Full License Soon - 600cc or 1000cc?

[411toaster]

Hi all ,

I'm getting my full soon - yes! So... I'm looking at getting an R6 as someone told me that that's all the power you really need on the street.
but I've had so many different opinions about it i'm not sure. I only ride on the road... ideally i should try riding an R6 then an R1 shortly after to see what i prefer.

"You can Borrow my R1 Stranger" - Tui

[Oakie]

FFS. There's all the power you need for the road in just about any 600cc road bike.
Honestly, When the time comes to move my 600 on I'll probably just look at a straight swap with someone like you who is looking to move from their fairly new 300 to a 600. I'd swap to smaller because Mrs Oakie doesn't hop on the back much now and I really only use the bike for commuting. A more frugal 300 makes sense to me now.

[Reubix]

Just buy a bike you like.

Test ride several before putting your money somewhere

[Subike]

Go for the 600, there are riders out there with many miles of riding "experience" who still cant handle the performance of an R1,
Not bike in my opinion that is a good choice to move up too too soon after getting your full license.
A few times I have ridden with riders who decided to go from 25hp to 105hp just because they now can with a full license,
to see them sitting on their bum with their head in their hands wondering why they listened to their ego,and the hype from mates that
"yeah man you got the balls to do it"
Take you time learning, before taking that big step.




Enter now all the " you don't know what your talking about Subike" highly experienced Sunday KB keyboard riders

[Shaun Harris]

Hi all ,

I'm getting my full soon - yes! So... I'm looking at getting an R6 as someone told me that that's all the power you really need on the street.
but I've had so many different opinions about it i'm not sure. I only ride on the road... ideally i should try riding an R6 then an R1 shortly after to see what i prefer.

"You can Borrow my R1 Stranger" - Tui


As per post #3 But I would deff go with the 600 myself in hind sight now. The bigger bikes only go faster in a streight line, the 600 handles great for NZ Roads and are perfect for our corners etc. The other advantage to the 6 over bigger is running costs, the bigger engine will wear tyres and chains more as well as use more fuel. Insurance will be cheaper. And it is piss easy to out brake and ride aroung bigger bikes on the 600 in tight road scenarios also.

[caspernz]

Just ride a few bikes and decide for yourself. :devil2:

Stepping from any L plate bike straight to a 1000 is only advisable if you have your ego firmly in check. :killingme

As to what's ideal for NZ conditions...well that kinda depends on your intended usage. I tend to think a Busa is ideal, but what would I know? :banana:

[TheDemonLord]

Me - I went from a 250, to a 650 LAMS, to a de-restricted LAMS and am now on my Hayabusa.

I suggest getting to grips with a full power 600 first, then going for something bigger

[pritch]

All bike purchases involve emotion but it is best that there is an injection of some common sense as well. Kawasaki have some good deals on new bikes at the moment and no, I don't mean the ZXR600. There are plenty more realistic options.

I just had to go back to the start of the thread to check the OP wasn't a female. The ladies love those 600 sprotbikes.

[Reckless]

Well in my opinion less is more.
You will have more fun and learn more exploring the boundries of a 6 hundy than never finding them on an R1.
Sounds like your the sort to do a few track days as well and the above def applies there. There's plenty of 6 hundy's passing thou's at a track day.

My son started on a 250 (VTR and 250 inline 4) now has a 600. He has said a on a few occasions while in different stages of his learning curve if he made the same mistakes on a bigger bike than he made on his 250 he'd have been in the shit (and thats with a few years top level karting in his experience kit).

Trust me you'll be a better rider faster with a learning curve staged to your skill set development, bike choice is an important factor.
You might also experience less Pain on they way through, this way :doctor: and this way :Police:

Just my 2c

[G4L4XY]

I went from a 250 to a 600 after getting my full. As already stated, 600's are cheaper for maintenance and insurance and yada yada yada.

600's more than enough to get into trouble with ;)

Although in saying that a friend of mine went straight to an R1 and popped wheelies all the time.

[haydes55]

Why are you only looking at supersport bikes? My bike's a 1000, but it has less power than some 600's. Z1000, Hornet 919 etc. are bigger bikes, but probably an easier step to than a 600 sprotty. A lazy thou will surge forward on an easy torque wave. Compared to having to go through the rev range and dancing on the gear lever of the 600.

A 600 will have plenty of HP at 13,000rpm. A lazy thou will make similar HP 5000rpm earlier, and stay in the power for longer.

[varminter]

Why do I think this is going to end badly?

[Moi]

Why do I think this is going to end badly?

Could it have something to do with: age, experience, wisdom... ???

[5ive]

Get the R6 Steve.

[jonnyk5614]

Love my thou....

Compared to the 600 - yeah, straight lines are jolly exciting but actually, if you are up for a cruise, you can have a great time, be bloody quick but not have to crash through the gears or hear 11'000rpm all the time.

You can leave it in 5th (or 6th), and just let it burble along twisting the happy grip whenever you want an explosion of torque.

Also, weight isn't a massive difference.... 10kg between GSXRs. I add 10kg when I wear an extra jacket in winter!

Ride both, see what you like, enjoy!!!!!


And fuel consumption? They're bikes. You'll still be doing better than your average cage so who cares.

[Shaun Harris]

Love my thou....

Compared to the 600 - yeah, straight lines are jolly exciting but actually, if you are up for a cruise, you can have a great time, be bloody quick but not have to crash through the gears or hear 11'000rpm all the time.

