Triumph, Honda or Kwacka?

[Slim]

I took a new Triumph Daytona 600 out for a test ride on Saturday morning, and on checking the status of my personal loan, am very tempted to buy one!! :love:

I found the handling and brakes were much better than my '97 CBR600, although the suspension needed softening up a little for me, and the fuel injection was vastly improved on what I experienced on the TT600 I took for a ride a few weeks ago. We had to creep along in some stop/start roadwork traffic and I had no problems at all. :niceone:

But I've been told to try out the new CBR600RR and the Kwacka 636 before making a decision about what to spend the banks money on. In fact, one of my male friends told me to steer clear of the Triumph because it is "a man's bike", implying that it would require more maintenance work on it than he thought I was capable of! <_< Now I realise that a new bike requires servicing to be done by the shop to maintain the warranty, so I'm sorted for the first year or so, but I'm more than capable of changing oil & filter, adjusting the chain and checking basic stuff.

What do you lot reckon? Is he talking through a hole in his arse or does he know something that I don't?

Any comments on any of the three bikes would be appreciated.

[Jackrat]

Yeah mate,He's full of it,Like living in the seventys huh.
Buy the Triumph if you like it. :niceone:

[James Deuce]

Personally I like the styling of the Triumph best. They look great in yellow and nearly as special in red, though the British racing green looks classy. I used to be decisive but now I'm not so sure.

Your mate is just jealous he's not buying a new bike. It also appears that he may be conversing via the incorrect orifice.

Buy what YOU like. YOU have to live with and regrets are a pain in the proverbial.

Jim2

[Slim]

I've just called Boyd Honda to find out when they're going to have a real, live, new CBR600RR in the shop (he's going to get back to me) and also checked the price and at $17,500 they're reasonably priced.

I think it's probably a good idea for me to try the 3 bikes, just for a reality check, but I remember when I brought my CBR, it was love at first ride (and also happened to be the only option, because there were no 2nd hand 600's around at the time).

Mmm. Test riding bikes. :D :ride:

[matthewt]

I know a few people who have ridden the cbr600 and all have raved about it. Mind you the 636 looks really good !!

PS: your male friend calling the bike a "Man's bike" sounds like bit of a dickhead.

[Motoracer]

Get a cool blue new kawasaki, it'll go with your cool blue new helmet with the awesome graphics :niceone:. But thats just me talking cause I know the kawasaki is the fastest around the track (well, the ZX6R anyway) plus I love the looks.

If you reckon trimph is the one for you then go for it. All these new bikes are pretty up there anyway with marginal differences. It is however a good idea to test them all out then make your decision by following what feels right.

[jrandom]

What's this crap about a "man's bike". I mean, like, *eh*?

My recollections from perusal of bike mags over the last year lead me to believe that the 636 is the current dog's bollocks in 600s. But hell, I haven't ridden *any* of them, so buy what you like. Personally (shhh!) I reckon yer Daytona 600 there is the best looker out of the lot. Especially if it comes in black. Does it? The TT600 always had an 'orrible reputation but this new one seems like a very different bike.

Cyclespot up here on Barry's Point Rd have a real live new red'n'black CBR600RR. Just like an RCV but without the stickers. Had a sit on it and thought it was a bit cramped.

Oh, and you didn't mention the R6 or gixer, so don't forget to test ride them too - if you're gonna pony up > $15K for a bike you might as well try everything first, and the Suzuki shops might still be running that $13K special on the Alstare.

[k14]

Personally i would go with the CBR600RR (but that is only my opinion).

The triumph looks pretty cool, but i havent seen it in the flesh yet, only in a few mags.

Just out of curiosity, how much do they all cost? I would take any of them any day, so just take the one you like the most.

[Slim]

Oh, and you didn't mention the R6 or gixer, so don't forget to test ride them too - if you're gonna pony up > $15K for a bike you might as well try everything first, and the Suzuki shops might still be running that $13K special on the Alstare.
I didn't mention the R6 or gixxer because I don't want a hard out sports bike. I like my current CBR6 because it's comfy, I don't have all my weight on my wrists & it doesn't kill my back.

Likewise naked bikes are also off my list - I've much preferred fully-faired bikes ever since my GB250. :)

And I don't need anything bigger than a 600 either. I'd maybe stretch to a 750, but I certainly don't need a litre bike.

[Slim]

Just out of curiosity, how much do they all cost? I would take any of them any day, so just take the one you like the most.
$17,000 for the Triumph and $17,500 for the CBR. Haven't asked after the price on the 636 yet.

[matthewt]

I didn't mention the R6 or gixxer because I don't want a hard out sports bike. I like my current CBR6 because it's comfy, I don't have all my weight on my wrists & it doesn't kill my back.

That may kill the cbr600rr for you then. I think Honda "hardened" the cbr's focus more towards racing from 2001 onwards. I think the new cbr would feel very different to your model.

I rode late 90's model cbr600 and thought it would be a great all-round bike, I wouldn't say that of the 2003/2004 model.

[Slim]

Honda actually put out two models of the CBR each year, but NZ only imports the "sport" version, not the "standard" version. But I'll get it a test ride anyway.

[James Deuce]

Honda actually put out two models of the CBR each year, but NZ only imports the "sport" version, not the "standard" version. But I'll get it a test ride anyway.

Not this time. The CBR600RR is "it" from now on.

