600cc Supersport - which to get?

[Mike Gayner]

I'm thinking about getting another bike. At the moment I'm looking at a used (~2008) Honda CBR600RR. However, I haven't really kept up with the 600cc bikes and what's good/not and why. Anyone got any advice/preferences?

 

[Greenman]

I would assume you'd get which ever one is the fastest and handles the best. Isn't that the entire point of an SS?

 

[halik]

turbo busa?

 

[MotF Bane]

turbo busa?

This.

 

[Kelvrick]

Are you good enough to actually push one of them to its limit where it will make the difference? If not, get the one that feels/looks best and is cheapest for you.

 

[Mike Gayner]

I'm not talking about the bike that's simply the fastest/best handling, but the one that's the best overall bike in that price range. This would include power and handling as well as looks, reliability, price etc. I'm simply looking for other people's opinions/experience.

You know what, I'll go ask on a motorbike forum.

 

[LOL_Wut_Axel]

Yamaha R6, hands down. It has great handling and acceleration and is very easy to control.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Also another question - does anyone have any experience in this class of bikes for shorter riders? I'm about 5'7" so bikes more suitable to smaller riders are preferred.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Also another question - does anyone have any experience in this class of bikes for shorter riders? I'm about 5'7" so bikes more suitable to smaller riders are preferred.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

 

[Greenman]

I'll go ask on a motorbike forum.

That's the sensible approach. The opinions here are going to vary from one extreme to the other.
Personally, I don't understand the point of buying a race bike for street use.

 

[halik]

Yamaha R6, hands down. It has great handling and acceleration and is very easy to control.

I had an 05 Raven and wasn't all that impressed. The power delivery wasn't as linear as the gixxer or hondas I've had and it felt quite top heavy. Solid brakes (radial brembos), especially after SS lines.

I would think the 600RR is much better bike, they moved the tank lower (the actual tank part you lay on is just a fairing) and the bike is a lot smaller.

Aside from a tubo busa, on a budget I'd get a 03-04 600RR and spring for inverted shocks, ohlins in the back and radial brembos. I don't think they changed anything else on it over the years.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Last I checked the Kawasaki zx6r is the creme of the crop from '09 on. I owned a '09 and it was a beast.
The new Yamaha r6 are trackbikes. No compromises for the street. You have to rev the piss out of em to get the power and the riding position is unforgiving.
The Honda's are a good streetbike. Not the fastest on the track but very comfortable for the street. Bad is it's down on the power compared to Kawi by 10hp.
Can't remember off the bat about the gixxer.

You can't go wrong with a Honda if that's what you like. Kawi had a bad ass bike in the 03-06 636 zxr. 07/08 Kawi were turds. Kawi redesigned the 09-present zx6r and it was best in class. I'm a Kawi enthusiast myself. I've owned 4 ninja's and loved each one.

I'd recommend getting a low mileage 03-06 Kawasaki 636 ninja. Tons of power and good handling bikes. And can be had for cheap.

 

[Fenixgoon]

I had an 05 Raven and wasn't all that impressed. The power delivery wasn't as linear as the gixxer or hondas I've had and it felt quite top heavy. Solid brakes (radial brembos), especially after SS lines.

I would think the 600RR is much better bike, they moved the tank lower (the actual tank part you lay on is just a fairing) and the bike is a lot smaller.

Aside from a tubo busa, on a budget I'd get a 03-04 600RR and spring for inverted shocks, ohlins in the back and radial brembos. I don't think they changed anything else on it over the years.

yep, R6's are notoriously peaky, but if that's what you like... usually the CBR600 wins all the 600cc racebike comparos.


that being said, anything less than a turbo busa is a disgrace

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Also take into account these bikes are separated by razor thin margins. I'm talking 10ths of a second in lap times. The biggest factor in how fast a bike depends on the riders ability. You'll probably never push the limits of any of these bikes unless you plan on becoming a track junkie.

 

[halik]

Also take into account these bikes are separated by razor thin margins. I'm talking 10ths of a second in lap times. The biggest factor in how fast a bike depends on the riders ability. You'll probably never push the limits of any of these bikes unless you plan on becoming a track junkie.

Another vote for turbo busa then...

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't think there's a whole lot of difference between the big 4 (Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki) in terms of 600cc super sports. Pick the one that you like the best and that you feel most comfortable on.

If you want something different I'd try the Daytona 675.

 

[CombatChuk]

Go with the GSX-R750. The extra displacement really helps off the line (and in the city). I think it's only like 10 lbs heavier than the GSX-R600.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Go with the GSX-R750. The extra displacement really helps off the line (and in the city). I think it's only like 10 lbs heavier than the GSX-R600.

Less than 10lbs actually.

GSXR600 - 412lbs wet
GSXR750 - 419lbs wet

 

[Imp]

I've just always loved the CBR and it has a good ABS option.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Yeah I do like the look of ABS, but does it add much weight?

 

[Greenman]

Yeah I do like the look of ABS, but does it add much weight?

It would be worth it if it was fifty pounds, my guess is the entire system is under seven.

 

[jlarsson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JMl0Qt5QpA

Motorcycle.com street shootout.

For 2011, they love the new GSXR-600 (which is refreshed this year). They also love the ZX-6R (same bike since '09) since it's $1600 cheaper than the Suzuki.

 

[Kroze]

09+ Kawasaki zx6r. It is the cream of the crop.

Check out the comparisons and most of the time it come out on top.

Again it is a small margin because the supersports has improved so much over the years.

 

[andylawcc]

Yeah I do like the look of ABS, but does it add much weight?

if the additional of weight of ABS is a concern of yours, you sir should just opt with turbu busa.


anyway, CBR or the Ninja 6R.

 

[BZeto]

I'd highly recommend any 07+ CBR 600RR.

They're all pretty close these days though.