Hello fellow H-T members, I usually am in the Type R forum, however, the upcoming purchase of a Sport Bike has led me here.

I will be purchasing a Sport Bike in the off season (Jan) here in Toronto, Canada. I want a 600 cc bike; therefore, I wanted to ask the following questions...

1. Which 600 cc is the easiest to ride.
2. Which 600 cc is the best performing (braking, acceleration, handling)
3. Which 600 cc is the best buy

I like the looks of the GSX-R, however, I thought I would ask the "all knowing" H-T members for advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

If it is a beginner's bike you are looking for:

600 bandit/SV 650. Going to anything faster than that does not make (to me) much sense.

I'd go with the SV.

1. Which 600 cc is the easiest to ride.
Bandit 600, probably (less agressive steering than SV).

2. Which 600 cc is the best performing (braking, acceleration, handling)
Not relevant to anybody without a significant amount of experience.

3. Which 600 cc is the best buy
SV 650 naked (plus it is very cute)

 

I am not a beginner.

 

This kind of choice is all about personal preferance. If you like the GSXR you should get it. All the 600s are very close to the other with braking, acceleration, and handling. Although you should check out the new R6 coming out, it's going to be sweet. First choice is usually the best one though.


[Modified by Kris, 4:53 PM 8/12/2002]

 

Kris is right. You should buy what you want. My friend tells me that his F4i seat is very hard, but that is to his liking. Just buy what you want.


[Modified by turbogixxer, 7:08 PM 8/12/2002]

 

you like the way the gixxer6 looks, then sit on it for more than 15 min in the showroom. If you like the way it feels, take it for a ride. If all is well, then enjoy you new bike. Do the same w/ every bike you might want til you're happy. Btw, if the salesperson says anything about you sitting on the bike for awhile give him the finger then flash some cash and they'll shut the **** up. Money talks in powersports. The new R's are badass and barely used one can be found for much less than showroom new. Cbr's are now fi and just as good as they always are. Can't say anything about the gsxR 600 as I've never ridden but it should be on par w/ the other jap bikes. Someone on this board thinking strongly that they're underpowered though. Also some gsxr's are known to run a bit hot. They are pretty sexy looking and pretty much any replica helmet will match them

 

Suzuki GSX-R

 

Depends on your experience, which I read you have. Nothing wrong w/ a 600. People, and articles have different opinions. Top Dogs are as:

1) Suzuki GSXR-600
2) Kawasaki (sp) ZX-6
3) Yamaha R6

Gixxer's are a very popular bike for many reasons. Me myself, my 1st bike will be a Sv650S, bc of the overall price. All of those bikes are very similar. Since you really cant test drive a bike, find some people w/them.

On the SV, the riding position is a lot more comfortable than the typical "crotch" rockets

 

Cmon now, the cbr6's aren't that bad