2004 Honda CBR 600RR and 2006 Yamaha R6 Comparison
09-07-2006, 08:02 AM
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2004 Honda CBR 600RR and 2006 Yamaha R6 Comparison
Before I begin, this thread is intended to be an owner's comparison of the two bikes. It is not intended to brag about one or the other. It is not intended to cite a flame war against manufacturers. What one manufacturer excells in one area, the other excells in the another. This thread is all based on personal experience. I am not a professional racer nor have years of knowledgeable experience to compare against any other bikes that is currently or have been in production. This is for informational purposes for those who are considering these bikes as their next purchase.
I'll start off with the 2004 Honda CBR 600RR. This is the original link to the first day I picked her up. https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=832698 (Because of some unforseen tragic accident I did not get to keep the bike that long. I was forced to sell it to take care of high priority situations in my life at that time.)
I remember getting on the RR for the first time. At only 5'-3" tall and weighing in at 110lbs (soaking wet
) the RR was monstrous to me. It stood so high that I was uncomfortable with it in the beginning. As time progress and I eventually built up my confidence in myself, it was second nature to roll off the throttle and into the front brake slowing down and simultaneously putting one *** cheek on the right side of the seat to flat foot on one foot when coming to a stop. No big deal once I got used to it.
Here is the link to when I picked up my R6. https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1664919
Before I get into detailed comparison between the two, I would like to mention that a real comparison with performance numbers would be the equivalent of comparing an RSX to the first generation Integra. It would make no sense because the new R6 is a new design with new technology. It would make more sense to compare a 2004 RR to a 2004 R6. So keep that in mind folks.
Let's start with looks first. In this department, it is going to be very controversial. I for one love the look on both bike. There isn't a vent or duct on the new R6 that isn't functional. Even the side scoop in the middle of the fairing has ducting to provide air into the engine area. The same goes for the center ram air in the R6's nose. Some say it is ugly, but nonetheless functional. At one point, bikes will eventually get "uglier" when functionality starts to over rule form. The styling on the RR is very subtle. It isn't as eye catching as the R6. Looking from a side profile of the bike, the R6 has a more "racier" look than the RR. That is probably due to the fact that the tail section is pretty simple. The RR is a little more complicated in the tail section. Overall, I would have to hand it to the R6 in the looks department. Of course that was a subjective comment and merely opinionated. Move along now...tsk, tsk.
The next area I will address is comfort. The biggest difference between the two bikes come when you're actually on the bike and riding. Sitting on a bike at a stand still will almost always produce the same feeling. But when you're actually riding the bike for a while you will notice some differences. I noticed that the R6 was not top heavy as compared to the RR. By top heavy I mean when both bikes are filled up with gas all the way, I struggled a little to handle the RR at slow speeds and even from a stop. To stand the bike up and manuever the bike while parking is a challenge with the RR. By the way, I have to get off both bikes to move it around because the seat is high. The seat height was almost identical. The R6 is a lighter up top. I could easily grab a handle bar with my left hand and place my right hand on the seat and move the R6 around. Something I couldn't do on the RR. One thing I couldn't do on the R6 was turn the bike on it's kickstand. Even though you weren't suppose to do that, the RR was more convenient to turn around in real tight spots using its kickstand. Definitely better than doing a 20 point turn on the R6.
Immediately once you get on the bike and start going you will already notice the difference in the two. Being that I am small, I do have to lean more forward the front of the bike because I had short arms. No big deal and no big difference here. Both of the bike had very extreme riding position. Long trips definitely comes with a warning to your back. What is different however is the tank. Although the seat on the RR is smaller towards the front, the tank is alot larger in width. With small legs I found it very hard to grip the tank. The R6 has a wider seat but a smaller width tank and it is very easy to grip the tank. The R6 also has little side plastic panels on the side of the tank to aid in gripping the tank. The height of the rear set on the RR is high and a little to the front. The R6 is high and a little towards the rear which I find more comfortable since it doesn't put my leg to sleep during long rides. It is a lot easier for me to turn in using my body on the R6 than it is on the RR. On the RR I notice that I have to put more input into the bike to turn. The RR is alot more stable into the turn though. You can setup a turn and even in mid turn the bike was very predictable and forgiving compared to the R6. You can tell exactly what the bike was going to do before it did it. The R6 is a little unpredictable at times. (This could also be the tires.) I've had numerous occasions where the R6 got a little squirmy midway into a turn. (You can blame that either on rider error, road condition, tire condition.) Overall the R6, because of it's more centralized and low weight and overall size, is alot more "flickable" as compared to the RR. Definitely recommended for smaller riders.