IIRC they only did this for one year as model runs overlapped.

The previous "sport" version, the F4i is available as the "comfy" option in the US, but only because they have lots of them in storage.

Having said that the 'bike mags have raved about how comfy the CBR600RR is in real life (whatever that means), but that may just be in comparison to the other Inquisatorial torture devices... errr, 600cc Sport 'bikes they were testing at the time.

[wkid_one]

I took a new Triumph Daytona 600 out for a test ride on Saturday morning, and on checking the status of my personal loan, am very tempted to buy one!! :love:

I found the handling and brakes were much better than my '97 CBR600, although the suspension needed softening up a little for me, and the fuel injection was vastly improved on what I experienced on the TT600 I took for a ride a few weeks ago. We had to creep along in some stop/start roadwork traffic and I had no problems at all. :niceone:

But I've been told to try out the new CBR600RR and the Kwacka 636 before making a decision about what to spend the banks money on. In fact, one of my male friends told me to steer clear of the Triumph because it is "a man's bike", implying that it would require more maintenance work on it than he thought I was capable of! <_< Now I realise that a new bike requires servicing to be done by the shop to maintain the warranty, so I'm sorted for the first year or so, but I'm more than capable of changing oil & filter, adjusting the chain and checking basic stuff.

What do you lot reckon? Is he talking through a hole in his arse or does he know something that I don't?

Any comments on any of the three bikes would be appreciated. For my money I would test the R6, CBR6 and 636 - and I think I would go for the 636. You don't mention the GSXR?

Whilst the 600RR is cool, the 636 is apparently a better bike to ride on the road. At the end of the day - the CBR6 was just the test bed for the new CBR1 in frame etc.

R6 is a super bike.....rode one not long ago.......don't look past it.

I know someone who owned a TT600 and had nothing but problems without - time and time again. I don't think the Daytona will be that different.

I would definitely be looking at the R6, CBR6 and 636.....also consider the GSXR6 as well - this bike rocks and the Canadian spec bikes can be picked up for a bargain

Jim is right - there is no STANDARD CBR6 this year.....the 6RR is the one and only.....and who would want anything less?

As for not wanting a sporty ride - you are fecked. All the 600's you and everyone else has mentioned are track focused weapons now.....

[Batcerb]

Id go Green and Mean!!!

The other bikes, especially the honda just too .... poser - ish.

[bungbung]

Batcerb, if I had a 636, I'd be out on it now, posing like mad (in the glorious welli sun) :sunny: instead of sitting in my sun-less office.

[James Deuce]

Batcerb, if I had a 636, I'd be out on it now, posing like mad (in the glorious welli sun) :sunny: instead of sitting in my sun-less office.

Shhhh stop reminding me!!

[moko]

I think you`ll find the RR and the Triumph just as "focussed" as the R6.I dont know why Honda dont import the "standard" CBR600F to N.Z.(we get both in the U.K.)because that would be better for your needs from what you say than the RR.As it is the 636 Kwak is generally considered to be as good an all-rounder as the latest CBR600F.All 3 are very good bikes.As for your male friend,well he`s got a great career ahead of him as a ventriloquist,no-one can see your lips move when you talk out of your arse.

[Slim]

I think you`ll find the RR and the Triumph just as "focussed" as the R6. I dont know why Honda dont import the "standard" CBR600F to N.Z. (we get both in the U.K.) because that would be better for your needs from what you say than the RR.
I thought so! http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/ - this site lists the CBR600F4i and the CBR600RR. :bleh: (Thanks Moko :) )

[moko]

CBR600RR is a completely different bike to the 600F and not just a sports version.Engine,frame,the whole lot is new though the brakes are from the SP2/Fireblade.It was developed to give Honda a better base bike than the F model in the 600 Supersports racing class.The CBR600F is very popular here as more of an all-rounder than the R6 e.t.c. and if Honda had totally replaced it with the RR they would have handed thousands of sales to Kawasaki on a plate as the 636 sells to the same kind of rider.
Triumph by the way have greatly improved their 600 from it`s disasterous forebear that had duff fuel-injection and a frame so wrong they actually retro-fitted a new design to the first few hundred.Daytona`s reckoned to be up there with the rest.On the whole Triumph have a pretty good reputation for reliability,first 600`s were stinkers though.

[SPman]

Long term tests rate the new CBR600RR as a pain in the back/wrists/butt over a distance, the ZXR6R as the gruntiest and the Daytona as the most precise handling - but with all the current 600's, we are talking fractions of a percent difference in most areas. The ZX6R I tried was real hard on my wrists and most are full on sportsbikes now, even the ZX6.- so - buy the bike YOU like.

[bluninja]

Hey SLIM, I know you don't need a litre, but what about the SV1000S ? Might be a tad more comfortable than the 600 sports......oh ok go with the triumph as it's the one that hit the spot.....but still try out all the others...it's free.

[LB]

Hi Slim. Scrosser has a CBR600RR and Doug Green and his wife own a ZXR600 and a 636 - I'll tell them about this thread and they can give you their opinions of their bikes.

[merv]

Right Lynda and when we see Scrosser at lunch he still seems to be able to sit up OK and walk without being hunched over too far so the foetal tuck on the RR can't be too debilitating compared to what he was used to on his Guzzi or his dirt bike.

Spotted Viv and Doug heading towards Pauatahanui yesterday - I guess they are racking up the k's on the 636 so should be able to give some feedback by now.

