Recommendation for 600cc sports bike

[kx250]

Hi everyone just wanted to get your input on 600cc bike choices, heres the low down
im getting my full license as soon as i finish my defensive course which will be 2weeks fron now. I have a budget of $7800. I have not been riding for about 10months used to have a cbr250rr which was a really great bike to learn on, i was thinking of getting another mc22 cbr but cant justify spending 4k on a 20yearold bike when i can spend more money now and get a pretty good sports bike. At the moment im really kean on eighter a 05/06 zxr636 or 07/08 zx6r depending on whats on the market. i also like the r6 and cbr600rr but both these bikes are abit out of my price range, the other option is a gsxr600 but for some reason i quite prefer the look of the zx6r. What iam wanting to know from you guys is pretty much what is the main pro's and con's of these bikes and have you had any problems with any of these models.

excuse spelling mistakes kinda new to posting a thread

Cheers ed.

[sil3nt]

They are all good buy the one you like the most.

/thread.


Get a 636

[GSW]

Love my CBR600rr

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-485995843.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484857182.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-474039504.htm (will trade for 250)

[numbersixteen16]

ZX6r's tend to always place high in any shootout, however, it is if you like the bike that counts

[kx250]

Thanks for the links of cbr but iam after 1 that is in quite mint condition as iam quite picky, guess ill just have to keep an eye out on trademe.

[Maha]

05' 636...http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-480022167.htm

Oh, and an 04' Daytona.......http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484088703.htm

[Gremlin]

They are all good buy the one you like the most.

/thread.
What he said. Have a sit on them, take them for a test ride, buy the one you like and you're comfortable on.

[p.dath]

My old yellow 2000 CBR600F4 is for sale at Cyclespot for about $5k ...

[kx250]

the blue 636 seems like quite a good buy the only problem i have is i cant view the bike and i dnt feel comfortable with making a purchase without my own test ride and inspection and would be nice to meet the owner also. I really like the look of the daytona but would like to wait till i can afford a later model 1.

im looking from around 05 upwards

also i feel kinda bad going and test rideing alot of peoples bike if im not intending on purchasing it, but your right its got to be done or i could end up with a bike i dont like.

[Ragingrob]

the blue 636 seems like quite a good buy the only problem i have is i cant view the bike and i dnt feel comfortable with making a purchase without my own test ride and inspection and would be nice to meet the owner also. I really like the look of the daytona but would like to wait till i can afford a later model 1.

im looking from around 05 upwards

also i feel kinda bad going and test rideing alot of peoples bike if im not intending on purchasing it, but your right its got to be done or i could end up with a bike i dont like.

Simple, go to bike shop, test ride your selection of bikes, buy your pick from trademe.

[tigertim20]

the ninjas of that era are quite nice - but really, the differences between then tend to often be fairly minor - try to get ass on seat time on a few of them - its the little things that will be a make or break for you like overall riding position etc.

[SMOKEU]

600cc bikes are for n00bs. Even the guy with 1 arm does epic wheelies on a GSXR1000.

Everyone knows the perfect bike for someone stepping off a 250 is a Hayabusa.

[kx250]

600cc bikes are for n00bs. Even the guy with 1 arm does epic wheelies on a GSXR1000.

Everyone knows the perfect bike for someone stepping off a 250 is a Hayabusa.

im happy being a noob on a 600 ill leave the bigger bikes for you mate since your the man!

Yea sounds good will go into bike shops this weekend and have a good look and sit on afew but they wont let me test ride till i have my full anyways which wont be for acouple of weeks, by the way is the full license test hard?

[SMOKEU]

im happy being a noob on a 600 ill leave the bigger bikes for you mate since your the man!

Yea sounds good will go into bike shops this weekend and have a good look and sit on afew but they wont let me test ride till i have my full anyways which wont be for acouple of weeks, by the way is the full license test hard?