Next come quality and fit and finish. Both bikes exhibit great build quality. There are no real big issues in reliability here. I have not had a single problem with the R6 other than the fact that it takes a little longer for the engine to start. Maybe a PCM or High Compression issue.
That's it for now. If you guys have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I will try my best to answer them in an unbiased manner.
Thanks for looking.
I'll start off with the 2004 Honda CBR 600RR. This is the original link to the first day I picked her up. https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=832698 (Because of some unforseen tragic accident I did not get to keep the bike that long. I was forced to sell it to take care of high priority situations in my life at that time.)
I remember getting on the RR for the first time. At only 5'-3" tall and weighing in at 110lbs (soaking wet
) the RR was monstrous to me. It stood so high that I was uncomfortable with it in the beginning. As time progress and I eventually built up my confidence in myself, it was second nature to roll off the throttle and into the front brake slowing down and simultaneously putting one *** cheek on the right side of the seat to flat foot on one foot when coming to a stop. No big deal once I got used to it.Here is the link to when I picked up my R6. https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1664919
Before I get into detailed comparison between the two, I would like to mention that a real comparison with performance numbers would be the equivalent of comparing an RSX to the first generation Integra. It would make no sense because the new R6 is a new design with new technology. It would make more sense to compare a 2004 RR to a 2004 R6. So keep that in mind folks.
Let's start with looks first. In this department, it is going to be very controversial. I for one love the look on both bike. There isn't a vent or duct on the new R6 that isn't functional. Even the side scoop in the middle of the fairing has ducting to provide air into the engine area. The same goes for the center ram air in the R6's nose. Some say it is ugly, but nonetheless functional. At one point, bikes will eventually get "uglier" when functionality starts to over rule form. The styling on the RR is very subtle. It isn't as eye catching as the R6. Looking from a side profile of the bike, the R6 has a more "racier" look than the RR. That is probably due to the fact that the tail section is pretty simple. The RR is a little more complicated in the tail section. Overall, I would have to hand it to the R6 in the looks department. Of course that was a subjective comment and merely opinionated. Move along now...tsk, tsk.
The next area I will address is comfort. The biggest difference between the two bikes come when you're actually on the bike and riding. Sitting on a bike at a stand still will almost always produce the same feeling. But when you're actually riding the bike for a while you will notice some differences. I noticed that the R6 was not top heavy as compared to the RR. By top heavy I mean when both bikes are filled up with gas all the way, I struggled a little to handle the RR at slow speeds and even from a stop. To stand the bike up and manuever the bike while parking is a challenge with the RR. By the way, I have to get off both bikes to move it around because the seat is high. The seat height was almost identical. The R6 is a lighter up top. I could easily grab a handle bar with my left hand and place my right hand on the seat and move the R6 around. Something I couldn't do on the RR. One thing I couldn't do on the R6 was turn the bike on it's kickstand. Even though you weren't suppose to do that, the RR was more convenient to turn around in real tight spots using its kickstand. Definitely better than doing a 20 point turn on the R6.
