Just wanted to give an update as to where Im at, and say another big thanks to everyone for all the thoughtful and thought-provoking replies.
I did a bit of window-shopping over Xmas with the missus, but didnt come to any major conclusions. Just for reference, I had a sit on a Ninja250, and that would be perfect size (or even a little small). Recent R6's are definitely too tall
A mate and I happened by a bike shop a couple of weekends ago and popped in for a nose. End result, I took a couple of 2006 600s for a quick ride. Was certainly nice to get back on a bike for the first time in a number of years!!!!
First ride was a Gixxer600. Fun, and ok, but didnt come back with a big huge grin on my dial. Bike was very tidy, but had done quite a few kays, so could have just been that particular example. Could just have been 'first ride in a while' stuff too. But at round town speeds (I didnt get a chance to do anything on motorway, or country, but thats ok since it was a good test for commuting) it was quite snatchy in the drivetrain down low, box quite clunky unless you were changing up in higher rev ranges, and just didnt seem particularly smooth to ride at town speeds.
The brakes were also very light-switchish and not particularly progressive. A plus for the GSXR was that I could pretty much put both feet flat on the ground. It certainly turned nice, but didnt seem to be overly happy at lower speeds around round-abouts etc, just felt like it wasnt quite 100% planted at the front. Having a gear-selection indicator was nice though.
Took a CBR600RR for a ride after that. Very tidy bike, and very low kays. This one DID put a big smile on my dial. Smoother. Just seemed generally seemed a lot more user-friendly around town, more neutral handling, and happier to putt around in 4th gear. Brakes definitely more progressive, though not quite so powerful overall I think. A bit more initial bite would be nice when only using 1 or 2 fingers. It also seemed to be a very nice platform, the pegs seemed in just the right place for me, and very easy to move around on the bike etc.
Downside was that I can only put the balls of both feet on the ground, which did make it a little more of a handful in stop-start traffic at the lights. The rear-end also seemed really hard (getting butt slaps over some bumps and basically no sag sitting it).
I did then discover afterwards that the previous owner seems to have jacked the shock preload up to the max setting, which I find kind of strange, as he apparently isnt a LOT bigger/heavier than I am. Id imagine dropping the shock pre-load back down to stock (setting 4, not the 10 its on) would give more sag, more compliance, and bring the seat height down somewhat too for a bit more 'footsie' contact. Are there any known issues with rear shocks on the CBR, or any known reasons why the preload would be maxed out like that??
Generally, I was amazed at how light these bikes feel when you are moving, and how quick they steer. They steer as well as I seem to recall my 250 2T's steering!! Though they definitely do feel a little more top-heavy and seem to want to fall into the corner a little more (though obviously the CBR with its ass in the air is going to behave more like that than it should). And the power!!!!!
Riding a bike with a first gear that would get you in trouble out of town was certainly a novelty. I seem to recall the 250's tapping out in first around 50-60 kph, whereas these things are doing 60kph at 5-6k rpm, and arent even in the power zone yet!! It does make it a bit hard to figure out much about the bikes though, since you cant really thrash them around town and have to constantly keep an eye on the speedo.
The riding positions were certainly fairly forward-biased, and the wrists were somewhat achy afterwards, even though was concentrating on supporting myself through the body. I suspect a few days acclimation would fix most of that, but it does make me wonder what these bikes are like to live with on a day-to-day basis.
So, all in all, so far, the CBR seems to be getting the nod for me.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by robboh
Manawatu Rocks. 
when old ladies offer to help you pick up your bike.
Bookmarks