I ride a 600cc bike as well so it's all good. It's got all the (top end) power I need, and then some. The 6F test wasn't that hard, I guess the most difficult thing about it was having to do it in heavy rain. As long as you keep your speed to the limit where appropriate and follow all the road rules you should be fine. Be sure to exaggerate all your head movements so the testing officer can see that you are looking for hazards when you pass side streets and intersections. Other than that, it was very simple, and that was before the new regulations came in which makes it even easier for you than it was for me.

[kx250]

all good man that shouls be pretty easy then if i cant pass that then maybe i shud think twice about getting a 600 haha

[SMOKEU]

all good man that shouls be pretty easy then if i cant pass that then maybe i shud think twice about getting a 600 haha

If you can ride "competently", and smoothly, and if you can follow the road rules then you should have no difficulty in passing the test. Apparently the new full test is the same as the old restricted one. Mine was mostly around town, with a little bit of riding in the 70kmh and 80kmh zones. I had to do 2 U turns (pretty fucking tough on a sports bike on a narrow road) and just "normal" every day riding.

Make sure you come to a COMPLETE stop at any stop signs. Put BOTH feet down and make sure you stay stopped for at least 3 seconds, otherwise you'll fail instantly.

[tnarg]

You could go look at this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-402855185.htm

Try getting them to lower the price a bit.

Full test was easy. Good luck.

[kx250]

what do you guys think of this bike http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484927686.htm
sorry i dont know how to create a link. also how much is registration for a 600cc?

[Oblivion]

If you can ride "competently", and smoothly, and if you can follow the road rules then you should have no difficulty in passing the test. Apparently the new full test is the same as the old restricted one. Mine was mostly around town, with a little bit of riding in the 70kmh and 80kmh zones. I had to do 2 U turns (pretty fucking tough on a sports bike on a narrow road) and just "normal" every day riding.

Make sure you come to a COMPLETE stop at any stop signs. Put BOTH feet down and make sure you stay stopped for at least 3 seconds, otherwise you'll fail instantly.

I said to the testing officer when I went for my test if I could put one foot down, as that was what I was used to. He said that it was fine as long as he was sure that I was stopped. I kept the rear brake covered whenever I was at a stop, and I passed easily. If you let them know before the start of the test then I'm sure they'll let you put one foot down if you're comfortable doing it.

[G4L4XY]

I'm loving some of those links guys, im in the same boat except I don't have any money but I want a 600cc, those hondas really get me going ;)
Not so keen on the kwakas just not into the look of them so your safe :P

I only put one foot down on my full and I didn't even tell him but I made sure I stopped at each stop sign. My rear light wasn't going during the initial inspection but he just let me go! The cable thing falls off the lil hook thing it should be ok, simply put it back and it works fine but he let me go so was ok.

[Usarka]

Get the one that gives you wood.

Simple as that.

[SMOKEU]

I forgot to mention the bit about the bike being legal. Make sure that ALL lights, indicators, horn etc are up to WOF standard as I've always had those things checked before the test on cars and bikes. Simply having a WOF does NOT mean that the vehicle is legal, even if the WOF is 30 minutes old.

[Ender EnZed]

Step 1: Get full licence

Step 2: Go to a dealer and ride eveything within your budget that doesn't make you physically cringe when you look at it.

Step 3: Buy the bike (from anywhere) that you want to buy.

[G4L4XY]

Get the one that gives you wood.

Simple as that.

Oh I shall!! I love how the exhaust goes up under the seat. The R1 has the same on newer models but has the double exhaust which is sexy but has stupid shielding around it so it makes it look fat and ugly. Exhaust under the exhaust however means the tailtidy is almost nonexistent :(

[jellywrestler]

by the way is the full license test hard? Not at all, the full license test is designed to let you pass it if you're ready for a big bike, if it stumps you stick to a small bike you only get one life

[SMOKEU]

Not at all, the full license test is designed to let you pass it if you're ready for a big bike, if it stumps you stick to a small bike you only get one life

I passed the test first time round and I can't even handle a scooter properly.