Immediately once you get on the bike and start going you will already notice the difference in the two. Being that I am small, I do have to lean more forward the front of the bike because I had short arms. No big deal and no big difference here. Both of the bike had very extreme riding position. Long trips definitely comes with a warning to your back. What is different however is the tank. Although the seat on the RR is smaller towards the front, the tank is alot larger in width. With small legs I found it very hard to grip the tank. The R6 has a wider seat but a smaller width tank and it is very easy to grip the tank. The R6 also has little side plastic panels on the side of the tank to aid in gripping the tank. The height of the rear set on the RR is high and a little to the front. The R6 is high and a little towards the rear which I find more comfortable since it doesn't put my leg to sleep during long rides. It is a lot easier for me to turn in using my body on the R6 than it is on the RR. On the RR I notice that I have to put more input into the bike to turn. The RR is alot more stable into the turn though. You can setup a turn and even in mid turn the bike was very predictable and forgiving compared to the R6. You can tell exactly what the bike was going to do before it did it. The R6 is a little unpredictable at times. (This could also be the tires.) I've had numerous occasions where the R6 got a little squirmy midway into a turn. (You can blame that either on rider error, road condition, tire condition.) Overall the R6, because of it's more centralized and low weight and overall size, is alot more "flickable" as compared to the RR. Definitely recommended for smaller riders.
Next come quality and fit and finish. Both bikes exhibit great build quality. There are no real big issues in reliability here. I have not had a single problem with the R6 other than the fact that it takes a little longer for the engine to start. Maybe a PCM or High Compression issue.
That's it for now. If you guys have any more questions, please feel free to ask. I will try my best to answer them in an unbiased manner.
Thanks for looking.
09-07-2006, 08:44 AM
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09-07-2006, 09:37 AM
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Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Holy informative post!
P.S. - You're short.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm Pedrosa's height with 1/8th of his talent.
P.S. - You're short.
</TD></TR></TABLE>I'm Pedrosa's height with 1/8th of his talent.
09-07-2006, 03:14 PM
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Have you thought about lowering your bike? If I were of smaller stature, I'd definately lower my bikes. Leaned over tippy-toe action at stoplights would probably drive me crazy.
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09-07-2006, 06:02 PM
#8
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Re: (P Nut)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P Nut »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you thought about lowering your bike? If I were of smaller stature, I'd definately lower my bikes. Leaned over tippy-toe action at stoplights would probably drive me crazy.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Once you get used to it, it's really not an issue.
Here is a demonstration.
Here the light is long. So the bike is off. It is also in first gear. There is a slight decline so the bike wants to roll but can't roll forward because it's in gear. My left foot is flat on the ground. My right foot is on the rear brake just in case.
Now as soon as the light turns green, I pull on the clutch with the rear brakes held down, I crank her up and go.
It's alot to go through at first, but once you do it all the time, it really becomes second nature.
Once you get used to it, it's really not an issue.
Here is a demonstration.
Here the light is long. So the bike is off. It is also in first gear. There is a slight decline so the bike wants to roll but can't roll forward because it's in gear. My left foot is flat on the ground. My right foot is on the rear brake just in case.
Now as soon as the light turns green, I pull on the clutch with the rear brakes held down, I crank her up and go.
It's alot to go through at first, but once you do it all the time, it really becomes second nature.
09-08-2006, 07:26 AM
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Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P Nut »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Gotcha. I'd still lower it, so that manuvering the bike is easier.
Also, stay on the right or left side of the lane. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Except that it's only easier to handle when it's stopped. You really screw up the geometry of the motorcycle by lowering it... and my guess is that you're not enough of an expert to figure out exactly what changes when you bring it down.
Also, when you're by yourself, you're most visible to other vehicles in the center of the lane.
Also, stay on the right or left side of the lane. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Except that it's only easier to handle when it's stopped. You really screw up the geometry of the motorcycle by lowering it... and my guess is that you're not enough of an expert to figure out exactly what changes when you bring it down.
Also, when you're by yourself, you're most visible to other vehicles in the center of the lane.
09-08-2006, 07:43 AM
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Re: (EF9ZC)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EF9ZC »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I like that jacket</TD></TR></TABLE>
It's a shirt over a jacket
It's a shirt over a jacket
09-08-2006, 07:48 AM
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Re: (Brian*E30)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brian*E30 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's a shirt over a jacket</TD></TR></TABLE>
I have a green one. It's received some scowls at the grocery store.
I have a green one. It's received some scowls at the grocery store.
09-08-2006, 07:50 AM
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Re: (P Nut)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P Nut »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Also, stay on the right or left side of the lane. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Little hard to tell from the angle, but I am on the right side of the lane where there were no cars that day. Escape route for me.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. PengUIN »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">'bout time, len.
