Ugh Can't Decide Which Used 600 SS

[rbjeepthing]

Forum Sponsor

Hello

Ok i'm sure this has been asked a million times (i found that searching) but I'm going to ask it again. I am looking for most likely a 600ss for next riding season. I have over 10 years of riding experience and have had the opportunity to ride or own quite a few bikes in the segment.

Previous Bikes Owned:
2000 R6 (Loved the feeling of tight position inside the bike snappy little thing)
99 CBR F4 (Most relaxed not out stretched position refined power)
2000 GSXR 750 (Bang for the buck aggressive. really the only bike I didn't like the position on)

As you can see from the above I have owned one from every major manufacturer except Kawi and all pre-fuel injected. First off my budget is max $6000 so it's obviously going to be used. My riding consists of the occasional commute to work round trip totaling 120km and the Sunday 8hr tour up north due to my location. All my riding partners ride 600+SS and my wife rides a CBR600 so would definitely like to stay in the SS realm for now.

So what do you recommend year, make and model and please give me some + and - feedback?

 

[VifferFun]

With those long trips, I'd be getting a VFR. Unless your friends are crazy, it should keep up just fine.

 

[OpenGambit]

f4i?

 

[matthew]

zzr600?
what about something bigger like a 929 or zx9? both can be had for under $6000

 

[rbjeepthing]

With those long trips, I'd be getting a VFR. Unless your friends are crazy, it should keep up just fine.

Would prefer to stick with the inline 4

f4i?

It is a possibility but would probably lean more to the RR

zzr600?
what about something bigger like a 929 or zx9? both can be had for under $6000

ZZR600 is old if i'm not mistaken? Would definitely consider a bigger bike though.

PS if you are suggesting something please give me a reason maybe it will open my eyes to consider something else. Just suggesting a model is not what i'm really looking for i'm looking for reasons to consider a bike so I can compare them mre then just by names and looks.

 

[matthew]

zzr600 is the 2000-2002 zxr6. so it will still be able to perform as well as most riders can handle their 600's but is supposed to be a little easier on the wrist.

the 929 and zx9 are nice big bikes with lots of room and wont be buzzing around on the highway. you wont have to worry about downshifting with those, just twist and go.

 

[jaymurr]

My F4i

 

[jeffjones]

It is a possibility but would probably lean more to the RR

If your doing longer hauls I would definitely take the F4i over the RR.
Yes the RR has better cornering abilities and has a bit better look to it and the center up exhaust.
But speed wise the 01-03 F4i's are pretty much identical to the 03-05 RR's.
The F4i's are built like tanks and have a more relaxed sitting position for long cruises but is still comfortable if you want to get down and let loose.
And you can pick up an F4i for about $4500 with low km's and put the rest to upgrades or insurance?

 

[GP_RZ]

I agree on that! my 929 has been very good to me..you dont have to be tap dancing all over the shifter to pass on my 929 and at 80,000km still going strong and can be had under $4000

 

[Onagoth]

I was in this position a little while ago...I decided on the R6. I'm not sure if I just need to get used to it, but it is harder on my wrists than I expected, even when I try to stay light in the arms.

Ultimately, I might end up with the F4i, I liked the ride of that bike and I think it could probably keep up just as well.

One other thing, might want to up your year by 3-4 years, it seems supersports starting getting improvements in 2003 (inverted forks, fuel injection, slipper clutches, radial mounted brakes, etc). Check wiki or google for the model history of the bikes you're considering and you'll see the improvements that were made. It varies by model, but that's why I went with a mid-2000s model.

 

[rbjeepthing]

zzr600 is the 2000-2002 zxr6. so it will still be able to perform as well as most riders can handle their 600's but is supposed to be a little easier on the wrist.

the 929 and zx9 are nice big bikes with lots of room and wont be buzzing around on the highway. you wont have to worry about downshifting with those, just twist and go.

Although nice bikes in their day I think i'd like to go fuelly this time around. I have been riding my wifes 99F4 for the past few months and definitely have to say the only downfall is the carbs. Just not as responsive and reliable as the Fi stuff we are spoiled with now. Funny cause when the Fi stuff came out I wasn't a believer. As for the 929 and the ZX9 you are right the power would be nice on the highway to keep the revs down. Also a big thanks for the detailed response!

My F4i

will look for it in classifieds

If your doing longer hauls I would definitely take the F4i over the RR.
Yes the RR has better cornering abilities and has a bit better look to it and the center up exhaust.
But speed wise the 01-03 F4i's are pretty much identical to the 03-05 RR's.
The F4i's are built like tanks and have a more relaxed sitting position for long cruises but is still comfortable if you want to get down and let loose.
And you can pick up an F4i for about $4500 with low km's and put the rest to upgrades or insurance?

As mentioned before I had an F4 which basically is the same as the F4i and I couldn't agree with you more. By far the most comfortable bike i've ridden however on our sunday rides lately I have been riding my wifes which was fine in till I tried my friends 04RR and an 06RR and realized the handling of the F4/i left a lot to be desired. However that being said I still haven't eliminated it completely. As for them being bullet proof I got to agree as well. The wifes has over 80,000km on it and still going strong.

