I was thinking about getting a bike at the end of summer, no $$ yet. I dont care which one, of the four I was looking at, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSXR, Honda CBR f4i. But I was wondering if any of you have expierence with these and how the ride compares, like how comfortable they are after a few hours of riding. This is my first bike, I dont want anything more than a 600cc bike cuz of all the power they have, i wiegh 200, only 5'10. I was also wondering about insurance cost on one? How much do you pay a month or whatever? Thanks

 

I know lots. THEY SUCK! Get a Harley V rod. Difference between a boy and a man

 

For your height and weight I would suggest the Kawi ZX6R for comfort and power. The Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawi all have about the same power but the Kawi has more low end torque to get your weight (I'm not picking on you I would love to be down to 200lbs ) moving with the least amount of drama (RPM). The Honda is a quality piece and I am a Honda fan from way back but it just can't hang with the other three as far as power goes. Furthermore I would pick up a used ZX6R (very plentiful) as they seem to depreciate much slower than the new ones and many can be found hiding in the back of garages with few miles on them.

Good Luck, ride safe.

John Kerr

01 L White 13.01 @ 105.58 w/ 1.90 60ft
01 Suzuki Hayabusa 10.42 @ 139.21 w/ 2.01 60ft

 

V-rod pay 27000 for a bike that has been marked up 10000 why do that....some thing that is just going to leak on the drive way....

 

I think starting out on a 600 cc bike is a good idea. Have you had any dirt bike experience? Whether you do or not, it's probably a good idea to take a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Basic rider's course, which will get you acquainted with street bikes. They will also go over all the safety issues and it can help lower your insurance premiums. My first bike was a 750 Katana, and it seemed pretty powerful back then. Compared to today's 600 cc rockets, the ol' Kat is a tank! Some out there will recommend that you start out on a Suzuki SV650, which I think is good for those who want to get into cruisers.

I've ridden a ZX6R, and it felt 'comfortable' (I guess it's all relative) compared to my R1. The engine has to rev higher (being that it's smaller), and it's not as strong as a big bore, but the power is still plenty! You can get into lots of trouble on a 600 cc though, if you're not watching the throttle. Ryan Schnitz (factory rider for Kaw) can get high 9 second quarter mile times on a stock ZX6R!

If you take the MSF course, you will ride on little 125 cc standard bikes. The day you try out a 'big' bike, trust me, your heart will be going Mach 1! When I got the ZX-12, I had to sit on it for a few minutes, and do some 'meditation' before actually riding away on it. Just the thought of sitting on a near 200 hp, 200 mph land-based missile was terrifying! And to top it off, the throttle at low speeds was really lurchy and sensitive. But now, it's just like driving any other vehicle (although it makes everything else I drive feel really slow...L included).

My insurance premiums are reasonable, since I'm 29 and haven't had speeding tix for about 8 yrs (knock on wood). For the ZX12 and R1, my yearly rate (each) is $350, for liability and comprehensive. I've seen much better rates, but there are so many variables to consider. If you buy used without financing, you can probably get away with liability only ($150/ year).

Whatever you get, be careful, have fun, and hold on!

 

I had a 01 Honda CBR 600 F4I. Overall it was the most comfortable and fun riding 600. I say this because my buddies and myself had all of the 600's for 01. I rode them all and loved the Honda the best. The GSXR and R6 are alittle SOP feel faster but I went 10.91 @ 126 with a slip on and NOTHING else. I weight around 220 as well. My little 140 friends went mid 10's on it all the time.

The biggest thing I will say is please dont loose respect for the bike. The 600's are the smallest yes, but they have to most R&D time of any on the bikes. They are highly tuned and very powerful. I lost respect at the begining of Dec 01 and started playing to much. Dec 16th I wrecked at 100+ mph. I am lucky to be here so thats why I pass my info on. I dont know if I will ride again or not. To this day I am still recovering, just RESPECT whatever you buy!!!

Happy Riding.....