No powerband comparisons? Braking? You've tracked both, haven't you?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I will have a full write up when I take the R6 to my first track day.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your helmet looks huge on your wee body. Like a stick figure or something. </TD></TR></TABLE>
It's a medium I got for free. I'm trying to save up money for a small Arai RX7 Nickey Hayden replica.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Little hard to tell from the angle, but I am on the right side of the lane where there were no cars that day. Escape route for me.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. PengUIN »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">'bout time, len.
No powerband comparisons? Braking? You've tracked both, haven't you?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I will have a full write up when I take the R6 to my first track day.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your helmet looks huge on your wee body. Like a stick figure or something. </TD></TR></TABLE>
It's a medium I got for free. I'm trying to save up money for a small Arai RX7 Nickey Hayden replica.
09-08-2006, 07:54 AM
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Re: (len)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by len »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's a medium I got for free. I'm trying to save up money for a small Arai RX7 Nickey Hayden replica. </TD></TR></TABLE>
So you're wearing a helmet that's too big? It's better than no helmet but could still scramble your brain.
</TD></TR></TABLE>So you're wearing a helmet that's too big? It's better than no helmet but could still scramble your brain.
09-08-2006, 08:07 AM
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Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I guess that's really no different than a weekend binge... party on Garth!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Open bar at tomorrow night's wedding!
Open bar at tomorrow night's wedding!
09-08-2006, 08:10 AM
#22
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Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So you're wearing a helmet that's too big? It's better than no helmet but could still scramble your brain.</TD></TR></TABLE>
The helmet is snug.
The helmet is snug.
09-08-2006, 10:25 AM
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Re: (ASteele2)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ASteele2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Except that it's only easier to handle when it's stopped. You really screw up the geometry of the motorcycle by lowering it... and my guess is that you're not enough of an expert to figure out exactly what changes when you bring it down.
Also, when you're by yourself, you're most visible to other vehicles in the center of the lane.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I understand that the suspension geometry will be changed when the bike is lowered. I will admit that I haven't researched this too much, but lowering the bike is the same as lowering a car, is it not? What I mean is, you can do it the right way or the wrong way. i.e. I had an ITR, which was stock. I could've lowered it on skunk2 springs off of ebay or Tein Flex coilovers. Both lower the car, but the difference is night and day. I'm venturing to guess it's the same with a bike. If not, then...well, I got more researching to do.
Also, I'd never be in the middle lane, even if I were by myself. Last thing I need to see in my side view is some lady in an SUV barreling towards me looking for her lipstick, and I've got nowhere to go. Not to mention all the oil and crap in the center of the lane.
Except that it's only easier to handle when it's stopped. You really screw up the geometry of the motorcycle by lowering it... and my guess is that you're not enough of an expert to figure out exactly what changes when you bring it down.
Also, when you're by yourself, you're most visible to other vehicles in the center of the lane.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I understand that the suspension geometry will be changed when the bike is lowered. I will admit that I haven't researched this too much, but lowering the bike is the same as lowering a car, is it not? What I mean is, you can do it the right way or the wrong way. i.e. I had an ITR, which was stock. I could've lowered it on skunk2 springs off of ebay or Tein Flex coilovers. Both lower the car, but the difference is night and day. I'm venturing to guess it's the same with a bike. If not, then...well, I got more researching to do.
Also, I'd never be in the middle lane, even if I were by myself. Last thing I need to see in my side view is some lady in an SUV barreling towards me looking for her lipstick, and I've got nowhere to go. Not to mention all the oil and crap in the center of the lane.
09-08-2006, 11:15 AM
#25
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Re: (P Nut)
not correct... you can get away with this, fork tube and lowering links and you may not even feel a thing, but it does change levage geometries and rake degrees(the feeling can be very subtle). but the essence is that everything is tunable, I never leave anything alone on a bike...
And once again... every car lane is broken down into two bike lanes, use them wisely.
And once again... every car lane is broken down into two bike lanes, use them wisely.