I agree on that! my 929 has been very good to me..you dont have to be tap dancing all over the shifter to pass on my 929 and at 80,000km still going strong and can be had under $4000

Think the 929's are a little old (see first reply looking to finally go Fi) for me have any experience with the 04 + CBR1000?

I was in this position a little while ago...I decided on the R6. I'm not sure if I just need to get used to it, but it is harder on my wrists than I expected, even when I try to stay light in the arms.

Ultimately, I might end up with the F4i, I liked the ride of that bike and I think it could probably keep up just as well.

One other thing, might want to up your year by 3-4 years, it seems supersports starting getting improvements in 2003 (inverted forks, fuel injection, slipper clutches, radial mounted brakes, etc). Check wiki or google for the model history of the bikes you're considering and you'll see the improvements that were made. It varies by model, but that's why I went with a mid-2000s model.

I have noticed that definitely about the year range which is where I started to get confused that why I was asking for real world experiences. How tall are you? the wrist thing is definitely something to be concerned about.

Thanks to all above for responding keep'em coming!

 

[jeffjones]

Ultimately, I might end up with the F4i, I liked the ride of that bike and I think it could probably keep up just as well.

One other thing, might want to up your year by 3-4 years, it seems supersports starting getting improvements in 2003 (inverted forks, fuel injection, slipper clutches, radial mounted brakes, etc). Check wiki or google for the model history of the bikes you're considering and you'll see the improvements that were made. It varies by model, but that's why I went with a mid-2000s model.

Its the opposite for F4i's.
They tuned them down in 2004 (Banana seat models) to make the RR stand out more performance wise as power was virtually the same.

 

[GP_RZ]

If you do some research you will find that 900RR were carbed then in 2000 929RR went FI and 954RR are FI as well and at just over 374 dry weight and 150hp at the crank you will be grinning ear to ear!

 

[Onagoth]

Although nice bikes in their day I think i'd like to go fuelly this time around. I have been riding my wifes 99F4 for the past few months and definitely have to say the only downfall is the carbs. Just not as responsive and reliable as the Fi stuff we are spoiled with now. Funny cause when the Fi stuff came out I wasn't a believer. As for the 929 and the ZX9 you are right the power would be nice on the highway to keep the revs down. Also a big thanks for the detailed response!



will look for it in classifieds



As mentioned before I had an F4 which basically is the same as the F4i and I couldn't agree with you more. By far the most comfortable bike i've ridden however on our sunday rides lately I have been riding my wifes which was fine in till I tried my friends 04RR and an 06RR and realized the handling of the F4/i left a lot to be desired. However that being said I still haven't eliminated it completely. As for them being bullet proof I got to agree as well. The wifes has over 80,000km on it and still going strong.



Think the 929's are a little old (see first reply looking to finally go Fi) for me have any experience with the 04 + CBR1000?



I have noticed that definitely about the year range which is where I started to get confused that why I was asking for real world experiences. How tall are you? the wrist thing is definitely something to be concerned about.

Thanks to all above for responding keep'em coming!

6'0"....its pretty good for highway though, the wind resistence lifts the weight of the handlebars.

Its the opposite for F4i's.
They tuned them down in 2004 (Banana seat models) to make the RR stand out more performance wise as power was virtually the same.

Yes, in the F4i, I was looking for the pre banana seat models.....those models are fugly.

 

[rbjeepthing]

If you do some research you will find that 900RR were carbed then in 2000 929RR went FI and 954RR are FI as well and at just over 374 dry weight and 150hp at the crank you will be grinning ear to ear!

Thanks for the heads up!

6'0"....its pretty good for highway though, the wind resistence lifts the weight of the handlebars.


Yes, in the F4i, I was looking for the pre banana seat models.....those models are fugly.

Good to know since i'm the same height. I too hate the Banana seat look as well!

Anyone know anybody with an 05-06 Kawasaki ZXR636? They tend to come with alot of goodies from the factory and always have a great reviews online would be curious to hear some real world experiences.

 

[Onagoth]

My buddy loves his ZX6R....one thing to consider though is a possible insurance jump. I didn't really want one because 636cc was $300 more per year than a 600cc bike. Of course, you could go with an earlier model ZX6RR, that was the production for displacement-limited track bikes.

 

[Green Meenie]

Or .... my '06 ZX-636? In line with your budget, an SS and a little more bottom end than other 600's. It's FI; not abused and reasonable km's. It's not 4-sale now but might be soon or next spring.

 

[rbjeepthing]

My buddy loves his ZX6R....one thing to consider though is a possible insurance jump. I didn't really want one because 636cc was $300 more per year than a 600cc bike. Of course, you could go with an earlier model ZX6RR, that was the production for displacement-limited track bikes.

See if he can post in this thread would be great. As for insurance not super concerned due to my age, record and provider.

 

[Onagoth]

He's not on this forum.

 

[ViperZ]

If you liked F4, how about F4i? Very comfy and essentially a CBR600.

Forum Sponsor