SPORT BIKES..Who has em'
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 3
From: Cabot, AR
I think that all of the 600cc SuperSports are near equal. CycleWorld tested all of the new 600's in the May(I think) issue. Most were all within a couple of tenths in all tests. The CBR600RR and the Triumph TT650 were two of the most streetable bikes, and the most comfortable. The ZX-6R had the best motor and was the fastest in the straights, the R6 was a close second. The Suzuki GSX-6R turned the fastest lap times, and was second or third in every other test. I guess what it really comes down to is styling, price and personal preferance. I like the look of the under tail exhaust on the 03-05 CBR600RR and 05+ ZX-6R, but that would not stop me from buying one of the others of the price was right.
Also, you might look at the couple of year old SS bikes that have been rebadged and are now considered sport touring. They still are damn fast and have cheaper insurance. These are bikes like the Kawi ZZR (but has carbs) and CBR F4i ( I don't like the new big bannana seat, compared to the previous split seat).
Any of these bikes are way better than all but the greatest of riders. So unless your name is Rossi your bike will be better than you. If your name is Rossi, I want some pit passes. Pit girls...
Joe
Also, you might look at the couple of year old SS bikes that have been rebadged and are now considered sport touring. They still are damn fast and have cheaper insurance. These are bikes like the Kawi ZZR (but has carbs) and CBR F4i ( I don't like the new big bannana seat, compared to the previous split seat).
Any of these bikes are way better than all but the greatest of riders. So unless your name is Rossi your bike will be better than you. If your name is Rossi, I want some pit passes. Pit girls...
Joe
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
I'm 30 and have had 7 bikes total. My current bike is a 2003 R6, prior to that I had a 2002 F4i. They are both good bikes, the F4i will be cheaper, but also a bit more comfortable and less "raceresque" than the R6. I've never had a mechanical problem with any of my bikes going back to 1994.
IMO just buy what's in your price range, and whatever feels the most comfortable for your type of body and riding style.
IMO just buy what's in your price range, and whatever feels the most comfortable for your type of body and riding style.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 28,203
Likes: 2
From: cairo,ga
All of the big 4 are close to equal. Really, it gets down to dealer support. If you have a good dealer near you that is into sport bikes, go with what he sells vs. another dealer that is just into cruisers or dirt bikes. I had a great Kawasaki dealer that raced ZX-6R's, so I had a Ninja.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Sactown
First of all I think you rock for wanting a 600cc. I hate the squids out there who say "Oh, GSXR 1000 is the fastest? Okay, I'll take it" then on the way home wrap themselves around a telephone pole. UGH!
I've owned:
'91 Honda F2
'87 Yamaha YSR
'00 GSXR 740
'01 Yamaha R1
'02 Ducati 996
Of all I liked the GSXR and the Duc. The GSXR was a dream in the twisties. The suspension rocked. The Ducati also had a nice suspension but I rate it 2nd only because the dang dry clutch was a little too hard for me and would give me forearm pump after a few stops. Not to mention the heat off the pipes.
Where are you from? My husband runs a motorcycle shop in Sacramento. They sell Suzuki, Kawi, Ducati & Aprilla.
I've owned:
'91 Honda F2
'87 Yamaha YSR
'00 GSXR 740
'01 Yamaha R1
'02 Ducati 996
Of all I liked the GSXR and the Duc. The GSXR was a dream in the twisties. The suspension rocked. The Ducati also had a nice suspension but I rate it 2nd only because the dang dry clutch was a little too hard for me and would give me forearm pump after a few stops. Not to mention the heat off the pipes.
Where are you from? My husband runs a motorcycle shop in Sacramento. They sell Suzuki, Kawi, Ducati & Aprilla.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
COFX4-
God I love these bikes!!!! The cops don't appreciate the wheelies too much though. I've been stopped 5 times for standing the front end up and never issued a traffic violation or got into any other trouble .... I don't know why because that's a sure way to go straight to jail. I did get arrested one of those times but talked my way out of it and convinced the cops to issue me a city code violation and I bluntly stated that I didn't care how much the fine was as long as it didn't cost me more than my bike if you know what I mean. They said my bond would have been $500 but the fine was only $299. Its was on the 4th of July, of 2001 and that was the day I thought I lost my bike.
