Stepping up from 250cc, r1 or zx6r

[v8s&2wheels]

Have the chance to get a high kms (80kms) 98 r1

Or a 45kms zx6r 2001

Both are carb. r1 has 128hp and zx6r has 112hp.

Very very much like both bikes and cant decide what to get.

I wanted a zx6r but then this r1 popped up and i want that now

Just a bit worried its a bit too powerful for a stepup.

Can someone please enlighten me with some good information on what to go with, with in mind, the power, how many kms its done, and what would be a better bike in general. By the way im 6 foot and 82kgs.

Cheers

[Starky307]

ZX6, you own a Kawasaki now so why not buy another one?

[Gubb]

I stepped up to a Street Triple (107BHp), and took it very carefully for a month or so. Hasn't bitten me yet, but then again, I haven't given it a chance to.

It all comes down to the the rider, and how capable, and cautious they are.

[v8s&2wheels]

True number 2. But makes arent a bother to me. Im more model specific and i like both the r1 and the zx6r. But torn on which is a safer option for myself (i will be very controlled otherwise i know im dead), and is the r1 too high kms etc.

[mark247]

80,000km is getting on a bit

[BM-GS]

The '98 R1 is one of the most-crashed bikes ever. Check it over very carefully if you go for that, and make damned sure you don't bin it straightaway.

I had one to ride on for a couple of days, and while it was entertaining, my impression still is that it was much too fast enough for the road. Too much concentratin required, 100% of the time. 600s at least need to be revved, so you can bimble or thrash; the R1 has only one natural mode, and every bump in the road is a potential instant 30kph extra.

The engine will not be too stressed (unless raced), but at 80k kms the "other" bits (all bearings, chain, etc) will need a good check over. Suspenders will be shagged, too.

[v8s&2wheels]

The seller has mentioned needs new chain, so would do chain and sprockets, fix that problem. Needs service too aparently. Am i better off to go for the zx6r and then get a 1000 later on. Thing is the r1 has a reserve of 4k. Massively appealing. But worrying about what you said about most crashed bikes.

[nallac]

[QUOTE=BM-GS;1943751]
I had one to ride on for a couple of days, and while it was entertaining, my impression still is that it was much too fast enough for the road. Too much concentratin required, 100% of the time. 600s at least need to be revved, so you can bimble or thrash; the R1 has only one natural mode, and every bump in the road is a potential instant 30kph extra.

QUOTE]


true,

Just got a 99 R1 myself,up from a 900 Hornet, absolute truck loads of power every where, so easy to get to instant loss of licence speed with out trying....
But its sooooo much fun:2thumbsup:2thumbsup.

awesum handling ,wicked brakes,way to fast for road riding with so many police around.
As a step up from a 250 hmmmm ,can you control yourself?.

[CookMySock]

If you are concerned about too much power, then I think that answers your own question. I'd say you are far enough ahead of the equation now to be safe. Just don't be an egg on it.

On the other hand, if you are a newbie, do you really want to deal with an older bike that might have issues? The last thing you need this early in your biking career is to deal with some worn bike that you can't properly diagnose - a well behaved R1 might be fine, but an older cranky one? This is the main reason the learner riders in our family stayed with newer bikes.


Good luck whatever your decision.

Steve

[Ragingrob]

If it was me I'd go for the 6, that would be a sweeeeet bike to step up to.

[=cJ=]

I stepped up to a GSXR 600 from a CBR250.

The 600 is light years ahead of the 250 and has been quite a big enough step for me.

I would get the zx6r as it'a lower km, newer model, and quite enough bike to keep a grin on your face for some time to come :-)

[Slyer]

Goooo the kwaka.

[7mmWSM]

600 for you. By comparason you will have 4 times the power than most 250 will have and besides the power, it'll be lighter and more fun to ride than the R1. The 98 R1 could be described as ahead of its time when it came out. It had truck loads of power and was agressive - even by todays standards but just doesn't handle too well at road going speeds.

[The Stranger]

Evolution.
The later model bike will (in most cases) have more of it - brakes, chassis, suspension.

Lower KM - less problems with wear elements - brakes, bearings, shocks etc.

Forget about horsepower. It's the least important component of the equation in the examples you put.

[breakaway]

If you only got 4G's to drop on a bike, I wouldn't do it. Remember, with a litre bike, consumables such as tyres etc wear out way faster. Can you afford that?

[Madmax]

go for the 6 most litre bikes hurt you bank balance at some point

[TOTO]

zx6rrrrrrrrrrrr

[Zoolander]

Aside from the fact the first generation R1 is a very powerful bike, I would also say it is one of the most likely of all the litre bikes to bite an inexperienced rider, hard. I've owned 2 of 'em. I loved them, but they could be an extremely savage ride, and I scared myself big time on more than 1 occasion when my head wasn't really in the zone. Compared to a more modern 1000 they may not be quite as fast, but boy are they aggressive.

So my advice is not to jump onto one just yet.

[vifferman]

The ZX - fewer miles, newer bike, less wear'n'tear so in all probability less to spend money on in the next couple of years.
Leave ego out of it, and think practicalities.

[EJK]

Someone please explain me the expense difference between a thou and a mid class bikes?

[breakaway]

About 40 more HP on the rear wheel, and insane amounts of torque that cuts the rear loose without any effort whatsoever.

[EJK]

Not "experience" but the "expenses" on maintaining difference lol

[breakaway]

Both <img src=''/>

[Zoolander]

Someone please explain me the expense difference between a thou and a mid class bikes?

Consumables mainly, thous generally use a 190 section rear tyre which is marginally more $$ than a 180, but they cut through it a lot quicker than a 600. Also chains, sprockets get used up faster. Potentially brake pads if you're riding it hard.

Also then there's insurance to factor in as well.

I've had both 1000 and 600cc sportsbikes. The thous definately cost more to run.