Moving on up!

**Anarkist** · 12th January 2009, 20:47

I'm thinking about what to move up to from the VTR and have decided I think somewhere around the 600cc mark is the next best step for me.

That said, this is probably like asking what your favourite colour is and it's probably been done before but I'm having a tough time deciding what to choose. Given I can't yet take em all for a test ride due to license restrictions I want to know what you think the best 600ish cc bike is to live with everyday.

In terms of usability, styling, comfort and performance.

The wish list:
2009 Suzuki GSX-R600
2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
2009 Honda CBR600RR
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6
Triumph Street Triple R
Triumph Daytona 675

And maybe a little on the less-realistic, but none less desirable side:
Ducati Monster 696
Aprilia Shiver 750

**discotex** · 12th January 2009, 21:15

Originally Posted by Anarkist

In terms of usability, styling, comfort and performance.

In that order?

The 600rr is a very streetable but still hardcore sports bike. The R6 and 675 are harsher on the rider but that's a personal thing. They're the three best supersports on the market if you believe the reviews.

The striple is probably the coolest and probably the most fun bike of the lot. Especially in the R trim. Certainly on my list of bikes to take for a spin.

Doesn't matter what anyone says though. You need to ride them yourself.

**Gubb** · 12th January 2009, 21:23

Originally Posted by discotex

The striple is probably the coolest and probably the most fun bike of the lot.

You, my good Sir, have just won the Internet.

Just wait until your license is ready, and test ride all of 'em, there's no point in making a decision now.

I rode everything I could get my hands on, and settled on a Striple. A Shiver would have been nice to have a crack on, but I couldn't find a demo up here.

**jrandom** · 12th January 2009, 21:32

Originally Posted by Gubb

Just wait until your license is ready, and test ride all of 'em, there's no point in making a decision now.

What he said.

No point putting up threads asking other people to choose your bike for you.

If you want to put up a thread, ask for suggestions about what you should be test-riding.

Edit: Along those lines, y'know, there is much merit in the 'lowly' SV650. And it's several grand cheaper, new, than everything on your list. Why not get one of those and put the extra cash into suspension upgrades and tuning, and then head out and learn the squids with many learns?

**discotex** · 12th January 2009, 21:33

Originally Posted by Gubb

You, my good Sir, have just won the Internet.

I still have to ride one to confirm my suspicions but riding Obstacle's Hornet 250 reminded me how much fun a naked can be. I'd be in a world of shit with the mrs if I like it too much haha.

**Hitcher** · 12th January 2009, 22:07

In terms of usability, styling, comfort and performance, I'd have the Shiver much higher up that list.

Your initial ranking suggests a bias for "performance" and arguably styling.

But one rider's Helen Clark is another's Salma Hayek. The only opinion that matters here is yours.

Be the white python. I dare you.

**roy.nz** · 12th January 2009, 22:17

Go for the Gixxer you'l never be sorry you bought it unlike the other ones.....

**ducatilover** · 12th January 2009, 23:36

675 all day long please

**owner** · 13th January 2009, 01:23

2 votes for the suxzuki HA HA hA hA hA ,

**LBD** · 13th January 2009, 01:44

Originally Posted by jrandom

What he said.

Edit: Along those lines, y'know, there is much merit in the 'lowly' SV650. And it's several grand cheaper, new, than everything on your list. Why not get one of those and put the extra cash into suspension upgrades and tuning, and then head out and learn the squids with many learns?

Zackerlee, could not agree more with this choice, more managable torque than a 4, great handling, popular club racing bike...But,... what maybe the last of the new, fully faired SV650K9,s in the country has just been snavelled by some bloke in Kyrgyzstan for his daughter in Auckland.....

**koiwoi** · 13th January 2009, 09:10

Personally I would skip the 600 and go for a 750 or preferably 1k
Very similar top end of the rev range but you get some more guts low down which is useful in traffic. If you think it's too much of a jump then I suggest test riding one for a few hours, the later models are a lot more nimble and the power is very manageable contrary to popular misconception.

**portokiwi** · 13th January 2009, 10:08

At the end of the day its your choise and your budget.
You pick what appels to you.
I went for the ZXR only becouse the price was right.
Now I have a RF900 which isnt as quick but its a nice bike in many other ways.
MUCH LIGHTER for a start lol

And I can reach the ground