[kx250]

I passed the test first time round and I can't even handle a scooter properly.

ahaha yep definately first step get my full license, ive pass all my other licenses on first go with no issue so shouldnt be a problem plus im doing a defensive course at the moment so its like a refresher on the rode rules.

[SMOKEU]

ahaha yep definately first step get my full license, ive pass all my other licenses on first go with no issue so shouldnt be a problem plus im doing a defensive course at the moment so its like a refresher on the rode rules.

Get some track time in as well. A day on a race track is money very well spent to improve your skills.

[driftn]

All very good bike's in their own way. Pick the one you feel the best on, Kwaka is nice and roomy, Gixxer nice and sporty, Honda????????????????????????????????????..... Great build quality (under powered), Yammie great on a race track. all comes down to what you want it for and how good you feel on it. Get your full and spend a day test riding them from the shops. Thats my 2 cents worth.

[slofox]

My K8 GSX-R600 might be for sale sooner or later. I'd take $7800 for it. Been lovingly cared for, all services done by Boyds right throughout it's life. Never crashed or dropped (for once!), only one track day in my time (and that was pretty tame...). 46,000km. Heated grips, distribution block to power those and other accessories, Stebel Magnum horn to scare other road users with (specially cyclists :devil2:).

Ring Boyd's workshop for a reference regarding servicing.

[CHOPPA]

That ZX6 looks like bloody good buying. The zx6 would be my pick

[Gone Burger]

Nice to see some decent advice coming through for a change. And nice work deciding on a 600 instead of jumping straight to a thou. Sounds like you have the right mindset about the upgrade. As others have said here, test ride a few different types on 600's and you will see there is a difference with comfort between them. Even if only slight. I went shopping for a 600 and rode the GSXR, CBR and R6. All great bikes and there were things I liked and didn't like about each of them. For me it came down to the most comfortable riding position for my body size. The R6 won on comfort but failed on height. That was the con to it. Too tall. The CBR seemed to easy to ride and I was concered I may get a little too complaicent on it, needed a challenge to keep me alert. The GSXR was a great ride but I didn't like how it reved compared to the R6. So ride your top picks and you will learn what you do like about them, and what doesn't feel right.

Good luck for your test mate, it's a wicked step to get through. Then the fun really begins :)

[DR650gary]

what do you guys think of this bike http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-484927686.htm
sorry i dont know how to create a link. also how much is registration for a 600cc?

That looks a good'n. We have had 2 in the family and they are a great bike, commutn, cruisin, racin and they do really well at track days if you are so inclined. The seller says he is open to offers so you may have some pennies over. Certainly worth a close look.

Cheers

[ducatilover]

Get the one that gives you wood.

Simple as that.
This.
You really can't go wrong with newer 600cc bikes.

[kx250]

Get some track time in as well. A day on a race track is money very well spent to improve your skills.

ive really though about going to a track day just sounds really intiminating, pretty much dont want to look like a fool infront of everyone haha ill keep an eye out for one of those track days with an intructor or something. Sounds like great fun tho giving your bike hell and knowing your not going to get into trouble by the cops and would be fairly safe.

Got a question bout some gear actually, at the moment my gear is average but not great so i was hoping if i had some coin left over maybe upgrading my riding gear. would you say get a good jacket then gloves and pants then boots? i think my garnae boots will actually do the job for awhile so wont have to worry bout boot for awhile.

[SMOKEU]

ive really though about going to a track day just sounds really intiminating, pretty much dont want to look like a fool infront of everyone haha ill keep an eye out for one of those track days with an intructor or something. Sounds like great fun tho giving your bike hell and knowing your not going to get into trouble by the cops and would be fairly safe.

Got a question bout some gear actually, at the moment my gear is average but not great so i was hoping if i had some coin left over maybe upgrading my riding gear. would you say get a good jacket then gloves and pants then boots? i think my garnae boots will actually do the job for awhile so wont have to worry bout boot for awhile.

There are plenty of n00bs at track days so no one will really mind as long as you stay out of everyone's way. As for the gear, leather is better (if you can afford it!). It really depends what your budget is. There is some good second hand gear on Trademe for reasonable prices if you're short on cash.