You can leave it in 5th (or 6th), and just let it burble along twisting the happy grip whenever you want an explosion of torque.

Also, weight isn't a massive difference.... 10kg between GSXRs. I add 10kg when I wear an extra jacket in winter!

Ride both, see what you like, enjoy!!!!!


And fuel consumption? They're bikes. You'll still be doing better than your average cage so who cares.




Great comparrison mate

[n3Xro]

I've just been through the exact scenario you are looking at.

I went the thou on the basis that I seem (so far) to be able to stop any stupid behavior with my right wrist.
When I was buying (back in Feb) every 600 I looked at was high K's or out of my budget... the thous' seem to sit a little lower in the price bracket with lower k's so just keep hunting.
I dont imaging I'll be finding any limits on the gixxer anytime soon given that 1st is still under 9k/rpm just shy of the 100kph mark...

Coming form a ninja 250 what I am loving most is being able flow from corner to corner and through straights without having to be constantly up and down the gear box a 600 will probably give you the same effect. The thou pulls like crazy from idle and only gets sillier form there but it all comes down to can you keep your right wrist in check, if not you probably wont have the bike or your license for very long...

Size wise going from the 250 to thou I have noticed the difference in weight at slower speeds <20 and in slow maneuvers (parking lots etc) but once its on the road I haven't noticed any significant difference in its flick-ability.
If you can go and test ride a 600 and a 1000 see which you like most.

I haven't had my thou long enough to comment on the ongoing running costs but all bikes are gonna hit you in the pocket, so just make sure that whatever you choose gives you a big grin when you fire it up.

[caspernz]

Why are you only looking at supersport bikes? My bike's a 1000, but it has less power than some 600's. Z1000, Hornet 919 etc. are bigger bikes, but probably an easier step to than a 600 sprotty. A lazy thou will surge forward on an easy torque wave. Compared to having to go through the rev range and dancing on the gear lever of the 600.

A 600 will have plenty of HP at 13,000rpm. A lazy thou will make similar HP 5000rpm earlier, and stay in the power for longer.

So what you're kinda alluding to here is that a Busa or ZX14 have the best of both worlds then? Up to 4000 rpm for commuting, up to 7000 rpm for a spirited ride, and above that for life and/or license threatening thrills...

To the OP, the running costs of a bigger bike are incremental really. I mean, you can shred a set of tyres just as quick on a 600 ridden hard versus a 1000 ridden with a bit of restraint. The only real question you have to ask yourself is whether you've got the discipline for a bigger bike. I'll be honest and admit that if I'd had something like my current Busa when I was 18 with only a year or two experience...I'd most likely have been dead in short order. Everyone is different, and only you can decide your next bike. It's fun choosing though isn't it?

[mossy1200]

I think young guys on 600s like to try prove their bikes are fast therefore push limits even further.

[EJK]

Power and speed will be least of your worries. Consider the cost difference in insurance, registration, servicing, tyres, fuel (litre bikes do consume bout 20-30% more depends on the throttle) and other usual running costs.

It all depends how and how much you ride but tyre cost will take a big chunk of your riding budget. If I were to buy a bike again, I'd go for a bike that fits 180 tyre size for the rear cause they are a lot more common and cheaper (more deals too, e.g. last deal from cycletreads was "buy rear get front fitted free").

Insurance will be cheaper on any smaller bike than a litre supersport. Usually it's the litre supersports that pays the most premium (because insurance companies thinks they crash the most).

Rego is not that big but still about $130 more per year on a litre bike.

Service and maintenance cost may probably similar between R6 and R1 since they are both high-performance full faired bikes. If you choose to go European (KTM, Aprilia, or BMW), multiply the service cost by some margin. For my last 10,000kms service I paid $940 and that was considered cheap. Mind you, recommended service intervals for Japanese bikes are every 6,000kms.

Last summer I rode about 13,000kms and went through (approx numbers only):
$590 1 year registration
$100.20 per month insurance = about $500 for 5 month's worth
Two maintenanc services ($550 and $940) = $1490
Two sets of tyres (Metzeler M5s 120/70 and 190/55 at $530 per set) = $1060
About $60 of fuel per week (including weekend rides) = 20 weeks x $60 = $1200
And other things... $$$

Approx total spent on my bike last summer alone: $4840 + $$$ other things. That's about a grand per month running cost.

Don't get me into bike accessories like Akrapovič slipon exhaust, carbon bits and tank grip pads etc = $$$

[Erelyes]

Anyone who feels the need to ask someone else '600 or 1000' isn't aware enough of their own abilities to ride a thou. IMHO.

I have anecdotally heard of two riders who killed themselves on a thou, weeks after getting their full. I have also heard of one rider who almost, but for the grace of god, killed himself on a 600 weeks after getting his full. In my mind, the 600 is safer as a next step, but only marginally - if you open the taps on either it'll blow your mind compared to a 250.

There is also a school of thought that says you'll be a better rider by riding all sorts of bikes, progressing through the ranks so to speak, than going straight from a 250 to a thou.

Have a read of this article (https://rideapart.com/articles/sportbike-progression) and see if it gels with you.

[FJRider]

FFS. There's all the power you need for the road in just about any 600cc road bike.


There's plenty of dam good 400's that would keep up with a 600 cc bike on most rides.

Horsepower is not the only factor ... actual size and weight play a large part of the ability to stay in control on (and safe) on the road.

