and application of power. In a straight line however and all things are equal, like steel said, pretty much even. Modern sportbikes are quicker but not that much quicker, I'm actually thinking about getting an old F3 or F2 to thrash around with on the weekends after I get done with Cuba.