[marty]

hey slim - go and see the guys at road and sport - they have a yoshi piped sv1000k3 demo model (the faired one). i rode it a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed with it's comfort, lazy/easy power, the sound, and the rideability - $14k on the road with the yoshies.

[moko]

How about the Suzi SV650S? Not as quick as the 600 4`s but then you`re not after an out and out sportsbike anyway.The latest model is a good-looker and very popular in Europe.Only minor niggles are the front sparkplug dosnt like the rain,a bit of silicone sealer sorts that,and you`ll get more engine-braking than on a 4 and if you`re un-aware of this you may find yourself locking the back wheel on down-changes if you crash down through the gears boy/girl racer style,just a matter of adjusting your riding style.Of course SUZUKI could fit a slipper clutch like Ducati but that`d bump the price way up.

[Slim]

Oooh goodie. More bikes to test ride. :D :yes:

[ching_ching]

Hey Slim,

Thought I'd chuck in my 2¢ worth, hope you don't mind.

Don't do yourself a disservice, test whatever number of bikes you have on your list and scrutinise, you are the rider of your final decision. The main reason I bought my Zuki was because of the price. Zuki slammed on their summer special and I was after a sports, twas a good price and tadaaa. I gots what I gots. Don't get me wrong, even though I didn't test ride any other bikes I still love my Zuki but I think being a little more discerning would have been a good thing.

Anyways, I assume you're going to Hamilton Motorcycles to test the Trumpie? Have they still got that red 636 Kwak demo? Was itching to test that one but didn't. Have sat on the CBR600RR at Boyds but that's about it. So I'll use my gixx as a bit of reference if that's worth anything.

The seat is more comfortable on the gixx than I've found when I sat on the CBR so if you value your ass maybe an aftermarket solution would be the 'himms' if you choose that bike. From what I've been told, yes, performance wise, there is not much diff between the big four's 600 machines. Have been told that the new trumpie is a great bike, just as good as the Japanese machines as well (good on ya Engalund). I've found with the CBR, Kwak, and Gixx you will have that 'go forth and cane it' riding position just right for a mercy dash from Turangi to Taupo. But if you're looking for a bit more comfort for a longer ride, these machines may not be totally suitable.

Hope this babble has helped a little. Lettuce know what you end up with, I'm sure we all would be chomping at the bit to find out.

Laters

ching_ching

[DeanOh]

How about the Suzi SV650S? you`ll get more engine-braking than on a 4 and if you`re un-aware of this you may find yourself locking the back wheel on down-changes if you crash down through the gears boy/girl racer style,just a matter of adjusting your riding style.


I didnt realise I was a boy racer until now :wavey:

[Pickle]

Hey Slim
Test as many as you can and then make your decision. We bought the 2002 ZX636 as it is not as race orientated as the latest version & we mainly do road riding, the bike is awsome. All of the latest 600's are really race bikes with lights and would not be comfortable on long trips, If your riding is sports orientated and you do the odd track day then you cant go wrong with any of the latest 600's they are all so close and your choice will probably come down to which colour/price suits best. If you are doing a lot of road riding then the 02 ZX636 or the CBR F4i would be the better choice. The early Triumphs are supposed to be really bad and the latest are supposed to be a Huge improvement ( Bruce Anstey won Isle of Man on one ) other than that I dont know anything about the Triumph.
In the latest Performance Bikes mag they have a section on 600's and how good they are. The latest 636 will actually beat a ZX9 in a top gear roll on between 70ks and 150ks, so dont be fooled into getting a 1000 as you have higher running costs, insurance, costs of tyres etc.
Will be interested in YOUR CHOICE, so keep us all informed as to what you have tested and at the end decided to purchase. :ride:

[wkid_one]

How about the Suzi SV650S?
Good call - vastly underrated bike.....and ohhhh for the nice Twin sound

[Zed]

Hey Slim
Test as many as you can and then make your decision. We bought the 2002 ZX636 as it is not as race orientated as the latest version & we mainly do road riding, the bike is awsome. All of the latest 600's are really race bikes with lights and would not be comfortable on long trips, If your riding is sports orientated and you do the odd track day then you cant go wrong with any of the latest 600's they are all so close and your choice will probably come down to which colour/price suits best. If you are doing a lot of road riding then the 02 ZX636 or the CBR F4i would be the better choice. The early Triumphs are supposed to be really bad and the latest are supposed to be a Huge improvement ( Bruce Anstey won Isle of Man on one ) other than that I dont know anything about the Triumph.
In the latest Performance Bikes mag they have a section on 600's and how good they are. The latest 636 will actually beat a ZX9 in a top gear roll on between 70ks and 150ks, so dont be fooled into getting a 1000 as you have higher running costs, insurance, costs of tyres etc.
Will be interested in YOUR CHOICE, so keep us all informed as to what you have tested and at the end decided to purchase. :ride:
Hi Slim, ditto what Doug said about making your own choice...test riding each one would help heaps (but take it easy until out of site of the bike shop :whistle: )

Hi Doug, have you got a pic of that awesome 636 green machine that you could post? I'd be keen as to see it!


Zed

[SPman]

Nah - go for the triumph
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1009&stc=1

looks good in blue!