As long as you have a good helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots you should be fine.

[Berries]

sorry i dont know how to create a link. also how much is registration for a 600cc?
You're taking the piss right?

If your next question is what colour boots are best I'd say blue.

[Ender EnZed]

You're taking the piss right?

If your next question is what colour boots are best I'd say blue.

He'll be fine as long as they match his power band.

[Maha]

Time to Poll this thread....

[kx250]

You're taking the piss right?

If your next question is what colour boots are best I'd say blue.

no my next question is, are you a tosser answer yes

whats wrong with asking how much its gona cost to pay for registration on a bigger bike? is it not true that the higher the cc rating on a bike the more you pay? ive only owned a 250 so i wouldnt know

[SMOKEU]

no my next question is, are you a tosser answer yes

whats wrong with asking how much its gona cost to pay for registration on a bigger bike? is it not true that the higher the cc rating on a bike the more you pay? ive only owned a 250 so i wouldnt know

Buy a bike that's already registered, then you'll never have to pay for registration unless it becomes deregistered.

[kx250]

Buy a bike that's already registered, then you'll never have to pay for registration unless it becomes deregistered.

yea thats the plan its just that most bikes ive seen on trademe seems to have the rego on hold or its just bout to run out and i assumed its because of the high price so most people would only pay for rego 3months worth at a time say rather then a year. But never mind ill cross that bridge when i get there. cheers

[ducatilover]

A 600cc and under bike costs the same to register/licence as your 250 did.
The ZX636 however will cost more.
Seriously dude, you can't go wrong with the newer 600s, they all ride/handle better than 98% of people can manage, so go ride some and get the one that makes your dick leak most.

[Bassmatt]

Buy a bike that's already registered, then you'll never have to pay for registration unless it becomes deregistered.


yea thats the plan its just that most bikes ive seen on trademe seems to have the rego on hold or its just bout to run out and i assumed its because of the high price so most people would only pay for rego 3months worth at a time say rather then a year. But never mind ill cross that bridge when i get there. cheers

Smokeu is quite anal about using the correct terminology around vehicle licensing and registration. When he uses the term registration he aint referring to vehicle licensing. :tugger:

[SMOKEU]

Smokeu is quite anal about using the correct terminology around vehicle licensing and registration. When he uses the term registration he aint referring to vehicle licensing. :tugger:

Check with NZTA if you don't believe me.

[\m/]

If you can afford to spend a bit more, you should seriously consider a GSXR750. Everything thats good about the GSXR600 but with more power. I've had my K9 for 2 months now and love it.

[G4L4XY]

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/fees.html

[quickbuck]

I had to do 2 U turns (pretty fucking tough on a sports bike on a narrow road)

Is anybody esle concerned by this????

[ducatilover]

Is anybody esle concerned by this????

Not if you've seen the turning circle on mine :facepalm: I did a U-turn in Eketahuna yesterday, ended up in Auckland, on the wrong side of the road, speeding.

[Bassmatt]

Check with NZTA if you don't believe me.

I know you are technically correct, but when absolutely everybody else (including NZTA staff, police) refers to vehicle licensing as rego...:confused:

[kx250]

any one in christchurch in hornby area able to check out a bike for me??

[mattsdakar]

any one in christchurch in hornby area able to check out a bike for me??

Yes and yes, call me on 021551969
Next 3days suit

[FrozenTree]

From what I know you can't go wrong with any of the four major Japanese brands in terms of quality and performance.

Basically it comes down to your preference on looks, comfort, price and whether you have any particular brand you like or don't like.

What is interesting however is the torque figures tend to vary slightly. e.g. R6 don't move unless you're revving like daylights.

Assuming you're not a clone of Rossi you won't tell the difference in handling / power / braking between them.

Kawa 636 will pay more in rego costs because they are over 599cc.

Welcome to 600s you will enjoy it ! Ride safe.

