Should I get a ZZR 600 after owning a CBR 600?

**jimdaworm** · 22nd September 2006, 08:19

Hi everyone. Here I am in Spain. Been here 4 months ish now.

Anyway...

I had a 1998 CBR 600 until not long ago, in sunny Wellington. I bought it cause it looked cool and it was fun to ride.

I was also under the impression is was reasonably safe (as safe as an inexperienced rider can be with 105hp) for a pretty inexperienced rider (as I am).

Anyway I loved it and I would buy another here but they are like double the price. I can how ever get ZZR 600s (92,93,94) at a decent price.

Are these bikes known to be dangerous for inexperienced riders? I would like somthing a little more comfortable for myself and the GF after a couple of hours on the CBR we were not comfortable.

What are you opinions?

**Crisis management** · 22nd September 2006, 08:24

The only dangerous part of a motorcycle is the rider.
You know your skills and limitations, if your not sure get a smaller bike, maybe look at an adventure bike (if there are places to explore). The first rule of motorcycling is to enjoy yourself so get a bike your comfortable with and go riding.

Have a great time, wish I was there!

**jimdaworm** · 22nd September 2006, 08:42

Thanks for your reply. I guess I could have worded my question better. What I ment is that apparently some better handling bikes like the GSXR 600 for example are apparently more difficult to recover from riding mistakes than for example the CBR.

Its been toooo hot here until recently.

I watch crazy people go past my work all day on 125cc scooters and motorbikes... well protected in their work suits...

**Crisis management** · 22nd September 2006, 16:36

Originally Posted by jimdaworm

What I ment is that apparently some better handling bikes like the GSXR 600 for example are apparently more difficult to recover from riding mistakes than for example the CBR.
:

My feeling is that any good handling bike should be neutral in it's handling, ie. it responds to rider input no matter the lean angle, suspension compression etc. This is a bit idealistic, but I would have thought that just about all modern (last 20 years) bikes when fitted with the correct tyres & suspension settings would handle well.
I would have thought the CBR to GSXR transition would be reasonably painless but I haven't ridden either of those bikes so can't comment other than theoretically....sounds like bullshit here
Depends what you're comfortable with, if I was in spain I would look to an adventure bike then you can go anywhere from cities to north africa easily. Make the most of the time there!

**quickbuck** · 22nd September 2006, 22:57

By all means mate, but remember there is nothing as mild mannered, and as fun to ride as the Honda

I bet you will be a little disappointed with it, and want another CBR very soon.
I may loose my cash, but that is the feeling I got when I bought a 98 GSX600 after a run of CBR400's.
Only truly happy when I got my CBR600. So consider a 92 CBR if you can find one. The back seat is a little bigger too (I think).

What ever you choose, take it easy amongst those bug splatterers.

Oh, and I wouldn't consider the latest raft of sport bikes any better handling, as they are not as user friendly.
It is horses for courses.

**jimdaworm** · 23rd September 2006, 04:20

Thanks a lot of the info guys. I will see how it goes. I have been looking at bikes in www.segundamano.es I saw a 2004 CBR 600 with 70k for 3000 euros

Then I thought thats quite a few kms.

Oh and I keep forgetting after a few hours my GF and I were not very comfortable... but soooo pretty and fun to ride...

I will tell you guys how I get on anyway. If any of you are in the neighbourhood give me a pm

**Pathos** · 25th September 2006, 18:15

I thought the CBR 600 was higher tuned than the ZZR... I wouldn't expect any problems, it would be easier if anything. It probably would be more comfortable too.

wikipedia seems to agree:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaskai_ZZR600

**jimdaworm** · 11th November 2006, 19:55

Thanks for your input. I will post photos in the next couple of days. I got a 1993 ZZR 600 with only 20k!

**scracha** · 12th November 2006, 20:37

Originally Posted by jimdaworm

Thanks for your input. I will post photos in the next couple of days. I got a 1993 ZZR 600 with only 20k!

Enjoy the ZZR. I can't compare to the CBR as I've never owned a CBR but compared to other 600's they're more for touring. Better fairing and bloody good top speed. They sip gogo juice too compared to other 600's. Plastics and finish aren't so good (obviously the Suzuki's are worse :-) though and the cush drive is snatchy. Choke is an on/off switch, the carbs always seem to be out of balance, they're prone to carb icing (probably not a problem in Spain) and the front brakes are a bitch to service.

**jimdaworm** · 13th November 2006, 05:10

I will tell you guys how I get on. I have just been riding around Madrid. I think I preferred the CBR around town but when I am not stop starting all the time the ZZR is very nice.

I am not sure exactly how to expain it but the CBR seemed really "Smooth" and the ZZR is more of a beast

In absence of proper photos as in my excitement of going for a ride today I forgot to take them. I found a photo of the exact same bike color and all
http://images.speurders.nl/images/21...21876940_2.jpg

I will open a thread in the general section once I take photos.

Thanks again everyone