It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast ... than a fast bike slow.

Ability upgrades do not come with a full license.

[Swoop]

I was going to comment (but EJ has already done so, quite eloquently) about insurance costs.

Perhaps ring around a couple of insurance companies and ask what you are in for, with your current riding experience and what you are thinking of upgrading to.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hi all ,

I'm getting my full soon - yes! So... I'm looking at getting an R6 as someone told me that that's all the power you really need on the street.
but I've had so many different opinions about it i'm not sure. I only ride on the road... ideally i should try riding an R6 then an R1 shortly after to see what i prefer.

"You can Borrow my R1 Stranger" - Tui

Don't be a big girls blouse. S1000RR or nothing.

[FJRider]

I was going to comment (but EJ has already done so, quite eloquently) about insurance costs.

Perhaps ring around a couple of insurance companies and ask what you are in for, with your current riding experience and what you are thinking of upgrading to.

Under 25 costs for cars ... are in arm and a leg territory ... for a motorcyclist with a brand new full license ... a promise of your first born's virginity might be required ... (regardless of it's sex)

[EJK]

Under 25 costs for cars ... are in arm and a leg territory ... for a motorcyclist with a brand new full license ... a promise of your first born's virginity might be required ... (regardless of it's sex)

Mention it's a "sports" bike and they'll take your first 20% home mortgage deposit too :eek:

[flashg]

Under 25 costs for cars ... are in arm and a leg territory ... for a motorcyclist with a brand new full license ... a promise of your first born's virginity might be required ... (regardless of it's sex)


Vero insurance (David Golightly scheme)charges for the value of the bike if you have full license. My son @ 18 had his full, ticked up an R1 same value as mine and paid same insurance cost. So you can get good deals "shop around"

[Smifffy]

Get a GN 250 until you are sure what you want.

[aws]

I doubt you'd notice the difference between a thou and a 600 if you're moving up from a LAMS bike. Someone used to a thou would definitely notice the drop in torque going down to the 600, but you don't need to worry about that.

I'd agree with many of the others here that you should start smaller and hone your skills. It also gives you something to look forward to for the future. But try a few bikes before you decide - there's more to see out there than just R1s and R6s.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Ripperjon]

I went the 600(ish) route after a good innings (nearly 6 years) on my 250 and am chuffed to cobblers with my bike.
Thousands(ish) havent interested me since the olden days of the FZR and the original Fireblade (when i was too young to get them).
I just dont see anything attractive about any of the newer litre(ish) bikes as a whole package (performance/price/looks).
If all bikes cost the same, i wouldn't swap my bike for any other.

Like others have said, test ride a bunch, buy your favourite then be careful with it and enjoy.

[The Reibz]

why not a 1300/1400cc bike?

[Gremlin]

If you know how to use tools and can read a workshop manual you could possibly do a lot of the servicing yourself and only pay the shop for something you cant do. With some bikes a lot of the labour cost is actually in taking things apart and putting them back together again as opposed to paying for any parts replaced. I doubt if the majority on here would spend anywhere near $1000 a month running their bike unless they were into racing.
Depends on the bike. Like EJK, I have a BMW which needs factory tools that are not available to the average mechanic, even bleeding the brakes may require the tools. There is an aftermarket option, but it's hardly cheap.

Some of my figures are higher than EJK, and I know mossy reckons 50c/km, so on 13k it would make $6500...

[Akzle]

okay. Who hijacked cassinas account?

[mossy1200]

Depends on the bike. Like EJK, I have a BMW which needs factory tools that are not available to the average mechanic, even bleeding the brakes may require the tools. There is an aftermarket option, but it's hardly cheap.

Some of my figures are higher than EJK, and I know mossy reckons 50c/km, so on 13k it would make $6500...

Only because I buy them at max value and then pimp them and then don't ride enough and sell them for half what they owe me.
Im what you call a Bunny.
That's only loss on the bike also. It didn't include running costs, consumables and insurance.

[nodrog]

One advantage a 1000 will have if you are doing a lot of straight open road riding will be better stability in side winds which makes a safer more relaxing ride not having to worry so much if at all about being blown off the road. As others have said though handling on hills will not be as good due to the heavier weight.

what fuckin planet do you live on?

a modern 1000cc sports bike is basically dimensionally the same as a 600cc.

[TheDemonLord]

What fuckin planet do you live on yourself I wonder? as it is the heavyer weight of a 1000 over a 600 that offers improved stability in side winds. Going by your logic if a 50cc bike was identical dimension wise it would be equally as stable eh. Maybe you need to ride some diiferent size bikes on windy days to understand what I mean?

My GSX650FU was as Stable as my Hayabusa, The weight difference between some 600 and 1000 bikes can be as low as 10 Kg. Weight certainly helps with Bike Stability - but as Nodrog correctly pointed out - the dimensions are almost identical, which means the aerodynamic properties of the bike will be almost identical.

The only real difference I noticed was when I went from a 250 naked bike to a 650 faired bike.

[nodrog]

What fuckin planet do you live on yourself I wonder? as it is the heavyer weight of a 1000 over a 600 that offers improved stability in side winds. Going by your logic if a 50cc bike was identical dimension wise it would be equally as stable eh. Maybe you need to ride some diiferent size bikes on windy days to understand what I mean?

you fuckin muppet, a ducati panigale weighs less than a er650.

maybe you should read some books dated after 1989.

[OddDuck]

Some great advice here.