[Slim]

Boyd called yesterday to say they had the 600RR in store for me to ride, but the weather was absolute cr@p all day and didn't clear as predicted until well after the bike shops shut. :(

But today is fine, so my bike is downstairs in the company motorcycle parking sheds (yes, we have 3 car-size covered bays for motorcycles to park! :D ) and I shall be taking the 600RR for a ride, followed by the Kwacka 636. If I have time, I'll trot into Road & Sport & see if they've got the SV650 for me to try too (I know they've got the 1000 demo bike at the moment cos they've got huuuuge signs in the front window to that effect).

An update will be provided tomorrow. :) :ride:


Doug G: I didn't think the CBR600F4i was imported into New Zealand anymore .... Do you know something I don't?

[Grumpy]

Hey Slim,
Lot's of good advice here.Ain't buying a new bike great?
Something to think about though. I know this bloke who is a shocker for basing his choices on something he read in a mag, or something he heard someone say and even which bike has the most 'pose' value. The same bloke changes his bike's and cars like you wouldn't believe. It's always " it's really uncomfortable on a long trip" or " no good for pillions" etc etc...
Guess the point I'm trying to get to is everybody gets different things out of different bikes. Hell, there has to be a reason why they sell so many Harleys!
Test ride heaps and if it rings your bells, but it!

[Slim]

I've had my current bike for 5.25 years, do you think it's too soon for me to get a new one?!?!? ;)

Greg from Boyd called not long ago to see if I got yesterday's message and when I'd be in to test ride it.

I think opening our original conversation with, "I just test rode this nice little Triumph across the road yesterday ....." was a good plan for getting great service. :shifty:

[spudchucka]

After reading this thread I decided to go out and test one of these little beasties. The only one available locally was the current R6 Yam so thats what I'll comment on.

I was bloody well impressed to say the least. Being used to a 1000cc twin I was expecting the power to be disapointing - it wasn't. Although the delivery is very different to what I'm used to, the power available was excellent and very satisfying.

I expected to feel cramped - I didn't. The ride position was actually more comfortable than the TL. The pressure on my wrists was less and I didn't feel too big for the bike, despite being 6' 1" and 98 kgs.

The handling was unreal, total confidence in the bike after a couple of corners. The bike was light and really flickable, the brakes worked well and the suspension felt great on the standard settings.

Bottom line is I couldn't really knock the bike in any way, it just felt spot on. Would I buy one? Yep, no hesitation. While I would miss the raw V-Twin power delivery, the R6 was so refined I reckon I would soon just get swept away in the joy of riding such a fine machine.

Now I'll have to find a dealer with a 636 Kwak, 600RR Honda to see which of these pocket rockets is the ultimate. :niceone:

[wari]

After reading this thread I decided to go out and test one of these little beasties. The only one available locally was the current R6 Yam so thats what I'll comment on

...

Now I'll have to find a dealer with a 636 Kwak, 600RR Honda to see which of these pocket rockets is the ultimate. :niceone:


Thats actually a pretty good review Spud ... you oughta be putting some write ups in HERE for reviews (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35) :niceone:

[spudchucka]

The CBR600RR looks pretty flash with these cans!!

http://www.mickhone.com.au/moriwaki/cbr600rr.htm

[Firefight]

After reading this thread I decided to go out and test one of these little beasties. The only one available locally was the current R6 Yam so thats what I'll comment on.

I was bloody well impressed to say the least. Being used to a 1000cc twin I was expecting the power to be disapointing - it wasn't. Although the delivery is very different to what I'm used to, the power available was excellent and very satisfying.

I expected to feel cramped - I didn't. The ride position was actually more comfortable than the TL. The pressure on my wrists was less and I didn't feel too big for the bike, despite being 6' 1" and 98 kgs.

The handling was unreal, total confidence in the bike after a couple of corners. The bike was light and really flickable, the brakes worked well and the suspension felt great on the standard settings.

Bottom line is I couldn't really knock the bike in any way, it just felt spot on. Would I buy one? Yep, no hesitation. While I would miss the raw V-Twin power delivery, the R6 was so refined I reckon I would soon just get swept away in the joy of riding such a fine machine.

:niceone:

Now on my second R6, would have to agree with you SC.

Firefight :crazy:

[Firefight]

I've had my current bike for 5.25 years, do you think it's too soon for me to get a new one?!?!? ;)

Greg from Boyd called not long ago to see if I got yesterday's message and when I'd be in to test ride it.

I think opening our original conversation with, "I just test rode this nice little Triumph across the road yesterday ....." was a good plan for getting great service. :shifty:


Hey Slim, if you have not made up your mind B4 Andrew and I are next down
Hams, you can take my R6 out for a spin, thats should be about a week (mind you sometimes these Physics Boys can be a bit unreliable :crazy: )

Let me know F/F :ride:

[Slim]

So I went test riding bikes yesterday. What a revelation.

The CBR600RR was the first ride of the afternoon. I was told to try & ignore the lack of legroom and weight on wrists and to remember not to grip the bars, and sent on my way.

It's a beautiful bike, a bit on the small side, but the weight-on-wrists problem wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be and my legs fit the tank much better than they did on the TT600. It handles wonderfully - very light and flickable and ready to take corners much faster than I would on my CBR6. I started to have loads of fun after the first couple of corners. :D Loads of power all the way through, with no huge "power band" to deal with, which was nice, and plenty of power even in top gear, to pull out & pass slower traffic without having to change down. The only other thing to note was that the engine noise is a little bland - there's no satisfying growl when you accelerate. But hey ho.