Man, I'd go with the 1000 series bikes since you've got the experience. As MOVEOVER stated, you're in control of the throttle but you and everybody else knows, there are those times you'll want to romp down on it or you wouldn't want this style of bike .... the 600's are a pale comparison. In my case, I thought the roads were the track! I had a '99 F4 which was the first year of the F4 model and it was fast but the 929R's that year would walk all over that thing. Plus I could pull a wheelie on the 929 in 2nd, 3rd and 4th without dumping the clutch just pure throttle ... the 600 F4 only in 1st. In 2nd you'd have to have the bike about 10K RPMS or more to have a chance unless you clutched it. Maybe someone more skilled could get it in 2nd a little easier but I don't think so. The only other trick was to change the rear sprocket to obtain that wheelie monster or seriously boost the power.
KAWASAKI - SUCKS
SUZUKI - only the Hayabusa dude!!! but more power than should be put in a street bike though I have to give credit to the GSXR750 however, they are the only ones from the 'big 4' making this class bike. I really don't understand the financial reasoning behind that one.
Honda or Yamaha - RULES!!!!
Honestly I am not trying to get you killed. Here's what I'd consider: If I want to keep the bike a few years, I'd spend $3500 more dollars for the big bike. If money is an issue then stick with the 600 but expect a little dissatisfaction unless you really are a cautious and non-daring rider then in that case, buy a cruiser. If you're kind of mid-stream, then the 600 may work well for you. It definitely is cheaper on the bank account in more ways than one.
Good luck with your decision and I hope you're pleased with whatever you get.
God I love these bikes!!!! The cops don't appreciate the wheelies too much though. I've been stopped 5 times for standing the front end up and never issued a traffic violation or got into any other trouble .... I don't know why because that's a sure way to go straight to jail. I did get arrested one of those times but talked my way out of it and convinced the cops to issue me a city code violation and I bluntly stated that I didn't care how much the fine was as long as it didn't cost me more than my bike if you know what I mean. They said my bond would have been $500 but the fine was only $299. Its was on the 4th of July, of 2001 and that was the day I thought I lost my bike.
Man, I'd go with the 1000 series bikes since you've got the experience. As MOVEOVER stated, you're in control of the throttle but you and everybody else knows, there are those times you'll want to romp down on it or you wouldn't want this style of bike .... the 600's are a pale comparison. In my case, I thought the roads were the track! I had a '99 F4 which was the first year of the F4 model and it was fast but the 929R's that year would walk all over that thing. Plus I could pull a wheelie on the 929 in 2nd, 3rd and 4th without dumping the clutch just pure throttle ... the 600 F4 only in 1st. In 2nd you'd have to have the bike about 10K RPMS or more to have a chance unless you clutched it. Maybe someone more skilled could get it in 2nd a little easier but I don't think so. The only other trick was to change the rear sprocket to obtain that wheelie monster or seriously boost the power.
KAWASAKI - SUCKS
SUZUKI - only the Hayabusa dude!!! but more power than should be put in a street bike though I have to give credit to the GSXR750 however, they are the only ones from the 'big 4' making this class bike. I really don't understand the financial reasoning behind that one.
Honda or Yamaha - RULES!!!!
Honestly I am not trying to get you killed. Here's what I'd consider: If I want to keep the bike a few years, I'd spend $3500 more dollars for the big bike. If money is an issue then stick with the 600 but expect a little dissatisfaction unless you really are a cautious and non-daring rider then in that case, buy a cruiser. If you're kind of mid-stream, then the 600 may work well for you. It definitely is cheaper on the bank account in more ways than one.