DIY maintenance: heaps of it is your garage, if you have one then all things become possible. Simpler bikes tend to dramatically reduce the bills for parts / tools / labour. Fully faired latest and greatest race replicas with all the tech tend increase them.

Ongoing costs: depends on bike size, but also a lot on how you ride. If you like to take it to the edge then you can expect frequent and pricey tyre and brake disc changes, and that's if you don't have to pick up a crash repair bill sometime.

Try a few bikes, don't limit your choices and regret it later. You might be surprised at what turns out to be right for you.

[Big Dog]

Power and speed will be least of your worries. Consider the cost difference in insurance, registration, servicing, tyres, fuel (litre bikes do consume bout 20-30% more depends on the throttle) and other usual running costs.

It all depends how and how much you ride but tyre cost will take a big chunk of your riding budget. If I were to buy a bike again, I'd go for a bike that fits 180 tyre size for the rear cause they are a lot more common and cheaper (more deals too, e.g. last deal from cycletreads was "buy rear get front fitted free").

Insurance will be cheaper on any smaller bike than a litre supersport. Usually it's the litre supersports that pays the most premium (because insurance companies thinks they crash the most).

Rego is not that big but still about $130 more per year on a litre bike.

Service and maintenance cost may probably similar between R6 and R1 since they are both high-performance full faired bikes. If you choose to go European (KTM, Aprilia, or BMW), multiply the service cost by some margin. For my last 10,000kms service I paid $940 and that was considered cheap. Mind you, recommended service intervals for Japanese bikes are every 6,000kms.

Last summer I rode about 13,000kms and went through (approx numbers only):
$590 1 year registration
$100.20 per month insurance = about $500 for 5 month's worth
Two maintenanc services ($550 and $940) = $1490
Two sets of tyres (Metzeler M5s 120/70 and 190/55 at $530 per set) = $1060
About $60 of fuel per week (including weekend rides) = 20 weeks x $60 = $1200
And other things... $$$

Approx total spent on my bike last summer alone: $4840 + $$$ other things. That's about a grand per month running cost.

Don't get me into bike accessories like Akrapovič slipon exhaust, carbon bits and tank grip pads etc = $$$

Exactly, keeping the spending in check has more of an effect than which bike you start with.
I have found it doesn't make much difference the mileage I spend about 10k a year on riding.

If I am doing more mileage I tend to spend less money on farkles and nice gear and more money on rubber, fuel and servicing.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Brett]

600cc sports bike would be my choice - having owned both 600cc sports bikes as well as 1000cc sports bikes. a 600cc sports bike is going to be much more powerful than say a detuned 600cc naked or semi-sport type. 600's are generally much more usable on the road than the 1000's are, although they still need respect. I had my 600 let the rear wheel go in the rain a few times and would easily power wheelie in first or a brutal change in to second under full throttle. 1000cc is too much of a step up from a 250 LAMS bike IMO and are the equivalent of surgery with a chainsaw for NZ roads. Also - a 600cc sports bike is going to feel like a rocket after riding a 250...trust me!

[bogan]

Just get an SP2 put an optimist yacht mast/rigging on it and have the best of many, many worlds.

[Erelyes]

What fuckin planet do you live on yourself I wonder? as it is the heavyer weight of a 1000 over a 600 that offers improved stability in side winds. Going by your logic if a 50cc bike was identical dimension wise it would be equally as stable eh. Maybe you need to ride some diiferent size bikes on windy days to understand what I mean?

If you had just said 'heavier bikes are more stable' instead of 'thous are more stable than 600s' you wouldn't have come across so dopey. But then I come from a planet where you say what you mean.

[russd7]

If you had just said 'heavier bikes are more stable' instead of 'thous are more stable than 600s' you wouldn't have come across so dopey. But then I come from a planet where you say what you mean.

yeah, naaa, i know this is a response to cassina's post but using that logic then my wing would be easier to ride in the wind than the zzr, personally i find the zzr a whole lot easier in the wind than the wing. both are fully faired bikes, the zzr pulls down on to the road as speed increases and becomes more stable to a point, the wing well, that just might as well have a sail out
and yes cassina i have ridden a lot in canterbury norwesters as well as our gentle gale force breezes we have down here on the south coast at times so have a reasonable idea of what im talkin about, and yes i know that might be considered dangerous by your standards but hey, sometimes i just like to ride :niceone:

[mossy1200]

For sale BMW K100CR. Never ridden in the rain or wind!!!

[FJRider]

What fuckin planet do you live on yourself I wonder? as it is the heavyer weight of a 1000 over a 600 that offers improved stability in side winds. Going by your logic if a 50cc bike was identical dimension wise it would be equally as stable eh. Maybe you need to ride some diiferent size bikes on windy days to understand what I mean?

And what fucking planet are YOU from ... bike size (length/width) and weight are not totally/consistantly dependent on cubic capacity.


Wind strength and direction is never consistant on any ride either ... pretty much a lottery in that respect.

If you actually had any amount of riding experience on real rides ... you would know that already.


Feel free to post pic's of your (possibly) epic boobs if you really need attention ...

[Erelyes]

So you are saying that all 1000 and 600 cc bikes weight the same? I was not aware of that as I would have thought 1000s would have to be built beefier to handle the higher power.

No I'm not saying that, and if you think I am, you're a fuckwit.