But the ergonomics are cr@p!!! It didn't matter where I sat on the seat, my lower back was being slowly killed, and by the time I got back to the shop, it was definitely scratched off my list of possibles.

When I hopped back on my own bike again, it felt like I was hopping on a Goldwing!!!

Then across the road to Hamilton Motorcycles to try out the Kwacka 636. Initial impression once mounted, was that it's physically slightly larger than the 600RR and while the ergonomics were generally far better, the pegs were too high. The handling felt heavier after the 600RR but still far & away much better than my own bike and the brakes were crisp and effective, especially after the 600RR's spongy-feeling ones. Power delivery was good and the engine had a satisfying growly sound to it, but there was too much vibration transferred to the handlebars (a first for me). Whether I was still having problems from my ride on the 600RR or not, I don't know, but my back didn't seem to appreciate this ride much better than the last one, and I noticed there was a bit more weight on my wrists too.

My memories of the Triumph are of a slightly more accomodating riding position although not as comfy as my own bike, and of less power than these 2 that I've just tried, but the brakes were great & the handling good. Unfortunately, the demo bike is now down in Wellington, so a 2nd ride for comparison is uncertain.

There's a 2nd hand, 7000km, one lady owner, SV650 in Boyd that I'm going to give a try, and I'd love to take you up on your offer, FF, but the next couple of weeks are busy or my shifts are not condusive to a ride during the week, but I'll definitely keep an eye out on the Ride Out forum & give you a yell if I can join you again. :)

[moko]

The early Triumphs are supposed to be really bad and the latest are supposed to be a Huge improvement ( Bruce Anstey won Isle of Man on one ) other than that I dont know anything about the Triumph.


Agree with all you say Doug on the best choice for Slim with a test-ride of an Sv a good idea as well.As for the 600 Triumph,it was a disaster when the first ones came out,handling and fuel-injection problems had the first run back to the factory and first ones even had a new frame retro-fitted.Real knock-back for Triumph as on the whole they`ve got a great reputation and being British are made with our crap weather in mind and tend to look better than Jap bikes after a couple of winters.Latest 600 is a brilliant machine,how about the 600 Speed Four Slim?Dont know if you get those in N.Z.but they sell well here and are something a bit different.For anyone who hasn`t seen one they`re basically "Streetfighter" style,same as the sports bike but with straight bars and a weird looking bug-eye mini-fairing,you`ll either love the looks or hate them.Come to that how about a new Fazer,latest one has the R6 motor tuned for a bit more mid-range and you`ll find it a lot easier to handle and less intimidating than a sportster.

[moko]

My memories of the Triumph are of a slightly more accomodating riding position although not as comfy as my own bike


How about the Speed Four,same machine,"roadbike" riding position?

There's a 2nd hand, 7000km, one lady owner, SV650 in Boyd that I'm going to give a try, and I'd love to take you up on your offer, FF, but the next couple of weeks are busy or my shifts are not condusive to a ride during the week, but I'll definitely keep an eye out on the Ride Out forum & give you a yell if I can join you again. :)
Be sure and check which model,latest one has more angular styling ,fuel-injection and reckoned to be a better machine than the older one.
Not sure if I`ve been in Hamilton Motorcycles or not,had a look in the one that sells Buells and one across the road.Your bike salesman are a lot better than ours,if you`re not spending money they dont want to know you.Bloke in the Buell shop was a gent,answered all my stupid questions anyway then came back and showed us around some more bikes even though he knew we were just taking a look and not buying.I had an argument with the head salesman of the cowboys down the road from me over whether the CB500 was water-cooled or not,he said definately not,and they`re a Honda main dealer,scary.We were looking at a pile of crap he was trying to sell me stashed away out the back and I asked why the radiator was missing,that`s how it came about.

[wari]

Hullo 'ullo 'ullo ... whats happened 'ere then? :shake:

no bike bort yet or what ? ...

[Slim]

Hullo 'ullo 'ullo ... whats happened 'ere then? :shake:

no bike bort yet or what ? ...
Not yet. I've been out of action with a lovely dose of Strep Throat for the last week, so I wasn't even up to taking my mans new (to him) 916 for a ride even though the weather was nice mid-week & I had ample opportunity. :(

Hopefully I'll be able to take the VTR & SVs for a blast in the next couple of weeks. *fingers crossed*

[moko]

OR................how about the new Z750?,nice and torquey,plenty of poke and riding position wont break your back.If you do get the optional screen put on,it`ll look better and be a lot more comfortable at speed.New Fazer`s nice too.

[deeknow]

Hopefully I'll be able to take the VTR & SVs for a blast in the next couple of weeks. *fingers crossed*

You've had loads of decent input from the other folks here Slim, but I thought I'd put my $0.02 in as I've just been thru the same sort of test program you have, plus I'm in Hamilton too. I've been riding a 600ss Ducati for awhile and was convinced I'd buy myself a bigger Duke, or another 1000cc twin (SV, TL, VTR etc) so off I went round the shops to try a few machines for size.