[kx250]

From what I know you can't go wrong with any of the four major Japanese brands in terms of quality and performance.

Basically it comes down to your preference on looks, comfort, price and whether you have any particular brand you like or don't like.

What is interesting however is the torque figures tend to vary slightly. e.g. R6 don't move unless you're revving like daylights.

Assuming you're not a clone of Rossi you won't tell the difference in handling / power / braking between them.

Kawa 636 will pay more in rego costs because they are over 599cc.

Welcome to 600s you will enjoy it ! Ride safe.

yea so far iam leaning toward the 636 basically just cause i like the look of them and i went and sat on one felt pretty good too, ive got matt to check out a bike for me today (that guy up there ^^) such a nice guy. see what you guys think heres the link

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=486639635

i think this bike will be better for around town and weekend riding as i dont wana be ringing its neck every 2mins and iam not too fussed with rego cost, i had a look at a 2008 cbr600rr the other nite but the guy wanted 9k firm with no wof and reg plus it has fairing damage.
most of the r6 that i like are 9k-10k mark so its abit out of my price rang. I dont think i would want a gsxr as i see alot of people on the road ride them (this could be a good sign that they are great bikes) but would like to be abit different.

The only 636 i could find in auckland was at a dealers which i went and looked at but couldnt take it for a ride as i havnt got my full yet, bloody aa waiting for them to contact me so i can do my practical for my defensive. Once thats done i can sit my full. Is there any reason why they are so few of these bikes?

[ducatilover]

That is a very good example at a decent price!
The difference in the real world between a 636 and any other 600cc bike (exception of the '06 onwards R6) is not really worth thinking about. The extra torque isn't exactly much. Butm it'd still be one of my top picks because they're sexy and ride well.

[SMOKEU]

any one in christchurch in hornby area able to check out a bike for me??

I'm available to take a bike out for a thrash as well.

[kx250]

Hey though id share with everyone that i have just bought my self a new bike, 2005 kawasaki zx6r , just herd back from matt who checked out the bike for me and he did an awesome job. Just got off the phone with seller and its a done deal bike will be arriving next tues day cant wait. I feel like a little kid around xmas time!!

Next step is to get full license and upgrade gear.

thanks guys for all your input and great advise, i hope acc will still subsidise rider training by the time i get my bike would like to do some 1on1 training.

[mattsdakar]

Hey though id share with everyone that i have just bought my self a new bike, 2005 kawasaki zx6r , just herd back from matt who checked out the bike for me and he did an awesome job. Just got off the phone with seller and its a done deal bike will be arriving next tues day cant wait. I feel like a little kid around xmas time!!

Next step is to get full license and upgrade gear.

thanks guys for all your input and great advise, i hope acc will still subsidise rider training by the time i get my bike would like to do some 1on1 training.


Happy to help Ed, very nice bike, so smooth and great brakes
Hope u enjoy
Ride safe
Matt

[Autech]

Happy to help Ed, very nice bike, so smooth and great brakes
Hope u enjoy
Ride safe
Matt

What a GC checking the mans bike out for him. If you ever see me out on the road, stop me so I can buy you a beer.
Glad you went with the Kwaka, as its gets you the most moist... Like all these other guys said, the differences between them is fuck all, the Kwaka I've been told is more peaky than the others and needs more revving, yet I've heard this also of the R6.
The GSXR is the only big bike I rode prior to buying, I got it for a grand less than it's worth (mates rates) and with the confidence that comes from knowing the previous owner is OCD :yes:

[Fast Eddie]

If you ever see me out on the road, stop me so I can buy you a beer.


will do, mate.

[SMOKEU]

Keep it shiny side up and rubber side down.

[kx250]

got the bike today!!! The transport truck came by around 5pm , i used nz motorcycle movers ( highly recommended if you need a bike delivered door to door service and great price ).

Out rolls my new full black zx6r and she looks amazing!! Iam so happy with my purchase its more then what i could ever hoped for.

