Anyone really care about what's on paper any more?

**bugjuice** · 13th July 2006, 22:02

Just reading thru the latest KR that popped thru works' door, and there's a very nice piece on the 2006 CBR600RR in MoviStar (?) trim, 5 in NZ.

Now, from remembering back to when I was looking at 600s on paper, the 04 bikes stacked up with the 636 and R6 joint first, GSXR600 very close third, and the CBR600 really trailing behind. Over weight and under powered compared to all of them (can't remember if I took into account the Trumpy 650).

So reading the 06 specs, the bike has dropped a couple of kilos and gained a couple of hp.. which puts it closer to the 04 spec bikes.. But they have the others gained more since 04? The other 3 05/06 bikes just pee all over 04 bikes on paper, but in life, does the paper side matter as much?

Don't really know what point I'm really making here. The CBR is actually looking nice, and do I detect a hint of a face lift too? But when you're picking a bike, do the specs really matter? I've always said no, but can't help thinking that in the back of my mind when I'm looking at/talking bikes (not that I'm buying..). But are Hondas considered the more 'cuddly' bikes?

**sAsLEX** · 13th July 2006, 22:12

Originally Posted by bugjuice

But they have the others gained more since 04?

But are Hondas considered the more 'cuddly' bikes?

umm first bit makes no sense!?

Honda were considered the best track option, but the 06 yam and suz take that now.

**The_Dover** · 13th July 2006, 22:14

who'd buy a honda? out of principle?

**sAsLEX** · 13th July 2006, 22:24

And BJ do you mean paper stats? Like this one weighs two Gnats nuts less than the other? or riders reviews saying what its like to ride as a package?

**VasalineWarrior** · 14th July 2006, 00:31

Fuck it doesnt matter shit all with the 600's. The thous as well. ALL of them are good, some are just marginally better than the others. Regular mortals are not going to be able to tell the ultimate difference with that last extra kg of weight or 1.5629 hp deficit, and it basicaly comes down to the rider to make the difference, be that on road or track.

An ultimate example of this would be Mr Rossi. On a slower and worse handling bike (than the benchmark honda), he can still wipe the floor with them.

**inlinefour** · 14th July 2006, 01:25

I just got the bike that I liked the most and was the most comfortable on. Will be getting my next new bike in the next 5 years. Will test pilot them all and make my mind up then. I know that I'll be getting something bigger than a 600cc though...

**Lou Girardin** · 14th July 2006, 08:08

Buy the one YOU like best. Not what some over-opinionated magazine hack who's paid to be nice to all of them, says you should buy. (not you Dave, you're no hack)

**frogfeaturesFZR** · 14th July 2006, 08:18

Honestly can you buy a 'bad' bike these days ? It's only which one is slightly better at certain things, buy the one that spins Your wheels !

**SimJen** · 14th July 2006, 08:28

I think in the main categories, 600 and 1000's I don't think you can buy a bad one. I think most peeps go for either the brand they always have or the best looking....I don't think many will go for the highest spec or power etc over anything else.
I was always a honda boy but having had a couple of Suzuki's I've changed my mind. I go for the bikes I like not necessarily the highest specs

**beyond** · 14th July 2006, 08:48

Yep, these days there's not much in them. I reckon the journos have a hell of a time deciding which should be first second third etc.
First decide the category: Super sports, sports/tourer, tourer, cruiser etc.
Then narrow them down to the ones you like. After all, you will be looking at it more than anyone else

Then as you say, test drive your narrowed down selection to find which one suits you ergonomically and your style of riding. Some bikes need the shit revved out of them to get the best and others have heaps of midrange. So, your own riding style is going to dictate which is the best for you.

**Postie** · 14th July 2006, 09:03

some of us just pick the bike with the brightest paint job aye buggy???

**Flyingpony** · 14th July 2006, 09:11

But when you're picking a bike, do the specs really matter?

IMHO they are very important for finding the best money for value one.

**Squeak the Rat** · 14th July 2006, 10:01

For the latest 600's or thou's I would take spec's and reviews into the equation, but at a very low priority. Unless you are a very good (ie. expert) rider, or you spend a lot of time on the track then I personally think it's better choosing on personal preference (comfort, "hard-on" factor etc).

Having said that, a lot of people in this market get a buzz from riding "the best" bike available, so you really need to read a lot of magazine articles to make sure that you don't buy the second best one or god forbid number 3 or 4......

If your talking about other types of bikes then yes, specs and reviews matter a bit more to me as there isn't as much fierce competition between similar genre bikes and you are more likely to get large differentiating factors.....

**Biff** · 14th July 2006, 10:41

Most of the manufacturer's specs we read about are bullshit. Yamaha are on record as admitting that they 'engineer' their bikes stats, ensuring that their figures appear competitive when compared to other manufacturers machines.

Not that Yamahas are not-competitive (far from it), just that they're honest in admitting that they lie. At least Yamaha are honest about lying. Everyone else just lies.

If you buy a bike purely based upon manufacturer’s data your bonkers. Ride it first, then make a decision.

**sAsLEX** · 14th July 2006, 10:45

Originally Posted by Biff

If you buy a bike purely based upon manufacturer’s data your bonkers. Ride it first, then make a decision.

Like their dry weights are devoid of any liquid, fork oil and crazy stuff like that!

And judging by some of their claims "18500 rev limit! " which is what is showed on the tacho but not on a dyno! pure PR bullshit