Note to others: please dont take offence to any negative comment I may make about your bike, this is a result of very limited testing time and the likely difference between our riding styles and character :-)

Before approaching the the shops I scrounged a ride on a friend's brother's VTR/Firestorm. Physicaly the bike looks loads bigger than my wee Duke of course, but it also felt bigger on board, and I didnt feel quite as connected to it. There was a ton-of-Torque, the ride was smooth, but it just didnt quite start my motor so to speak. At this stage I'm thinkin ... keep-trying-others

First shop ride was on a '02 model R6 that Road-n-Sport have on the floor. I wanted to get a taste of some inline-four action and really liked the styling of the R6's. Went out on a test-ride (escorted by one of their sales-staff who was bloody helpful). Fit-wise the thing felt great, and was very impressed by the handling and top-end rush of the machine, but felt the mid-range was a bit lacking, probably coz I'm used to the character of my twin. At this stage I'm thinking ... go-for-a-bigger-twin.

Next ride was back on a twin, an SV1000 at Road-N-Sport. I wanted to compare the SV to the VTR coz they're similar specs and both in the same price-bracket. In a nutshell I was bloody impressed with the SV, tons of tourque across a generous rev-range, comfy ergonomics, seemed to flick about quite freely despite looking kinda big, impressive brakes, sounded wicked (after-market slip-ons) and I really like the styling of the things (some folks apparently dont). At this stage I was basically ready to sign-up for a new SV-thou

I figured I should try another four just in case, so next test was the demo ZX6R (636) at HamiltonMC's. Found the fit to be similar to the R6, handling wise they were also alike but the ZX did seem a little flightier powering out of corners (could be suspension setup I guess). Top-end power didnt seem greatly different to the R6 but the mid-range was noticably more beefy. If I was choosing between the Yamaha and Kwaka it would probably be the Kawasaki (once again, coz of my familiarity with mid-range twin-torque.

From crawling over magazine and website reviews of the recent model 600's I figured the GSX, CBR and Daytona were gonna be pretty much similar experiences to the R6 and ZX6R so I decided not to test them yet. At this stage I was still dead-keen on an SV-thou

Heading back to twin-test-land I went out on a recent model (used) 750ss Duke, one of the 2-valve/air-cooled jobs. This is a similar configuration to my 600ss but styling is way different, and its fuel-injected. Was really impressed with the bike, felt nice and planted, roomy but felt nicely connected. Unfortunately it really wasnt an overly exciting step-up performance wise from my 600, and for the price I really couldnt justify it (twice what I paid for my 600ss)

Next ride was a '98 model 900ss Duke (yes they did build one in '98, limited edition, import only in NZ, super-light style single seater jobbie). It was for sale in a shop in Christchurch and I fell in love with these when I first saw one in an old catalogue a couple of years back so had to test it while I was down there. Basically the same geometry as my 600 only twin-disk brakes on the front, 50% more capacity, silver paint job, and a few carbon bits. It was a great ride, not original (crash?), and for the money they were asking I just couldnt commit to it.

While in ChCh I spotted a '97 model Kwaka ZX-7R and figured ... why not. Despite their dodgy paint-jobs :-) I'd read lots about the machines that I liked the sound of, and after a test-ride up and around the port-hills I discovered it pretty much had all the characteristics I was looking for. So I bought it !!!

Handling wise the thing is great, keeps a line wickedly (even if its a little lardy when it comes to changing line), has enough peak power to keep me interested for awhile, has a decent amount of torque (not as much as a big twin obviously) and the tourque curve is suprisingly flat (for a inline-four), the front end seems pretty sorted, brakes are great (stopping ~200kgs), it feels great when given a chance to get up and sing. In the first fortnight I've done about 1000 kms (mostly twisties) and I just love it !!!

So Slim, to sum up this long-post-from-hell, the killer thing for me with the ZX7R was that it had all the things I wanted from my next bike, and it was half (ok, two-thirds) the price of the machines I'd been looking at. I'd definately reccomend you take a used 750-four out before you lay down any money on a new 600. If you dont like green, try a GSXR750, hell even a 900 maybe. I reckon you'll be pleasently suprised, so will the accountant.

Good Luck.

[Slim]

So Slim, to sum up this long-post-from-hell ...
Not at all. It was a good read, concise and in a language I could understand. Thanks for the input. :)

[Blackbird]

In the December 2003 edition of Performance Bikes (Currently in the shops with the new Aprilia on the cover), there's a 600 comparison. It's interesting to note that because of their lack of weight, the performance is soooo... close to their bigger counterparts and the handling is superior. In other words, in real life situations on NZ roads, you'd hardly notice the difference apart from having to rev them a bit harder.

Your bigest choice is finding something that "feels" right!

Good luck

Geoff

[moko]

Bit confused actually as I`ve just noticed that you`ve got one of the best all-rounder 600`s already.Why not save loads of money and get yours over-hauled,maybe spend some money on the suspension or whatever can be improved.Seems to me that the bike you`re looking for is basically what you`ve already got.If your happy with yours but just want a new bike then surely it`s got to be the CBR600 again,if they dont import the standard model then the 636 Kwak is nearest in character.Or,if you want yet another choice thrown in the ZZR600 is a greatly under-rated machine and more CBR than ZXR.

[Slim]

Bit confused actually as I`ve just noticed that you`ve got one of the best all-rounder 600`s already ... Seems to me that the bike you`re looking for is basically what you`ve already got. If your happy with yours but just want a new bike then surely it`s got to be the CBR600 again, if they dont import the standard model then the 636 Kwak is nearest in character.
You're absolutely right, Moko. :crazy:

I think I got carried away with the fact that new bikes are finally priced within my reach and I figured over 5 years with one bike was about enough.

