Opinions please... stepping up from a ZXR250 to what?

[metric]

Howdy... am approx 6 weeks away from my full... and will be looking to step up from my ZXR250.

Would appreciate some things to consider before buying my next bike.

Obviously, am really keen on Kawasaki's... but I'm trying to work out order of importance of what to consider:

Engine: 400, 600 or 750? am thinking 600's at this point in time

Manufacturer: Kawasaki or other? have heard/read good things about R6's though

Year/mileage? was thinking mid '90s, 20-40km ish

Other considerations: I'm about 5'9", 85kg... so the bike can't be too big/small

I have used my bike to commute over the last 7 or so months... and that's been it's primary purpose, but I do intend to go 2 up travelling/touring NZ so I'll need something that can handle this easily too.

your thoughts?

Will be going on holiday now so won't be able to reply for a couple of days, but don't let this stop you

[MSTRS:Me]

If you wanna tour 2-up then I suggest you skip the 600 step & go straight to the 900/1200 tourers. And don't let your size dictate bike size per se. I'm slightly taller but lighter than you and look what I ride.....

[Maha]

Well im several months away from selling mine, it has 20,000 odd km's, you can pick up a 5 yr old R6 for around $10k-$11k, great bikes but for a pillion they may be sitting just a bit high where as a sports/tourer, which is what im looking at has a better seat configuration, pillion sits more level with the rider,well in my case anne does......

[Jantar]

Consider the type of use your bike will get. If, as you say, it will be mainly commuting and 2 up touring then stay well away from the pure sports bike like the R6 and opt instead for a sports-tourer.

Bikes like the R6 are designed mainly for the track, and though they are very nice to ride on the road, you will feel cramped and get a sore bum after a couple of hours in the saddle. Your pillion also will not feel too happy at the end of the ride.

Have a good look at the Honda Hornet and Suzuki Bandit as being sporty types but will allow you to tour in comfort. I can tell tell you that even on my GS1200SS the riding style can get cramped after a few hours and the limit for my wife as pillion is around 420 kms of highway riding or 300 kms of tight twisties.

On the Southern Cross ride it was almost comical to see Blackbird, Mangel6 and myself all riding along with our legs stretched out sideways trying to alleviate that cramped feeling after only 5 or 6 hours riding. The riders on R1s, R6s, Busas etc were doing the same after only a couple of hours and on almost every straight section of road.

[onearmedbandit]

Kawasaki ZX6R, 1997'ish. imdying just sold his mint NZ New model done 40,000km for $5750. Seen a few others for similar money.

[imdying]

Yeah, I'd buy another ZX6R in heart beat. Great handling, plenty of power, dribbles around at 1500rpm, something my SV1000 won't do. Comfy enough, passengers didn't complain too much. Pitch a tent with the induction noise... never felt the need for a pipe, woulda been a damn shame to loose the induction sound

[GR81]

i went 250 to CBR600.
great by yourself *grin*... bareable 2-up, but could do with something a lil bigger for 2-up long trips.

[boomer]

same... Go for a Thou

[pritch]

you can pick up a 5 yr old R6 for around $10k-$11k,

He could pick up a new Hornet for that and it'd be a better bike for what he wants to use it for. Physically similar to a 600 in size, similar maximum power but more useable more of the time.

[Kendog]

I went from a GN250 to a Hornet 900, without any problems with power, (just seat height and the weight of the hornet), but have 2 uped on them (both mine and hubbies) and they are really comfy and the other half said he barely noticed me there. From a pillion perspective, found the CBR600 was more comfy to sit on the back of as had more seat to sit on.

[vtec]

OK if I had your list of prerequisites there would be only one bike for me... well maybe a couple, but number 1 on my list would be:
Honda VFR800 V4 vtec. This bike is brilliant in terms of looks handling power rideability, comfort and even fuel economy. I wouldn't go past it if I wanted a two up/commuter/sports bike.
Secondly I would settle for a CBR1100XX or even better a Hayabusa. My dad just bought a brand new Hayabusa, and as well as being extremely powerful, and good handling, mum seemed very happy... excited even, after coming back from 500k's of touring yesterday, on the back of this very sports focussed tourer.

I myself will be going for one of the big 4 japper's 600 specials. In order of preference: Honda CBR600RR, Suzuki GSXR600, Kawasaki ZX6R/R, Yamaha R6. I could get my licence now, but there's no point, cause I can't afford jack at the moment.

[Lazy7]

ZX7R. got to be.

[Scouse]

The suzuki 600 Bandit sounds like a good fit for you low seat hight and a big seat for 2up riding

[iwilde]

I went straight to a ZX9R, love it! But I had a bit of experience in my early days on a CBX750, fast but handled like shit!!!

[Fishy]

I suggest you go and test ride a few once you get your full and see what you like the best within your budget. I went from a CBR250RR to a CBR900RR and loved it.