Been out riding all afternoon to try and get used to the bike, man i need alot of practice as its been almost a year since i last rode a bike and that was a 250. This thing is a weapon!! its kinda scary how fast this bike is but im just taking it easy getting used to how the bike reacts.

Since the bike cost about 1k under my budget i spent the left over money on a leather jacket and pants. Next thing to do is get some 1on1 training and try to ride with some experienced riders.

thanks everyone for all your advice and hope to see you all out there!!

[darkwolf]

Hey mate, just bought a 2003 ZX-6R last night. The difference is phenominal - great choice. I can't get over how placid it can be, I expected speed, not as much as it has but I really expected it to eat my children at the slightest hint of throttle. But it just plays nice. Got pics of your new bike yet?

[chic 'n' charge]

Welcome to the Kwaka club - awesome choice made there, you'll never look back. Mine was the best purchase of anything in my life.

Enjoy the ride

[kx250]

Hey mate, just bought a 2003 ZX-6R last night. The difference is phenominal - great choice. I can't get over how placid it can be, I expected speed, not as much as it has but I really expected it to eat my children at the slightest hint of throttle. But it just plays nice. Got pics of your new bike yet?

hey man yea i will get some pics up tomorrow, yea the bike is awesome rides so smooth and it just pulls all through the rev rang. too bad your not in auckland could have gone for a ride, im hoping the weather will hold up this weekend.

[kx250]

http://i47.tinypic.com/2eki0wh.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2jb5cf7.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2ec41o0.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/o6xjs0.jpg

Just some pics of my new bike, sorry their not the best pictures as was taken with phone i dnt have a good camera.

[ducatilover]

Brilliant looking machine, well done

[SMOKEU]

Hey mate, just bought a 2003 ZX-6R last night. The difference is phenominal - great choice. I can't get over how placid it can be, I expected speed, not as much as it has but I really expected it to eat my children at the slightest hint of throttle. But it just plays nice. Got pics of your new bike yet?

I noticed the same thing when going from a CBR250 to my GSXR600. The difference in handling was like night and day. Has the suspension been sorted properly on it yet? I remember it being far too stiff back at Ruapuna.

[darkwolf]

Has the suspension been sorted properly on it yet?.
Yeah, Red at AAA sorted it - Jason took it there almost immediately following.

The new bike looks good, hadn't seen one in black. Looks very tidy. Congrats and enjoy.

[Fast Eddie]

http://i47.tinypic.com/2eki0wh.jpg


Just some pics of my new bike, sorry their not the best pictures as was taken with phone i dnt have a good camera.

nice choice bro, looks mean all black with the headlight covers. I'd have that. straighten that numberplate out looks rough lol.

[\m/]

http://i47.tinypic.com/2eki0wh.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2jb5cf7.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2ec41o0.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/o6xjs0.jpg

Just some pics of my new bike, sorry their not the best pictures as was taken with phone i dnt have a good camera.
Nice bike, great choice of colour too.

I noticed the same thing when going from a CBR250 to my GSXR600.
As above, GSF250 to a GSXR750.

[mattsdakar]

got the bike today!!! The transport truck came by around 5pm , i used nz motorcycle movers ( highly recommended if you need a bike delivered door to door service and great price ).

Out rolls my new full black zx6r and she looks amazing!! Iam so happy with my purchase its more then what i could ever hoped for.

Been out riding all afternoon to try and get used to the bike, man i need alot of practice as its been almost a year since i last rode a bike and that was a 250. This thing is a weapon!! its kinda scary how fast this bike is but im just taking it easy getting used to how the bike reacts.

Since the bike cost about 1k under my budget i spent the left over money on a leather jacket and pants. Next thing to do is get some 1on1 training and try to ride with some experienced riders.

thanks everyone for all your advice and hope to see you all out there!!

Pleased you like/love it mate, told yoou she was a minta!!!!
Enjoy, and btw good job buying decent riding gear, very pleased to hear it
Rgds Matt

[macka77]

hope you get to ride on a gsxr600/750 way more laid back to ride, you sit in them not on top of them like the 636 or r6