But I finally made an executive decision about some money that's been sitting in my savings account for the last 8 months & I dumped it on one of my debts yesterday, and the debt that's left could conceivably be cleared in a year & I could get out of shift work!!! :gob:

Priorities seem to have changed ... for now. ;)

[wari]

You're absolutely right, Moko. :crazy:

I think I got carried away with the fact that new bikes are finally priced within my reach and I figured over 5 years with one bike was about enough.

But I finally made an executive decision about some money that's been sitting in my savings account for the last 8 months & I dumped it on one of my debts yesterday, and the debt that's left could conceivably be cleared in a year & I could get out of shift work!!! :gob:

Priorities seem to have changed ... for now. ;)

ooooooooooooooooooooh .... :( .... I was getting excited and everything too.

[Slim]

ooooooooooooooooooooh .... :( .... I was getting excited and everything too.
Sorry to disappoint, but Ms Sensible finally got a word in edgeways. <_<


I did get to take my man's 916 for a ride on Thursday though. :cool: Not that I'd buy one, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be - a wee bit less sporty ergonomics-wise than the CBR600RR actually. I can see how it would be veeeeery easy to lose ones licence on it though! :eek5:

[wari]

Sorry to disappoint, but Ms Sensible finally got a word in edgeways. <_<


I did get to take my man's 916 for a ride on Thursday though. :cool: Not that I'd buy one, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be - a wee bit less sporty ergonomics-wise than the CBR600RR actually. I can see how it would be veeeeery easy to lose ones licence on it though! :eek5:

sensible shmensible ... did ya see this ...

TT600 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=9314903)

[Slim]

sensible shmensible ... did ya see this ...

TT600 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=9314903)
I took a TT600 for a ride & didn't like it very much. The FI was snatchy at low revs in round-town traffic, although it performed well on the open road. And the tank was the wrong shape or the pegs were in the wrong place cos my legs felt all wrong when riding.

The Daytona was a definite improvement in many ways. :)

[Zed]

I took a TT600 for a ride & didn't like it very much. The FI was snatchy at low revs in round-town traffic, although it performed well on the open road. And the tank was the wrong shape or the pegs were in the wrong place cos my legs felt all wrong when riding.

The Daytona was a definite improvement in many ways. :)Hey, sounds like you've test ridden quite a few bikes now...how many bikes have you owned before your CBR600 Slim?

I know that first impressions sometimes can be inaccurate and that with bikes it can take some time before you realise that you actually enjoy a certain riding position or engine type!


Zed

[Slim]

Hey, sounds like you've test ridden quite a few bikes now...how many bikes have you owned before your CBR600 Slim?
The CBR is my 3rd bike (a GB250 until I got my full licence, then a GSX400R, then a three year break) and I've had it for just over 5 years now.

I've test ridden the TT600, new Daytona 600, CBR600RR & Kawasaki 636, plus recent rides on Ducati ST2 & 916. :)

[Zed]

The CBR is my 3rd bike (a GB250 until I got my full licence, then a GSX400R, then a three year break) and I've had it for just over 5 years now.

I've test ridden the TT600, new Daytona 600, CBR600RR & Kawasaki 636, plus recent rides on Ducati ST2 & 916. :)
Well I hope you find what you're looking/feeling for! :D

[moko]

You're absolutely right, Moko. :crazy:

I think I got carried away with the fact that new bikes are finally priced within my reach and I figured over 5 years with one bike was about enough.
Priorities seem to have changed ... for now. ;)

I know this is an old thread but I recently read an article in a Brit bike mag that`s relevent.Guy had a Suzi GSX600,a bike the press crucify but a steady seller for years and owners seem to like it anyway.Point being that like you he`d had his bike for a few years and partly on the strength of all those journos trashing his bike while worshipping at the alter of the CBR600 he used his life-savings and bought a brand-new CBR.Well he was honest enough to say that now he`s got the CBR he wonders why he chucked his money away,not that the CBR isnt a brilliant bike but he thought he`d buy the Honda and be blown away by how much better it was,and in his opinion he`d paid a lot more for not a lot more that was relavent to him or the use he wants from his bike plus he couldn`t get on with the riding position.I`d think that changeing from one CBR to another,albeit quite a lot different,would give even more of the same feeling so unless you`re actually unhappy with what you`ve got you`ve done the right thing holding onto your bike.Think I`ve mentioned doing a similar thing myself,chopped in a CB500,real wolf in sheep`s clothing , screw the nuts off it and it flies and handles really well,for a Yam XJ600N,on paper better,in reality I kicked myself for buying it for a few months then bit the bullet and got rid of it.I loved that little Honda and only changed because I had a bit of spare cash and thought it should be a step up,should`ve got some decent suspension and a tune-up for the CB instead.

[Slim]

I know this is an old thread ....