Good luck with your decision and I hope you're pleased with whatever you get.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Fontana, Ca
Originally Posted by PowerFreak
stick with the 600 but expect a little dissatisfaction unless you really are a cautious and non-daring rider then in that case,
get.
get.
The only time my friends on 1000's have an advantage over me is off the line and freeway roll on. I would much rather throw my lighter 6 around twisties than a heavier 1000.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
From: Susquehanna Valley, pa.
^^^^
Exactly, On my 600 i could pass all my buddies on their 1000 in the twisties, they would pass me on the straight aways but i think its more fun to be fast in the twisties.
I think my next bike will be a 750. Get the best of both worlds.
Exactly, On my 600 i could pass all my buddies on their 1000 in the twisties, they would pass me on the straight aways but i think its more fun to be fast in the twisties.
I think my next bike will be a 750. Get the best of both worlds.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Sactown
I have to agree with Jeff & Lees. 600's do just fine in the twisties and have more than enough power to get you from A to Z. If you're gonna drag race, then go with 1000cc. 
And I'm sorry PowerFreak, but a BUSA? Are you sh*tting me? Those are big friggen tanks. Ooooh 1300cc's big whoop! Do you want to be able to pick the bike up if you happen to tip over?
I must be way too old because wheelies and stoppies are LAME! You're supposed to enjoy a bike and the freedom of having the wind whip around your body as you flow with the turns of the road. They're not meant for "Look at me! I can lift the front tire off the ground. I'm special!"
I'm sorry, I really shouldn't bag. I was there once, thinking it was cool to do stupid stuff on bikes... but I have held too many friends as they died in my arms because of wheelies or excessive speed. I've been to too many funerals of 18-30 year olds who didn't respect the piece of machinery between their legs.
The old saying is that there are two types of riders.... those that have gone down, and those that will go down. I've been riding for 13+ years now and I'm still in the 2nd category. I've gone down on the track plenty of times, but not on the street.
Anyhoo, sorry for this rant. And I am real sorry to anyone I have offended. It's been a REAL bad day and I guess I just needed to go off. Thanks for letting me vent.
And I'm sorry PowerFreak, but a BUSA? Are you sh*tting me? Those are big friggen tanks. Ooooh 1300cc's big whoop! Do you want to be able to pick the bike up if you happen to tip over?
I must be way too old because wheelies and stoppies are LAME! You're supposed to enjoy a bike and the freedom of having the wind whip around your body as you flow with the turns of the road. They're not meant for "Look at me! I can lift the front tire off the ground. I'm special!"
I'm sorry, I really shouldn't bag. I was there once, thinking it was cool to do stupid stuff on bikes... but I have held too many friends as they died in my arms because of wheelies or excessive speed. I've been to too many funerals of 18-30 year olds who didn't respect the piece of machinery between their legs.
The old saying is that there are two types of riders.... those that have gone down, and those that will go down. I've been riding for 13+ years now and I'm still in the 2nd category. I've gone down on the track plenty of times, but not on the street.
Anyhoo, sorry for this rant. And I am real sorry to anyone I have offended. It's been a REAL bad day and I guess I just needed to go off. Thanks for letting me vent.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
600 vs 1000
RMJeff,
I once thought the same thing until I "graduated" to the 1000's. I do feel a rider should evaluate their abilities and even further of their mental control when stepping up to the 1000's and that's because of the increase in power/weight ratios. But not criticizing your skills on a 600 at all, here is my perspective and synopsis.
