Triumph, Honda or Kwacka?

**Slim** · 9th February 2004, 08:38

I took a new Triumph Daytona 600 out for a test ride on Saturday morning, and on checking the status of my personal loan, am very tempted to buy one!!

I found the handling and brakes were much better than my '97 CBR600, although the suspension needed softening up a little for me, and the fuel injection was vastly improved on what I experienced on the TT600 I took for a ride a few weeks ago. We had to creep along in some stop/start roadwork traffic and I had no problems at all.

But I've been told to try out the new CBR600RR and the Kwacka 636 before making a decision about what to spend the banks money on. In fact, one of my male friends told me to steer clear of the Triumph because it is "a man's bike", implying that it would require more maintenance work on it than he thought I was capable of!

Now I realise that a new bike requires servicing to be done by the shop to maintain the warranty, so I'm sorted for the first year or so, but I'm more than capable of changing oil & filter, adjusting the chain and checking basic stuff.

What do you lot reckon? Is he talking through a hole in his arse or does he know something that I don't?

Any comments on any of the three bikes would be appreciated.

**Jackrat** · 9th February 2004, 08:46

Yeah mate,He's full of it,Like living in the seventys huh.
Buy the Triumph if you like it.

**James Deuce** · 9th February 2004, 09:02

Personally I like the styling of the Triumph best. They look great in yellow and nearly as special in red, though the British racing green looks classy. I used to be decisive but now I'm not so sure.

Your mate is just jealous he's not buying a new bike. It also appears that he may be conversing via the incorrect orifice.

Buy what YOU like. YOU have to live with and regrets are a pain in the proverbial.

Jim2

**Slim** · 9th February 2004, 09:35

I've just called Boyd Honda to find out when they're going to have a real, live, new CBR600RR in the shop (he's going to get back to me) and also checked the price and at $17,500 they're reasonably priced.

I think it's probably a good idea for me to try the 3 bikes, just for a reality check, but I remember when I brought my CBR, it was love at first ride (and also happened to be the only option, because there were no 2nd hand 600's around at the time).

Mmm. Test riding bikes.

**matthewt** · 9th February 2004, 09:50

I know a few people who have ridden the cbr600 and all have raved about it. Mind you the 636 looks really good !!

PS: your male friend calling the bike a "Man's bike" sounds like bit of a dickhead.

**Motoracer** · 9th February 2004, 10:11

Get a cool blue new kawasaki, it'll go with your cool blue new helmet with the awesome graphics

. But thats just me talking cause I know the kawasaki is the fastest around the track (well, the ZX6R anyway) plus I love the looks.

If you reckon trimph is the one for you then go for it. All these new bikes are pretty up there anyway with marginal differences. It is however a good idea to test them all out then make your decision by following what feels right.

**jrandom** · 9th February 2004, 10:19

What's this crap about a "man's bike". I mean, like, *eh*?

My recollections from perusal of bike mags over the last year lead me to believe that the 636 is the current dog's bollocks in 600s. But hell, I haven't ridden *any* of them, so buy what you like. Personally (shhh!) I reckon yer Daytona 600 there is the best looker out of the lot. Especially if it comes in black. Does it? The TT600 always had an 'orrible reputation but this new one seems like a very different bike.

Cyclespot up here on Barry's Point Rd have a real live new red'n'black CBR600RR. Just like an RCV but without the stickers. Had a sit on it and thought it was a bit cramped.

Oh, and you didn't mention the R6 or gixer, so don't forget to test ride them too - if you're gonna pony up > $15K for a bike you might as well try everything first, and the Suzuki shops might still be running that $13K special on the Alstare.

**k14** · 9th February 2004, 10:26

Personally i would go with the CBR600RR (but that is only my opinion).

The triumph looks pretty cool, but i havent seen it in the flesh yet, only in a few mags.

Just out of curiosity, how much do they all cost? I would take any of them any day, so just take the one you like the most.

**Slim** · 9th February 2004, 10:30

Originally Posted by jrandom

Oh, and you didn't mention the R6 or gixer, so don't forget to test ride them too - if you're gonna pony up > $15K for a bike you might as well try everything first, and the Suzuki shops might still be running that $13K special on the Alstare.