 

I'd go for the CBR600 Its comfortable to ride and easy to handle....

 

I was also looking into a bike, I have been riding dirtbikes since I can remember(im 17 now). I am torn between staying with the 600cc class or just getting a GSXR 750 and growing into it . My friends have R6's and I have ridden those. Would I be alright on a 750 because I have ridden dirtbikes so long? Also because I am only 17 does anyone know if my parents have to sign for the bike also or can I do it myself? Thanks, Mike

 

This is your first bike? A brand new 11 second 100hp 600cc sportbike? Well, I could preach, but I won't. Here are my suggestions:

Buy whichever bike works for you. They are all amazingly similar in the very competitive category, and all have more power than you can handle on the street. I'm partial to Hondas and Guzzis. One you've selected your favorite, get the following:

1. MSF course training!

2. A good, comfortable helmet, leather/ballistic nylon jacket and gloves.

3. Health insurance

4. AMA membership

5. A good level-headed friend who has been riding at least 5 years or who learned on dirt bikes.

Enjoy!

 

Be educated about what you buy!
1. Find what you're lopking for in the paper and go try to ride it-first hand feeling goes a long way.
2. Don't limit yourself to just one brand/type(soprt, race replica, soprt tourer).
3. If you're planning on riding for more than an hour be wary of getting a sport/race replica-most people get numb hands and sore backs very quickly(15-30 minutes) on these.
4. If you have previous dirt experience I'd look at a larger bike for your size. A 600 will bounce more on the fwy, will not be as stable in the wind, will work very hard if you add a rear rider more than 100lbs, and in general has to rev higher overall than a larger cc bike therefore longevity comes into play. Also, in a short time you will probably be wanting more power, so start out with a better base that has more room for growth.
Just for the record, I have had quite a few sport bikes (some less comfortable than others but none TRUELY comfortable) and the one that I liked the best was a ZX11 with some engine/suspension/brake mods-it walked away from Vipers on a regular basis and I could ride it for 4+ hours at a sit.

 

I think the Honda will be the best bet for extended rides. All four of those bikes are great, but I'd go for the CBR.

 

xtream1,

I've never been lucky enough to race a Viper on the road...but if that time ever happens, will my stock ZX12 be able to defend it's honor? (excluding any driving mistakes on my part). I've heard that the new Gen 3 Viper will have 500 hp/500 tq, but it's only 40 more hp than what they have now, so I'm not expecting much of a jump in performance...

 

About a dozen years ago I used to <gulp!> ride a Honda PC800 Pacific Coast. There, I said it! Anyway, it was considered one of the slower motorcycles at the time. It had a Honda Shadow-derived 800cc twin in a huge heavy plastic shell. One day some yuppie twit in a new 'vette pulled up next to me at a light and begin chomping at the bit. When the light changed I got on it hard. At 80mph I was about 1 car length ahead of him. LMAO!

When I had a CBR1100XX I used to play with anything on the road that wanted a piece of me. I RULED! Even though the newest 'busa and zx12 are quicker, the Dos Equis was one he)) of a quick bike in '98. Nothing squashed the eqo of a ZR-1 or Viper owner better than doing a 40mph roll-on by pulling a wheelie and riding it off into the horizon while he was left frantically shifting in your dust. 150mph comes up MUCH too quickly!

Bikes are so much quicker than cars it's funny. Cars take 10x as much money to create the same performance.

 

I have a 92 ZX-11 am 5'11.. it is a sports cruiser and is comfy with a great ride and only 8k miles.. its on the block to be sold.. black and purple.. its fast and the engine is like a turbine.. the power starts low and goes all the way to the redline.. drop me a note if your interested.. cheaper than a new 600 and more comfy for a person with your build..
dboat

 

ZX12,
Without a doubt you'll stomp em! You-~150hp and 600#=1/4 approx. Them 500hp and 3500# at least=1/7
If you got the traction(which most bikes do) it's all about the power to weight!
A friend of mines dragster(PRO Comp) is doing great to get 1/5.