[caseye]

No I'm not saying that, and if you think I am, you're a fuckwit.

lol, the jury's out on whether it's a girly or a boy without one!
But you got that 100% right IT is a fuckwit.

[TheDemonLord]

But you got that 100% right IT is a fuckwit.

Bruce/Caitlyn is that you?

[bogan]

So you are saying that all 1000 and 600 cc bikes weight the same? I was not aware of that as I would have thought 1000s would have to be built beefier to handle the higher power.

Once a bike is capable of lifting the front end, where does the extra power go that could require such heavy strengthening?

Rotational inertia has more effect on wind stability than a few kg, that's why bigger bikes feel more stable.

[nodrog]

So you are saying that all 1000 and 600 cc bikes weight the same? I was not aware of that as I would have thought 1000s would have to be built beefier to handle the higher power.

Well you thought wrong, knob goblin.

[nzspokes]

So you are saying that all 1000 and 600 cc bikes weight the same? I was not aware of that as I would have thought 1000s would have to be built beefier to handle the higher power.

We have a Bandit 1200, a GSXR1000 would easily be 30 to 40 kg lighter and have a ton more power. HTH

[PrincessBandit]

I too am of the "went from250 to 650" group and while I've sometimes wondered about something "bigger" have been perfectly happy with what the bandit does for me.
Weightwise (since that has been brought up) it's a heavy ass bike and is frequently mistaken by others for the 1250.

Heaps of other posts already have said 600-750 cc bikes will give you all the power and speed you want (legally and illegally) depending on what model you go for. Do more homework and test riding.

[EJK]

I like the laziness and the bottom end torque of litre bikes, and everywhere I go and anything I do I know I'm understressing the engine. :tugger:

[Latte]

I like the laziness and the bottom end torque of litre bikes, and everywhere I go and anything I do I know I'm understressing the engine. :tugger:

This, for me at least.


OP go test ride, find the bike that works for you. You might find the thou way too much to handle, or you might get on with it really well, and find the 600 causes you to thrash it everywhere. You might hate them both and look at nakeds / supermoto's etc etc

[baffa]

This, for me at least.


OP go test ride, find the bike that works for you. You might find the thou way too much to handle, or you might get on with it really well, and find the 600 causes you to thrash it everywhere. You might hate them both and look at nakeds / supermoto's etc etc

OP will probably buy what he thinks looks best, and then end up buying a non supersports later.
I've had a couple of supersports, and will probably buy another in the next couple of years, but I'm loving a torquey naked thou at the moment.

[nzspokes]

OP will probably buy what he thinks looks best, and then end up buying a non supersports later.
I've had a couple of supersports, and will probably buy another in the next couple of years, but I'm loving a torquey naked thou at the moment.

Yeah the 900 Hornets/Predators etc are good little step up bikes without to much power to get you into trouble.

I would like a Gsxr1k. But I know I couldnt handle the position for long rides which would make it pointless.

[baffa]

Yeah the 900 Hornets/Predators etc are good little step up bikes without to much power to get you into trouble.

I would like a Gsxr1k. But I know I couldnt handle the position for long rides which would make it pointless.

That sounds so beautifully condescending to Predator owners such as myself.

I would point out though, my 2010 preddy has a lot more torque and lower gearing than my 2007 Fireblade had, with slightly weaker brakes and combined with lower quality suspension and a few other factors make it harder to handle at speed. Meaning that whilst I would recommend Preddys and similiar bikes to anyone, nothing is easier to ride at speed than a supersport.

[TheDemonLord]

That sounds so beautifully condescending to Predator owners such as myself.

I would point out though, my 2010 preddy has a lot more torque and lower gearing than my 2007 Fireblade had, with slightly weaker brakes and combined with lower quality suspension and a few other factors make it harder to handle at speed. Meaning that whilst I would recommend Preddys and similiar bikes to anyone, nothing is easier to ride at speed than a supersport.

If they did a fully faired Predator - I would be keen beans

[nzspokes]

That sounds so beautifully condescending to Predator owners such as myself.

I would point out though, my 2010 preddy has a lot more torque and lower gearing than my 2007 Fireblade had, with slightly weaker brakes and combined with lower quality suspension and a few other factors make it harder to handle at speed. Meaning that whilst I would recommend Preddys and similiar bikes to anyone, nothing is easier to ride at speed than a supersport.

Well how am I supposed to know what you ride?

I also didnt say there was anything wrong with them. Ive owned a 900 Hornet and ridden a Predator. They are nice bikes, just not super powerful.

Long term i didnt enjoy the Hornet but it never let me down in 30,000ks. I prefer the little Bandit for everyday use.

[Gremlin]

I also didnt say there was anything wrong with them. Ive owned a 900 Hornet and ridden a Predator. They are nice bikes, just not super powerful.
Uh... define super powerful? It makes over 100hp (same amount as a VTR actually), just delivers it in typical Honda fashion... smooooth.

Ask it to deliver it quickly... and oh yes, there is plenty because it can actually get off the line faster than super sport/bikes due to the lower gearing (unless the sportsbike does a drag launch, revs etc)

[p.dath]

If they did a fully faired Predator - I would be keen beans

They do. It's called a Fireblade. It has a couple of other tweaks as well. :-)

[TheDemonLord]

They do. It's called a Fireblade. It has a couple of other tweaks as well. :-)

I was waiting for someone to say that :P

the Predator riding position and the fireblade riding position are worlds appart if you are fat man sized

[Erelyes]

If they did a fully faired Predator - I would be keen beans

So a fully faired, upright, 1000cc bike.... wouldn't that just be a competitor to their already excellent VFR800?

