I only ride out east in the hamptons and do not need anythjing more than a 600 CC sportbike to futz around with - Want to buy a new one this winter here in NY becuase you get the most amazing deals when no one can ride during these months

What is the best 600CC bike ?

GSXR600
Yamaha R6
Triumph Daytona 600
Honda CBR600

???

I like the looks of the Triumph the best - very sleek and one color


Any imput would be greatly appreciated

 

Come on Darren - I picture you in a BIG BOSS or Victory Hammer!

 

new 600 cc bikes look very nice for '05 (inverted forks, radial brakes, more power, less weight, etc.). if you don't want to get an '05 - i think R6 or 600rr are probably the better two, but it all depends on what you're going to be using them for. for just cruising around any one of them is fine, so if you like triumph the most go for it. i've no idea how reliable they are or how involved the maintanence is. japanese bikes are generally pretty solid and don't need much other than oil changes.

do budget a bit of extra for helmet, jacket, gloves, & boots as the minimum, riding pants are good but may not be practical for buzzing around town.

 

I just want a hot looking sport bike to buzz around town and back roads on yes -

I do want a new bike so the 05's are in the picture -

 

one friend has a CBR600, one had a GSXR600, and two have R6's. from what i've heard, the GSXR600 is more racing seating-position and is wider, made for racing. it's not as comfortable as the others. the CBR600 i haven't heard much but it looks and sounds nice. the R6's are very well liked. one is an 03 and one is a modded 01. they both really like the bikes, after moving up from others, and it is a solid bike. sorry don't really have a comparison b/t the CBR600 and R6's yet, because the CBR600 is new. however, i know that the Suzukis are not as comfortable becasue the seating position is built that way. the R6's are more relaxed so i've heard and both the CBR and R6 are well liked. for looks, the CBR600-F4i is very flashy, it's yellow and looks very race-like. the R6 is also very race looking, one is black/red and one is black/red flames, but it is also the most common bike around my area! i think the R6 is sleeker design, and the CBR is racier? just my observation

i know it's not a 600, but how about an Aprilia RSV Millie 2004 - Factory version. that bike is killer...best looking bike IMO.

 

so the gsxr's are not as comfy as the other jap bikes ?
I am relatively new rider and only want a 600cc bike for right now - I know with to much power I will get into trouble

 

Keep in mind that the three jap bikes are all rated at 100rwhp (or more) and weigh between 350 and 375 pounds. They are all extremely fast. They are very reliable and need next to nothing in terms of maintenance. I would simply suggest you buy the one you like the most cosmetically. I have found that all three brands are very well built and in terms of perfromance your not even going to to begin to exploit any of them.

I've had an R1, GSXR1000, GSXR600 a BMW several dirtbikes in the past few years and have no loyalty, they are all very good. Get all the gear to. Good helmut, boots gloves, jacket etc.

 

I'd throw my vote for a black '05 Honda 600RR. RSV 1000R Factory is a very nice bike but it's more than twice the price of the 600RR, a lot more bling, about the same laptimes. It is a very nice bike though, so if you're a fan of V-twins and have the means why not.

 

I know you're talking about sport bikes, but personally, I like the naked sport bikes. They help keep you out of trouble because at 80mph, the wind resistance starts getting uncomfortable.

I just purchased an '04 BMW R1150R Rockster. Those are a great bike for not-too-experienced bikers, are fast enough to be fun, have a much more comfortable riding position than any of the Japanese bikes, and the click of the gears and everything just feels very German/refined.

Also, you will never run into another one on the road. I get so many compliments on its good looks, and most people are like "I never knew BMW made motorcycles."

Just something to consider if you're not planning on being a totally hardcore "street racer".

 

For fit and finsh, stay Yamaha or Honda.

If you want, I'll sell you a modded 01 Bandit 1200 for less. WAYY more torque, and more comfy to ride, too. Insurance won't kill you, either.

5800 miles, perfect condition.

$4250, you pay the freight or come get it.

 

I had a 2002 R6 and loved it. Very fast and nimble. I also considered the bikes that have been mentioned and felt the R6 was best suited for my needs. Although the 600 is supposed to be an "entry level" bike, they are very powereful. I took a training coarse when I got my bike just to sharpen my skills. Also, (i'm sure you have already considered this) get the very best equipment. Helmet Dot and Snell approved, gloves, jacket, boots etc.

BTW, the new Duc. looks badass.

Have fun shopping.

 

C'mon Dar.....get something with style...OCC is a New York state based company!

 

Darren, I make my living (for 25 years) in the motorcycle aftermarket and my vote would be the R6. Having said that, there are other considerations since you are a new rider. PLEASE take a minute and call me on my cell phone 865-806-2021. I will be pleased to provide some input. Regards, John

 

New rider? I'm in your exact same situation (actually, I've been riding MX for years, but new to the street scene).

I have already ruled out the bikes you mentioned. 4 banger 600cc have too little torque IMHO to be comfortable cruising around off-idle. Especially the newest crotch rockets. They have a serious powerband ... nothing happens until 542k rpm ... lol. I believe it's easier to cruise around with a bigger engine.

One bike I'm seriously considering is the Suzuki SV650. VTwin, torquier, sporty bike, quite ugly, but nothing an aftermarket fairing can't fix (sharkskinz has great looking ones). And real affordable (which is a good point in my book ...). The mags say it's just as fast as the FZ6 and co., sincce the bike is so much lighter.

I'd also consider the old gen Yamaha YZF600 (aka Thundercat). Looks good, but kinda girlish, but I believe it's a great blend of ease of use and sportiness.

I'm considering the Ducati Monsters (620 up to 1000). VTwin, looks to die for, great handling on good roads, terrible comfort, great engine personality If I can find one in my price range later during the winter, I'll get one. Or how about a 900SS? Good easy engine, and not as exclusive as the 996/8/9-748/9

How bout the new KTM Duke? Wild ride for the twisties, or the upcoming SuperDuke (http://www.990superduke.at/) ... make sure to check out the video! Or any Supermotard?

Or Buell? Sure they're 1200cc or so, but they are 80hp VTwins. I'd seriously consider 'em if they weren't so expensive (price and insurance).

As previously mentioned, watch out for power curve. I believe the 600cc are the worst in the regard. I'd actually be more comfortable riding a big bore (ZZR1200, ZX10, ZX12, Blackbird, Thunderace, Hayabusa) bike that would let me cruise all around the place in 4th gear at 3k rpm. A 600cc wouldn't.

BTW, that's some Ducati Monster for you
The S4 with 1000cc or so liquid cooled ...

And the original Monster, 900cc air cooled and bone stock

Or a red one?

Darker colors are beautiful too!!


Sorry for the picture frenzy ... I just can't stop!!! And what's a bike thread without pics anyways

 

I also prefer to ride a bigger bike on the street, you don't have to keep it spinning to make power. I have a 2004 GSXR 600 track bike and it's a great bike, I also have an 02 R6 track bike that is great. On the street nothing beets my 04 GSXR 1000, witch is for sale in the for sale section.
Thanks
-Scott