I am 238 lbs so I can handle the additional energy of a 1000 through a turn easier than 160-200 lb'er but when riding most any bike, I don't throw the bike around much at all to ride it. In fact, I don't know many who "throw" around any bike except XGames Freestyle. What I think a lot of bikers do is hang on through the turns! There is some reasonable expectation to lean in the twisties but the simplest lean with added throttle will carry anyone through. Handling characteristics of a bike isn't dictated by a rider but by the machine itself and there are many factors of design to influence this. If that wasn't so, then all bikes would have the same handling characteristics and manufacturers wouldn't spend so much R&D in this area. But if you're a knee scraper then you better be down far enough towards the center of the bike or you stand a great risk of eating pavement no matter the CC's. Here is where a heavy, stronger person overcomes the bike's momentum enough to reactive positively and where a lot perfer a 600. You don't lean a bike anyways by shifting body weight that much (some but not much). The bike's ability to roll with little weight shift is in the design. What it boils down to is contolling the power through the turn. The weight differences between these 2 classes used to be a huge difference but now the 600's and 1000's are separated by very little weight. Most riders of 600's aren't comfortable with the wider frame and tanks. But even that is changing to where there is very little difference in the frame sizes. The 600's are even running same tire sizes and have been for a few years now. SO that being the case, why did you guys say the 600's handle better again ???????
But to all's argument of the 600's handling in turns against the 1000's, you'll never be near me anyway because I've smoke you so bad from the line
RacerChick - The Busa's are awesome but they are huge. My hopes are to not tip one. In my world, that would be a very bad day!
And yes,the 600's are definitely more power than needed for most, but for extremists, you will be largely surprised at how underpowered they are. But those types are supermen of bikes so hey, I actually think those guys have nearly mastered the beasts. But the wheelies and stoppies, cmonnnnn .... as you said, you've been there so its not LAME ..... but it is foolishness .... unfortunately something I haven't been able to overcome.
To all, I wish you a safe ride anytime you're out. The 2 worst things are yourself losing respect of the bike and the other person on the road!
I once thought the same thing until I "graduated" to the 1000's. I do feel a rider should evaluate their abilities and even further of their mental control when stepping up to the 1000's and that's because of the increase in power/weight ratios. But not criticizing your skills on a 600 at all, here is my perspective and synopsis.
I am 238 lbs so I can handle the additional energy of a 1000 through a turn easier than 160-200 lb'er but when riding most any bike, I don't throw the bike around much at all to ride it. In fact, I don't know many who "throw" around any bike except XGames Freestyle. What I think a lot of bikers do is hang on through the turns! There is some reasonable expectation to lean in the twisties but the simplest lean with added throttle will carry anyone through. Handling characteristics of a bike isn't dictated by a rider but by the machine itself and there are many factors of design to influence this. If that wasn't so, then all bikes would have the same handling characteristics and manufacturers wouldn't spend so much R&D in this area. But if you're a knee scraper then you better be down far enough towards the center of the bike or you stand a great risk of eating pavement no matter the CC's. Here is where a heavy, stronger person overcomes the bike's momentum enough to reactive positively and where a lot perfer a 600. You don't lean a bike anyways by shifting body weight that much (some but not much). The bike's ability to roll with little weight shift is in the design. What it boils down to is contolling the power through the turn. The weight differences between these 2 classes used to be a huge difference but now the 600's and 1000's are separated by very little weight. Most riders of 600's aren't comfortable with the wider frame and tanks. But even that is changing to where there is very little difference in the frame sizes. The 600's are even running same tire sizes and have been for a few years now. SO that being the case, why did you guys say the 600's handle better again ???????
But to all's argument of the 600's handling in turns against the 1000's, you'll never be near me anyway because I've smoke you so bad from the line
RacerChick - The Busa's are awesome but they are huge. My hopes are to not tip one. In my world, that would be a very bad day!
And yes,the 600's are definitely more power than needed for most, but for extremists, you will be largely surprised at how underpowered they are. But those types are supermen of bikes so hey, I actually think those guys have nearly mastered the beasts. But the wheelies and stoppies, cmonnnnn .... as you said, you've been there so its not LAME ..... but it is foolishness .... unfortunately something I haven't been able to overcome.To all, I wish you a safe ride anytime you're out. The 2 worst things are yourself losing respect of the bike and the other person on the road!