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-899977787.htm

nice price

[Ender EnZed]

So a fully faired, upright, 1000cc bike.... wouldn't that just be a competitor to their already excellent VFR800?

Europe gets the CBF1000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBF1000). It's not exactly a faired Predator though. Dunno how they managed to snuff that engine down to 100hp.

[Erelyes]

Europe gets the CBF1000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBF1000). It's not exactly a faired Predator though. Dunno how they managed to snuff that engine down to 100hp.

9000rpm... it should last until Princess Anne ascends the throne.

[Ender EnZed]

9000rpm... it should last until Princess Anne ascends the throne.

Yeah. It's obviously a Bandit competitor but I suspect I'd rather have a CB1300S.

[nzspokes]

Uh... define super powerful? It makes over 100hp (same amount as a VTR actually), just delivers it in typical Honda fashion... smooooth.

Ask it to deliver it quickly... and oh yes, there is plenty because it can actually get off the line faster than super sport/bikes due to the lower gearing (unless the sportsbike does a drag launch, revs etc)

I would say upwards of 150hp would be getting there. I believe BMW make a 1000cc naked thats proper quick.

Never said a VTR had more power, but for me it was 15 secs a lap quicker round Hampton first time out.

[nzspokes]

Europe gets the CBF1000 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBF1000). It's not exactly a faired Predator though. Dunno how they managed to snuff that engine down to 100hp.

Its a shame we didnt get the Honda X-11s, only the imported ones. 135hp naked from memory.

[Ender EnZed]

Its a shame we didnt get the Honda X-11s, only the imported ones. 135hp naked from memory.

It sounds a bit dull compared to what a naked blackbird might be. I certainly like the idea though.


I believe BMW make a 1000cc naked thats proper quick.

Reckon. The S1000R is one thing but I'd really like a go on an S1000XR.


Never said a VTR had more power, but for me it was 15 secs a lap quicker round Hampton first time out.

Can't really see how. They have the same power. They have the same weight. They have the same riding position. It seems like a personal thing.

[nzspokes]

Can't really see how. They have the same power. They have the same weight. They have the same riding position. It seems like a personal thing.

Same riding position? No, nothing like. VTR has a more ridged frame and linkage rear suspension. Neither are high tech race bikes. They are close on HP but very different on how they deliver it.

[EJK]

Hey OP, I'll tell you another secret. On a 1000cc it's near impossible to stall the bike on 1st gear :shutup:. I mean, from standing still just ease out the clutch (no gas!) and the bike will smoothly take you up to 15-18kph.... on idle!! I'm not sure if you can do that on a 600.

[baffa]

Well how am I supposed to know what you ride?

I also didnt say there was anything wrong with them. Ive owned a 900 Hornet and ridden a Predator. They are nice bikes, just not super powerful.

Long term i didnt enjoy the Hornet but it never let me down in 30,000ks. I prefer the little Bandit for everyday use.

You werent, it just sounded quite funny the way you wrote it.

The predator has torque limited slightly in 1st and 2nd, combined with a heavy and quiet factory exhaust, it sells the bike short.
Mines now about as loud as it can legally be, and is a hilarious wheelie machine, but it still probably only makes 130hp on a good day.
I'd love a S1000 or similiar, but I'd settle for a small supercharger on my current steed.

In some markets you can get a CB1000R, CBF1000, CBR1000RR, on top of the VFR and other offerings, but they all have different pluses and minues. Sometimes I wish I lived in the UK.

[mossy1200]

On a 1000cc it's near impossible to stall the bike on 1st gear :shutup:. I mean, from standing still just ease out the clutch (no gas!) and the bike will smoothly take you up to 15-18kph.... on idle!!

This is not how mine works.

[FJRider]

Hey OP, I'll tell you another secret. On a 1000cc it's near impossible to stall the bike on 1st gear :shutup:. I mean, from standing still just ease out the clutch (no gas!) and the bike will smoothly take you up to 15-18kph.... on idle!! I'm not sure if you can do that on a 600.

Turn your idle down ... <_<

[98tls]

One advantage a 1000 will have if you are doing a lot of straight open road riding will be better stability in side winds which makes a safer more relaxing ride not having to worry so much if at all about being blown off the road. As others have said though handling on hills will not be as good due to the heavier weight.

:first:You win.Of all the shit ive ever read since the advent of internet motorcycling that the best yet.:niceone:

[Big Dog]

This is not how mine works.

Are you talking about the CR? Can it not pull the skin of milk? :rofl:
A lot of fuel injected bikes EJ is not far wrong.
My Hayabusa could be started without throttle if you were gentle enough with the clutch. But then it would only go about 10m before stalling.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[mossy1200]

Are you talking about the CR? Can it not pull the skin of milk? :rofl:
A lot of fuel injected bikes EJ is not far wrong.
My Hayabusa could be started without throttle if you were gentle enough with the clutch. But then it would only go about 10m before stalling.



Not the CR. That could tow a car out of a ditch.

The MV is the challenging bike to get moving.

[98tls]

Not the CR. That could tow a car out of a ditch.

The MV is the challenging bike to get moving.

The old TL could to but not what EJs suggesting but then i cant think why i would want/need it to fwiw.

[caseye]

:first:You win.Of all the shit ive ever read since the advent of internet motorcycling that the best yet.:niceone:

Wot he said!

