ok, i am getting a new bike in about a month or two, and i have noticed a lot of press about the new 03 R6... How do you guys think it will compare to say, a GSXR 600 or 750? how much less of a bike performance wise is an R1 over a R6? should i just go for the R1 instead? decisions, decisions.........as for you R6 owners, what do you think of it?

 

I would stay wiht a 600. Insurance is cheaper. You won't be able to take that 600 to its limits on the streets, much less a 1k bike. Now if you have a few years experience riding a bike maybe R1 would be ok.

 

The R6 is extremely flickable, and it is an awesome bike. The new R6, although not availible yet, will undoubtably be even better than the first.

When you compare the other bikes, there are very little differences between them when they are the same engine size. You will only notice differences from 600 to 750 to 1000+.

The R6 is kinda like an S2000. It is fast, but really strung out. You have to rev the **** out of it when you want to fly. If you like torque, then you may want to look at 750's or larger. Bikes like the R1, are more like the Lightning. A little bit faster, but a tremendous difference in torque.

I too agree that you will never be able to really flex the bike on the street (at least not safely or legally). Just get what you like, cause you are somewhat limited on public roads.

 

I currently have a 2000 R6 and I love it. It's fast, light and as stated above very flickable. I must admit I have had thoughts of a new R1. My interest lies in the 03 R6 though. Fuel injection alone is enough to get me to switch. I also love the black powdercoated frame and new wheels. Tough to go wrong with any of the new bikes these days. Go check them out at the dealership and see what you like.
Jeff

 

Ha ha S2000

If you want more torque on the 600 just change your gearing in the rear, you can come down a tooth or 2 and you will see the difference.

 

Mmmmm... R1's are hot looking... i'd buy it just for the looks!

-Mike

 

'03 is a good year for 600s. I was going to get the new Honda CBR600RR until I bought my Lightning. The underseat exhaust sold me. The R6 was second on the list and I really don't care for the ZX6RR. The Suzuki will stay the same for '03.

 

I prefer bikes (and cars) with lots of torque, so I usually go for the bigger motors. I don't always feel like revving my motors to the stratosphere, and I like having a broad torque curve. If you really want the best handling possible, and will be doing track time, a 600cc is a good idea. But if you want a good, athletic, well-rounded bike for all-purpose daily use, a 1000cc bike might be better. But any of today's sportbikes are awesome, an you won't go wrong with any of them.

My $0.02

 

my .02 goes like this. not flaming or trying to judge but from your initial post it sounds like you may have some experience on bikes but not on rockets. if that is the case, stay away from the r1 or the gsxr750. there are many people who will tell you otherwise, but the fact is those bikes kill and hurt a lot of people. ask your dealer how many have been crashed within the first week of ownership.
the r6 if you have some previous experience is a great bike. as far as low torque, i guess that's a relative question. it's got enough cahoonas to toss you right off the back end if your not paying attention.
the real difference between the bikes is about 15 mph top end, and yes how fast they will get there.
if you get good at riding an r6 there aren't many people out there on r1's who will out run you.
my stepbrother got an r1 and i have a triumph sprint, other then flat straights, he hasn't got me yet.
get something you can enjoy riding and then learn how to drive it properly, (fast and twisty) then if you feel like moving up later you can. i think if you do some checking many people with years of experience riding, don't ride the "fastest thing on the road" and yet when you see them in the corners it's as they fly by.
finally if you have no experience with bikes, stay away from rockets, get a ninja 250 or 500 or a katana to learn on first.


anyone can ride fast in a straight line, knowing the bike means being able to drive around corners and utilize it's talents without over riding your's