I`d think that changing from one CBR to another, albeit quite a lot different, would give even more of the same feeling so unless you`re actually unhappy with what you`ve got you`ve done the right thing holding onto your bike. Think I`ve mentioned doing a similar thing myself, chopped in a CB500, real wolf in sheep`s clothing, screw the nuts off it and it flies and handles really well, for a Yam XJ600N, on paper better, in reality I kicked myself for buying it for a few months then bit the bullet and got rid of it. I loved that little Honda and only changed because I had a bit of spare cash and thought it should be a step up, should`ve got some decent suspension and a tune-up for the CB instead.
Mmmmm. I've heard a rumour about the price of the Daytona 600's coming down even further! If that truly comes about, I'll be going down to see my bank manager! In the mean time, suspension is probably the next thing to look at on my bike - the rear suspension damper screw has seized up. Will get The Man to help me have a look at it at some stage in the not too distant future. The Dyno run proves that it's already running superbly, so there's just the minor carb balance to think about & maybe an air filter.

Honda's are the Toyota of the motorcycling world - do regular maintenance and they just about refuse to break. :)

[aff-man]

cept for the chargine system :crazy:

[Cajun]

Slim let me know if you wanna look at a gsxr600k4, thats if you are interested in one of these.

I must say its not a down and out racer, i mean i can ride this bike all day i couldn't do that on my old gsxr1100.

[wkid_one]

Well he was honest enough to say that now he`s got the CBR he wonders why he chucked his money away,not that the CBR isnt a brilliant bike but he thought he`d buy the Honda and be blown away by how much better it was,and in his opinion he`d paid a lot more for not a lot more that was relavent to him or the use he wants from his bike plus he couldn`t get on with the riding position.Interesting that and true. For the average road rider, you would have a shit show of telling the difference between the CBR600RR, 636, R6 or GSXR6 in performance and handling terms. It would all come down to comfort and taste. Same goes with the thous and other classes.

We get told in magazines not to buy X bike as it pushes in the front when cornering, or Y Bike because it has a tendency to have a vague rear end. However the failing in the magazines is that

The testers are ex-racers
The magazines get kick backs from manufacturers
The test riders often have allegiances to sponsors
The Magazines will always prefer new over old
The bikes are fettled and set up by pros
They are tested on tracks within inches of the bikes maximum limits
They too have preferences and tastes
They get off the bike and don't have to ride it every day
They have no money invested in the purchase of the bike - therefore no consideration about the long term benefit of ownership
etc etc
I tend to take what a magazine says with a grain of salt - as in all honesty - who can tell the difference between a GSXR, CBR, R1, ZX10 etc on the road anyway. The performance of the bike infinitely exceeds to capabilities of 99% of riders (otherwise we would all be racing SBK/GP) and the conditions/environment in which we ride.

At the end of the day - if you buy a bike solely because of a review/opinion of 3rd party/magazine etc you are a bloody idiot. Interestingly enuf - out of all the new thous - I would buy the one down on power and reviews - the CBR1000RR - as for me, it was the nicest and easiest bike to ride hard. At the end of the day - it isn't about most horsepower or highest top end - it is about fastest point to point (if you are so inclined) in the most comfort with the least dramas. Cajun hit it on the head 'I could ride this bike all day'.

I still think 600's/750's are the best bike for road conditions tho providing the best blend of handling and power.

Now - where are my crutches - I need to get off this soap box

[moko]

For the average road rider, you would have a shit show of telling the difference between the CBR600RR, 636, R6 or GSXR6 in performance and handling terms. It would all come down to comfort and taste. Same goes with the thous and other classes.

This guy by the way had the old GSX600(still a steady seller here)not a Gixxer and that was his whole point,he was well aware that his old Suzi was a long way from being the hottest thing on the street,they never were when they came out years ago let alone now,and having read the breathless articles was expecting the CBR to be light years ahead.Well it was definately better in every way as he says but not enough to make him glad he`d chucked his life savings at it and if he`d known what he knows now he`d have settled for a new GSX which is loads cheaper than a CBR (not far over Bandit 600 prices)and just as good for the guy`s use.
I agree with everything you say,mate of mine bought himself a 900 Hornet when all he uses it for is trips into town and to his Mother`s,I spent hours trying to tell him before he bought it that for what he wants it`s pure over-kill and all he`s doing is shagging the motor which hardly ever gets the chance to warm up let alone a good run.Same guy,same reasoning really couldn`t understand why I run a 600 when there are so many bigger bikes around.No matter that the Fazer was one of the best-selling bikes in Europe and known for being an excellent all-rounder didn`t matter,I "should`ve got" a V-Max,XJR1300 or whatever,well fine but as a year round rider no way do I want to slide to work on a Max in winter,or lug a big XJR around the country roads I do my leisure riding on.Do people like that ever listen?Like hopefully most of the people on KB I bought my bike after weighing up what I wanted it for,how much I wanted to spend running the thing,the kind of roads I use,how fast I ride,how practical it is for my needs,cost and availability of spares and hours and hours of scanning mags,web-sites e.t.c.My mate Mike?"Biggest I can afford is a 900 Hornet".He`d never ridden one or even sat on one,it was 900c.c.......deal done.
Best tests we get here are by Ride magazine,they test used bikes and contact readers who own the same model for their features.They also compare new models with old and even let readers with older models try new ones and give their opinions,their annual survey is very interesting as well and has thrown up a few suprises over the years.

[BugSplat]

Get the Yamaha :done:

[Quasievil]

Just so you all know the nice red 636R from Hamilton Motorcycles is now tucked up in Bed in my garage, we have been bonding nicley

[mattt]

Damn - all this motorbike talk is making me horny.

I'm going for a :sunny: ride!!!!

[Cajun]

bastard i am stuck at work )c:<