IT has absolutely no grasp on reality or motor cycle riding, in anything like the real world.
God save us from fools and boy girls who don't know the first thing about motorbikes.

[Gremlin]

My Hayabusa could be started without throttle if you were gentle enough with the clutch. But then it would only go about 10m before stalling.
I can get the CB919 into 6th gear with no throttle :D

[Big Dog]

I can get the CB919 into 6th gear with no throttle :D

Why am I not surprised?


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[EJK]

Turn your idle down ... <_<

According to the dyno sheet the bike makes about 8hp on idle :blip:

Well, actually it's got to do more with exhaust butterflies automatically adjusting to increase the back pressure below 2,500rpm.

[Vinz0r]

Hey OP, I'll tell you another secret. On a 1000cc it's near impossible to stall the bike on 1st gear :shutup:. I mean, from standing still just ease out the clutch (no gas!) and the bike will smoothly take you up to 15-18kph.... on idle!! I'm not sure if you can do that on a 600.

My old Bandit 12 was good like that. It would even make it over speed bumps with no throttle once it got rolling. Good way to keep your neighbors happy when leaving early in the morning.

[aws]

The MV is the challenging bike to get moving.

The ride-by-wire on my MV makes no throttle starts a snap. It just lifts the revs to compensate. Different story when it comes to crawling along with the throttle on though - hunting up and down all over the show. Really hard to keep steady revs.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[aws]

One advantage a 1000 will have if you are doing a lot of straight open road riding will be better stability in side winds which makes a safer more relaxing ride not having to worry so much if at all about being blown off the road. As others have said though handling on hills will not be as good due to the heavier weight.
The OP wants an R6 or R1 - how concerned do you think they're really going to be about stability on straight open roads? I'd be willing to bet they're looking for plenty of "instability" on twisty open roads! [emoji6]

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[jonbuoy]

Choosing a 600 over a 1000, a sportsbike over a cruiser isn´t going to keep you alive. Its your attitude and control of your right hand that will. A 600 will still easily get you into trouble. It should be irrelevant which sports bike handles better or is faster in a straight line - you shouldn't be riding anywhere near the limits of any sports bike on a public road. Sure the KB macho cock wavers will disagree with me on that one but the track really is the place to go fast. If you want a litre bike get one - just don´t feel pressured into "proving yourself" or buy into the chicken strip B/S. People buy supercars and drive sensibly on the roads - no reason we should be any different. Ride what bike you want how you want.

[mossy1200]

or buy into the chicken strip B/S.

My tires have Diablo Supercorsa moulded onto the chicken strip to taunt me and I am struggling to wear them off.

[Big Dog]

My tires have Diablo Supercorsa moulded onto the chicken strip to taunt me and I am struggling to wear them off.

Try a Honda.
Pretty sure I'll need to wear down the engine casing before I got all the way off the edge.:lol:

Possbibly why the casings are notched out?

[WNJ]

Ride what you want, most people take as many bikes as they can for a test ride others just a couple, I have been riding 30 years and have had all size bikes from 250-1000cc, have had my 636 now for 4 years and also have a R6, enjoy the 636 more though, last bike was a thou before the 600s but down sized to save some $ but now own 2, of course the 600s are cheaper than a thou but not losing much in fun factor by downsizing and a well ridden 6 can hold its own against most bikes bigger,

[p.dath]

How funny. I was looking over my blog and found something I had written about this exact subject.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/2517-What-size-road-bike-should-I-buy-(or-should-I-buy-a-1000cc-bike)

[nzspokes]

You werent, it just sounded quite funny the way you wrote it.

The predator has torque limited slightly in 1st and 2nd, combined with a heavy and quiet factory exhaust, it sells the bike short.
Mines now about as loud as it can legally be, and is a hilarious wheelie machine, but it still probably only makes 130hp on a good day.
I'd love a S1000 or similiar, but I'd settle for a small supercharger on my current steed.

In some markets you can get a CB1000R, CBF1000, CBR1000RR, on top of the VFR and other offerings, but they all have different pluses and minues. Sometimes I wish I lived in the UK.

Bit surprised by the 130hp. Didn't feel like it when I rode one.

[5ive]

a well ridden 6 can hold its own against most bikes bigger,

So can the OP's 3 ;)

[5ive]

There has been numerous posts on this website over the years that there is no such thing as riding under pressure to "Keep Up" or as you put it "Prove Yourself" Those that make such claims possibly dont ride enough to see the riding behaviour of other riders or perhaps are in denial that they do that themselves.

312739

Move on, no one cares bro.

[baffa]

Bit surprised by the 130hp. Didn't feel like it when I rode one.

It probably doesnt compare quite as well to the low range torque of your superhawk.
Should meet up sometime and do a quick swap, I'm curious to do a back to back

[nzspokes]

It probably doesnt compare quite as well to the low range torque of your superhawk.
Should meet up sometime and do a quick swap, I'm curious to do a back to back

Well at the time I was comparing it to a 900 Hornet and my old Bandit 1200. Felt very close to the Hornet. Just smaller. My old and our new Bandit 1200 felt stronger in mid and top.

Superhawk is a different bike altogether. Real strong mid and less up top.

[caspernz]

There has been numerous posts on this website over the years that there is no such thing as riding under pressure to "Keep Up" or as you put it "Prove Yourself" Those that make such claims possibly dont ride enough to see the riding behaviour of other riders or perhaps are in denial that they do that themselves.

