GZ250 to GSX-R 600 - too big a step or go for it?

[Sable]

If you haven't nailed yourself into an immovable object because you don't understand the concept of throttle modulation thus far, I'm sure you'll be fine. People talk up bikes bigger than 250s as being like a whole different thing and a huge responsibility and risk. Bullshit, they're just another bike.

[Eyegasm]

I just recently upgraded from a Hyosung GT250R to a Kawasaki ZX6R.
It is about 6 times the horsepower than the Hyo, and I respect that.

It all comes down to throttle control.

Take it easy at the start, and hopefully we'll be around at the end.

BTW, It is a great feeling to sit at 100kph and not be revving the living daylights out of your engine!!!

End of the day you will do what you feel is right. You have already made your mind up, your just asking for others to justify it for you.

[nodrog:Me]

OMG, WTF, u wil dye!

[Toaster]

Buying a bike is both subjective and objective.

It needs to be practical for your needs.

It needs to put a smile on your face everytime you ride.

Without any doubt always try them out in a way that tests their intended use before making up your mind.

[imdying]

Thanks for the advice everyone . Well, as I'm a student, a lot of the bikes use will be for commuting and the GZ250 has been great for that. So yeah, the GSX-R 600 would be used for commuting a couple of times to uni and back every day, and also used for day trips every other weekend for a few hours up North or something similar.

I commuted when I was studying on a ZX6R, was great

Just don't give it the berries in stupid places and you'll be right. Probably take a few months before you feel comfortable and start disrespecting the throttle a bit, IMO that's when you're most at risk (i.e. more than when you first pick it up and are still being cautious). Next to that, it's the weight when it's not moving that's the next biggest problem... but when you're stationary the damage is minimal and (relatively) cheap.

[\m/]

If you are careful with the throttle you should be fine.

[slofox]

It took me 40 years of riding before I got onto a GSX-R600. Mainly because a) They weren't around when I started and b) I could never afford one before.

Having ridden the current one for some sixteen months now, I'd have to say it is a safer bike than the SV650S I had immediately before the gixxer. Simply because the handling is so far superior to that of the SV.

The extra power is not a problem. You just don't crank the shit out of it every time. Especially not on wet shiny tarseal, gravel on a corner or wet white lines. Apply with discretion and you'll be fine. I do like that power though...when it's appropriate.

I find the seating position very comfortable. It's a little more tucked than the SVS was but it is by no means as extreme as say a Daytone 675. I have no problem with seating and I'm an old bastard. Last summer I rode over 1100km in just over 24 hours. No problem, I could still walk happily at the end of the journey.

It can commute just fine. However, mine is a K8 which has a wider spread of power than its predecessors. Which does help. But I can pootle round town very happily at 3 - 4 thousand revs and the bike purrs like a kitten. Very tractable and very polite. Get your revs up over 6k and it turns into a turbine. Hit 12.5 or so and you get your arse kicked. But it's all over to that right wrist. Just keep it under control.

As for "not getting everything out of" a gixxer, so what? I will never get everything out of mine but I don't give a rat's arse. I just love what the bike is capable of. I love the way it sits on the road. I love the available acceleration. I love the way it can leap past slow traffic. And it can lean way further than I can. I am just pleased to bits to own something I really enjoy. It continually challenges me instead of the other way round. I like that.

Try a few bikes. Buy the one you like best regardless of what it is. Keep your hair on and you'll be fine.

[Dodgy_Matt]

I commute daily on my CBR600 no worries.. I can’t ride a more upright bike as it puts too much pressure on my spine.
Just coz the power is there does not mean you have to use it all at once

[2Seat_Terror]

Figure out what bike you really want and get it.

If you ride in a mature and sensible way (that right wrist mainly) you'll be fine.

I went from a 150 to a 900 and didn't even die once!

[GrayWolf]

Hey everyone!

Well, I've been biking since last April (on my Suzuki GZ250) and the time is near for me to get my full, and once I get it I'm looking at getting a GSX-R 600. I've had mixed opinions from people, some like the people at Coleman's Suzuki in Auckland saying it's a good step to take and to go for it. Though some of my older biker mates think I should go for something like a Kawasaki ER5 or a Suzuki GS500 first, and then progress to the GSX-R 600 in several months time. What do you think? Thanks

Agreed that everyone here has an opinion, as has been stated. What I would agree with is 'upgrading' is about the rider as well as power/cc rating. You have pointed out later on in another post you commute and want to do 'longer rides' sometimes
Sprot bikes are not really commuter friendly or long distance friendly
I recently was loaned a Yammy FZ6R.... while my bike was in the 'dock' for repair. I did a quick review on it in the new bike sub section.
My honest opinion? is a bloody good step up from your current bike, will have all the power you need, is tractable low down (commuting) and seemed a livley performer when opened up, without the frenetic acceleration blitz you'll get from a sprot 600. Suggestion is to ride both types over a couple of hours doing both traffic and highway riding (also a few twistie bits) and see which one feels more suited to your hands....
DONT let ego, or pressure from anyone, sway you into buying a bike you do not feel comfortable with.

[Oakie]

dont listen to the boring old farts tryin to tell ya to buy a bandit cause of the upright riding style

'ere! I resemble that remark!

[Nastrond]

I have just moved up from a Kawasaki Ninja 250r to a L1 GSX-R after year of riding. Its a huge jump but I know what the bike is capable of and I just respect it more.

Make sure you take one for a ride before you decide and that you feel comfortable with it and make sure you get it for the right reason cause sportbikes aint for crusin'

I use mine for a commuting from the shore to South Auckland but really enjoy it for the backroad blasts at the weekend and track days to come soon.

Good luck

[Conquiztador]

See bike. Like bike. Buy bike. Ride bike. You get some other 1/2 way there thing and you will always regret it.

Spend your life doing things you want to do.

[Batcerb]

Give a street triple a try before commiting to the gsxr

[st00ji]

See bike. Like bike. Buy bike. Ride bike. You get some other 1/2 way there thing and you will always regret it.

Spend your life doing things you want to do.

pretty much this