Middle weight upgrade, best value and performance...

Thank you. I did ride the Yamaha equivalent and felt it was a good bike. I did feel the seating posture was a little upright for my taste. I plan to test the Ninja 650 and see what that's like.

The Ninja 650R also has a pretty upright seating position. It's more of a standard with a full fairing, than it is a sportbike, but it unfortunately is frequently saddled with sportbike insurance rates, because of the name.
 
Track potential? SV650.
 
I used to have an FZ6, and loved it. If I were to do an 80km commute per day on the bike, I would have seriously considered getting the FZ1, or your other choice---FZ8.
 
The Ninja 650R also has a pretty upright seating position. It's more of a standard with a full fairing, than it is a sportbike, but it unfortunately is frequently saddled with sportbike insurance rates, because of the name.

On the 650r I installed the sport bars which lowered the seating angle somewhere in between a true SS bike and the original standard touring position. So far I,ve done a 3 hour ride without resting and find the position reasonably comfortable. While at the same time improving the handeling. As far as insurance goes, they noted the bike as a performance bike but the rate was reasonable.
 
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On the 650r I installed the sport bars which lowered the seating angle somewhere in between a true SS bike and the original standard touring position. So far I,ve done a 3 hour ride without resting and find the position reasonably comfortable. While at the same time improving the handeling. As far as insurance goes, they noted the bike as a performance bike but the rate was reasonable.

A set of flat Renthal Superbike bars would do the trick, but someone is producing clip-ons for them.

http://www.motospecialties.com/stor...ndlebars&type2=Handlebars&category=Sport Bars

The peg position is far too generous, though, for it to double as a sportbike.
 
Those are the bars I have. Sport Bars V3. You are correct about the foot peg position. Not a true sport bike setup.
 
Those are the bars I have. Sport Bars V3. You are correct about the foot peg position. Not a true sport bike setup.

And after seeing how much it is to replace them, when I prefer the current comfortable position anyway, I decided I wouldn't replace the pegs until I decided to make my ER a track only bike.
 
I may be a little biased as the owner of a 2011 GSX-R750, but I can't think of a more capable street/track bike for the dollar. I went on a 7 hour tour past Bobcaygeon last Saturday and my 55-year-old bones lived to talk about it.

Did you always have a Super Sport or did you upgrade from another type of bike. Just asking to see if you always preferred the more aggressive stance.
 
+1 on going to the track first... You cannot outgrow a bike in 2 months...I've owned a 125, 250, 600cc bikes and havent "outgrown" any of them yet...and I've been riding for 5 years.

Supersports generally are not comfortable, depending on your definition of comfortable. I've rode one for 18 days, back to back, for 12 000kms crammed on the stock seat with 60 lbs of luggage behind me...not comfortable but maybe bearable. Plus they make a lot of heat in traffic....overheated once on the 401W/Weston construction in the heat of summer. And you will never use the potential of one on the street...unless you want to risk losing your license.

Its a different matter if you want a more powerful/nicer looking bike, which admittedly is why I got my CBR600RR but that was after 3 years of riding. But if you've only been riding for 2 months, there is much more to learn (than just going in a straight line and the occasional turn which is what most of Southern Ontario is).

Looks like you own both a 125 and CBR600RR. Do you use the CBR600RR much on the street? Yours is a little older but from what I read the Honda CBR is the more forgiving of the Japanese 600 ss bikes. Apparently good for beginners and good low and mid range power versus all top end.
 
Can anyone comment on their personal experience on an FZ8?
 
Mother nature was nice and made for an awesome demo day. I have a new respect for Suzuki motorcycles after today. Granted I'm a noob not really ridden many bikes, but I now have a better appreciation for what will likely be my next bike.

Unbelievably, today I got to test several bikes each seemingly better than the next. I rode in the order listed, the Honda CBR600RRA, Suzuki GSX-R750, HAYABUSA, GSX1250FA ,GSX-R1000 and the GSX-R750 again to confirm.