Human nature being what it is, devoid of sufficient experience the most common trait is the "I wants to be zee leader of da pack" which sometimes leads to a date with a lovely nurse or the coroner. No words anyone espouses on these pages will change this trait, especially when bearing in mind the "little boy who cried wolf" tale, iykwim.

[jonbuoy]

Human nature being what it is, devoid of sufficient experience the most common trait is the "I wants to be zee leader of da pack" which sometimes leads to a date with a lovely nurse or the coroner. No words anyone espouses on these pages will change this trait, especially when bearing in mind the "little boy who cried wolf" tale, iykwim.

Especially if the leader of the pack is on a 1000cc and your on a 400/600 and you have something to "prove".

[FJRider]

Human nature being what it is, devoid of sufficient experience the most common trait is the "I wants to be zee leader of da pack" which sometimes leads to a date with a lovely nurse or the coroner. No words anyone espouses on these pages will change this trait, especially when bearing in mind the "little boy who cried wolf" tale, iykwim.

It's usually the (experienced ??) riders on the faster bikes trying to show how good/fast THEY are ... to the slower less experienced riders (often on smaller bikes) and giving them a hard time if they can't keep up.

[caseye]

It's usually the (experienced ??) riders on the faster bikes trying to show how good/fast THEY are ... to the slower less experienced riders (often on smaller bikes) and giving them a hard time if they can't keep up.

Is that you Mrs cassina?
Sorry FJ, couldn't resist.
You are 100% right as IT was for the first time in IT's life when it said something similar, we here all know that and most of us try not to be that dick on a bike.
But life dictates that there is always one.

[FJRider]

But life dictates that there is always one.

Often MORE than one on a ride.

I reckon I have better tits than Cassina ... thats why she she has not revealed them (jealousy)

[biketimus_prime]

I don't even have my full and I have an R6 waiting for me. It was cheap and mint condition so I decided to get it and hold on to it.
I ride a DRZ400 daily, step up from my 250s.

I say this as someone who isn't the most amazing rider but good enough to be pretty quick in my riding group. The DRZ400 is more than enough to keep you entertained in the hills and keep up with a group in the twisties if you ride it well.

The R6 is absolutely nuts as it is. I am in 5th or 6th gear doing 50kph, I open the throttle a bit and I'm about to lose my licence if a cop goes past. I find myself constantly braking harder than I do on my other bikes, stuff happens faster because I'm consistently speeding, even 65 in a 50 just feels more comfortable. 120 than 100 feels nicer, the bike just feels better at a faster speed. I don't have enough maturity and control to handle the R6 just yet. I take it for the odd ride when the roads are quiet, no point risking a crash. But hell it'll take me years and years of riding to fully ride it to it's capability. Not on the street either, I'll have to do track days. The twisties are nothing for it.

Another thing to consider is going up to a big bike straight away, the power makes up for shit riding. You can be the biggest pussy entering a corner, take it at the posted limit or less, body upright, bike leaned over "fuck yeah I'm Rossi", all round terrible riding but then just power out like nobodys business and leave everyone behind you in the dust.
You may think you're fast, but the mirror doesn't lie, the guy behind you is braking harder than ever to avoid running into the back of you.
I KNOW I rode slower into each corner on my R6 and yet I was faster than I have ever been on any other bike.
The power hides shit riding and you will not learn as well as you could on a smaller bike before taking the step up.
I'm at the point where I would consider selling the R6 for just a pure track bike and keep the DRZ for my weekend rides and commuting. Otherwise I'd have to do a shitload of track days on the R6 to really ride it to it's capabilities and improve my riding with it.

[Erelyes]

giving them a hard time if they can't keep up.

The clever ones will give the newbies a hard time if they try to keep up.

[FJRider]

The clever ones will give the newbies a hard time if they try to keep up.

The clever ones ride at a pace they CAN keep up with ... :msn-wink:

[biketimus_prime]

The reason why your bike would feel better when speeding would be due to the gear ratios as in 1 gear at the speed limit it would feel like its being over revved but going up a gear you can be a bit over the limit for the bike to not feel like its being over revved. Thats my experience anyway. Your theory about becoming better the faster you ride sounds like you will end up coming to grief at some stage.

Yeah it is the gear ratio and the RPM range the bike feels better cruising along at. I've heard a common mod on the R6 is to drop a front tooth and add one on the rear.

I didn't say I become better the faster I ride though. Nothing of the sort. You may have misinterpreted what I said.
I do however think the R6 is overkill for the street and my DRZ is more than enough.
The R6 will get me in trouble unless I learn to tame it and my own riding.

[caseye]

Yeah it is the gear ratio and the RPM range the bike feels better cruising along at. I've heard a common mod on the R6 is to drop a front tooth and add one on the rear.

I didn't say I become better the faster I ride though. Nothing of the sort. You may have misinterpreted what I said.
I do however think the R6 is overkill for the street and my DRZ is more than enough.
The R6 will get me in trouble unless I learn to tame it and my own riding.

Use the force Luke! Power when harnessed properly gets you in and out far quicker than any amount of hard riding does.
With less effort and less chance of being that guy ( the one who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time, sound fucking familiar IT?).Who said you had to be exceeding the speed limit to have fun and enjoy what your bike can do? Pessimistic fucks really annoy the shit outa me, get a life and fuck off outa KB Mrs C.