I didn't mention the R6 or gixxer because I don't want a hard out sports bike. I like my current CBR6 because it's comfy, I don't have all my weight on my wrists & it doesn't kill my back.

Likewise naked bikes are also off my list - I've much preferred fully-faired bikes ever since my GB250.

And I don't need anything bigger than a 600 either. I'd maybe stretch to a 750, but I certainly don't need a litre bike.

**Slim** · 9th February 2004, 10:31

Originally Posted by k14

Just out of curiosity, how much do they all cost? I would take any of them any day, so just take the one you like the most.

$17,000 for the Triumph and $17,500 for the CBR. Haven't asked after the price on the 636 yet.

**matthewt** · 9th February 2004, 10:43

Originally Posted by Slim

I didn't mention the R6 or gixxer because I don't want a hard out sports bike. I like my current CBR6 because it's comfy, I don't have all my weight on my wrists & it doesn't kill my back.

That may kill the cbr600rr for you then. I think Honda "hardened" the cbr's focus more towards racing from 2001 onwards. I think the new cbr would feel very different to your model.

I rode late 90's model cbr600 and thought it would be a great all-round bike, I wouldn't say that of the 2003/2004 model.

**Slim** · 9th February 2004, 11:31

Honda actually put out two models of the CBR each year, but NZ only imports the "sport" version, not the "standard" version. But I'll get it a test ride anyway.

**James Deuce** · 9th February 2004, 11:43

Originally Posted by Slim

Honda actually put out two models of the CBR each year, but NZ only imports the "sport" version, not the "standard" version. But I'll get it a test ride anyway.

Not this time. The CBR600RR is "it" from now on.

IIRC they only did this for one year as model runs overlapped.

The previous "sport" version, the F4i is available as the "comfy" option in the US, but only because they have lots of them in storage.

Having said that the 'bike mags have raved about how comfy the CBR600RR is in real life (whatever that means), but that may just be in comparison to the other Inquisatorial torture devices... errr, 600cc Sport 'bikes they were testing at the time.

**wkid_one** · 9th February 2004, 12:22

Originally Posted by Slim

I took a new Triumph Daytona 600 out for a test ride on Saturday morning, and on checking the status of my personal loan, am very tempted to buy one!!

I found the handling and brakes were much better than my '97 CBR600, although the suspension needed softening up a little for me, and the fuel injection was vastly improved on what I experienced on the TT600 I took for a ride a few weeks ago. We had to creep along in some stop/start roadwork traffic and I had no problems at all.

But I've been told to try out the new CBR600RR and the Kwacka 636 before making a decision about what to spend the banks money on. In fact, one of my male friends told me to steer clear of the Triumph because it is "a man's bike", implying that it would require more maintenance work on it than he thought I was capable of!

Now I realise that a new bike requires servicing to be done by the shop to maintain the warranty, so I'm sorted for the first year or so, but I'm more than capable of changing oil & filter, adjusting the chain and checking basic stuff.

What do you lot reckon? Is he talking through a hole in his arse or does he know something that I don't?

Any comments on any of the three bikes would be appreciated.

For my money I would test the R6, CBR6 and 636 - and I think I would go for the 636. You don't mention the GSXR?

Whilst the 600RR is cool, the 636 is apparently a better bike to ride on the road. At the end of the day - the CBR6 was just the test bed for the new CBR1 in frame etc.

R6 is a super bike.....rode one not long ago.......don't look past it.

I know someone who owned a TT600 and had nothing but problems without - time and time again. I don't think the Daytona will be that different.

I would definitely be looking at the R6, CBR6 and 636.....also consider the GSXR6 as well - this bike rocks and the Canadian spec bikes can be picked up for a bargain

Jim is right - there is no STANDARD CBR6 this year.....the 6RR is the one and only.....and who would want anything less?

As for not wanting a sporty ride - you are fecked. All the 600's you and everyone else has mentioned are track focused weapons now.....