End result if money were no object I'd probably buy a couple of these bikes or the BUSA if I could only choose one. I felt the BUSA was comfortable and refined ride. It made me think of a luxury sports car able to soak up all the bumps of the road, comfortable to ride for long trips and ready to become very aggressive if you so choose. Very excellent bike! Con is that it's a bigger bike and has weight to it when not moving.

The GSX1250FA, this bike was also good. Comfortable, had plenty of power, maneuverable but I can't say it was very fun. Excellent for long trips for sure but too much of a touring bike for me. Very practical, I must say.

The GSX-R1000, FUN FUN FUN and ohhh did I forget to say WOW! Unfortunately very impractical for everyday riding. Never really needed to get that thing out of second gear. Also felt a little sluggish to the point of stall in first gear at low rpm. Not very comfortable but I did strangely feel more comfortable on this bike than the GSXR750. Go figure.

Honda CBR600RRA was a good bike but after riding the others it really just did not compare. Imagine how I felt after getting back on my Ninja 250. LOL

Overall, I found the GSXR750 the most desirable of the bikes I tested and also very FUN!!! All the bikes ran pretty hot as you guys mentioned. The 750 seemed to run the hottest. That's probably because I found myself revving it more than the others from a pure fun factor. It was more maneuverable than the other bikes and I was playing with the A and B mode to see how the bike would go from Sport Mode to less Sport Mode riding. B mode probably could be compared to riding a 600cc bike. Overall not really noticeable for me other than maybe exhaust noise.

At this point I seem to be leaning toward the GSXR750 for my next bike regardless of my neck strain and numbness in my legs. :)) I may just have to keep my 250 for commuting and the GSXR for everything else.

Highly recommend demo days when looking for the right bike! I will do it again.
 
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Just bought myself the Kahuna Fathers Day special! :D

I was planning to buy a bike next season and did not plan to buy another Ninja and here I am now. Can't wait to pick up my shiny new 2011 Ninja ZX6R next week.

Next season I'll sell both bikes and trade up for a Triumph or Ducati. hehe.

My wife hates me right now but, I love my new hobby. I'll see you guys on the streets.
 
Just bought myself the Kahuna Fathers Day special! :D

I was planning to buy a bike next season and did not plan to buy another Ninja and here I am now. Can't wait to pick up my shiny new 2011 Ninja ZX6R next week.

Next season I'll sell both bikes and trade up for a Triumph or Ducati. hehe.

My wife hates me right now but, I love my new hobby. I'll see you guys on the streets.
congratulations on the new addition.
 
congratulations on the new addition.


Thank you IXFe. I'm confident that bike will keep me satisfied for a long time. Even with my A.D.D and constant look out for the next shiny sparkling toy. hehe.
 
Definetely the best 600 in the class, congrats to you.... now you need an M4 exhaust! ;-)
 
Definetely the best 600 in the class, congrats to you.... now you need an M4 exhaust! ;-)

Thanks!

I've read and heard many great things about this bike and really enjoyed the demo ride. This year I got the full cage slider so I'll get the exhaust and fendor eliminator mods next season. :D

I plan to do the racer5 course that I've heard great things about as well.
 
What made you choose a 600SS over the Triumph Street Triple? (Since you said it was being used as a commuter bike)

Thanks!

I've read and heard many great things about this bike and really enjoyed the demo ride. This year I got the full cage slider so I'll get the exhaust and fendor eliminator mods next season. :D

I plan to do the racer5 course that I've heard great things about as well.
 
In the end this is a hobby for most, we are not all trying to be the best most efficient riders...

this is motorcycling my friend, a dangerous hobby...you're not out playing patty cake, golf or whatever the hell else...
no one is saying to be the next Rossi but its in your best interest to be the best and most efficient rider you can be...before we have to read more "Rider Down" threads...
 
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