Tried an R6 today...

[Maki]

Hi, I just got my full licence so I am looking for a bigger bike than my 250. I rode a 600 for the first time today, a 2008 Yamaha R6 in red and white with around 5000km on it.

My impression was that I can handle the riding postion, it's not bad and it feels good in the twisties.

It rewards smoothness and it makes you look stupid if you are clumsy.

It goes like a rocket ship if you rev it up to 11.000 or so, which is all I would do since I did all my riding around town.

It gets very warm/hot if you ride slowly in stop and go traffic.

It sounds incredibly cool, vroom vroomm...

All in all a lovely bike.

Any one feel like giving comments, asking questions and or giving sage advice?

[firefighter]

My brother had a 2006 R6, iv'e ridden it a lot, loved it to death.....he upgraded to an R1.....

I miss the R6 - something about it I found more aesthetically pleasing....oh and I have'nt taken the R1 for a blat yet either.

If I had the cash i'd buy an R6 right now......

[R6_kid:Me]

Go for it, just take it easy and don't disrespect it.

[captain_andrey]

Did they let you take it over haywards? I assume its the same R6 that I rode from TSS.
So you gonna take a CBR for a ride next?

[Paul_C]

My impression was that I can handle the riding postion, it's not bad and it feels good in the twisties.

Hey Mate,

How are you looking to use the bike? Sunday Ride? Commuter? Long Distance Tourer? Track Day Special?

I've got a VFR and even that leaves me feeling a bit sore around my wrists after a serious (Akld -> Palmie) ride. Maybe i'm just a nana, but having given some sport 600's a test, I think that if you were looking at doing serious K's on the bike you'd end up feeling a bit worse for wear and the 'feel good in the twisties' factor would wear off after 90kms of boring SH1.

If you're just kicking it around town, or taking it for a blat on a weekend/thursday avo fill your boots. It's the kinda bike i'd get if I wasn't doing big rides!

[Mort]

do it... they're a good bike.

[Maki]

Did they let you take it over haywards? I assume its the same R6 that I rode from TSS.
So you gonna take a CBR for a ride next?

Nah, it's at Wellington Motorcycles. I took it for a ride around town, inculding my usual commute.

It's weird but it for some reason it seems like it's standing still when moving at the pace of normal traffic and you have to look at the speedo to verify that it is actually moving...

I "had" to overtake a line of cars and it just happened, fast with no drama, loved it.

I normally only ride short distances so I think this bike would be a good choice, thanks to all who have contributed. I rode it for about 45 minutes with no discomfort at all.

[captain_andrey]

hehe, yeah its basically idling at motorway speeds isnt it?
So will I see you on the R6 next wednesday?

[Maki]

Possibly, it would be nice. I will try to make it next Wednesday regardless, it's fun on the 250 too.

[Supermac Jr]

Did they let you take it over haywards? I assume its the same R6 that I rode from TSS.
So you gonna take a CBR for a ride next?

CBR or a R6 - ahhh what a choice

[Maki]

CBR or a R6 - ahhh what a choice

Well, those and there is always the "big bang" 2009 Yamaha R1, hehehehe.

Seriously though after riding the R6 I question the mental health of those who ride around on 1000cc sportsbikes.

I used to have a car that I thought was pretty quick. It had 190hp. To have the same power to weight ratio as the R6 it would need to have 500+ horsepower. Fast bikes are another dimension, so pay close attention...

[Mishy]

only rode the 2009 R6 once, but WHAT A BIKE ! ! ! same as the 2008, and about as good as i think a 600 could be

[Starky307]

I brought a ZX6 in October, absolutely love it.
So nimble and nice to ride, does get boring on long straight roads, but then I always take the long windy way home now, just cuase I can and I enjoy it.

[Grizzo]

Good on ya, you lucky mulla fulla. Cant wait to go test riding my next ride.

[discotex]

My only advice is to test ride the 675 and 600rr before you make your final decision.

If you think the R6 is fast up until 11k RPM they'll both blow you away.