2nd bike - which 600cc ?

[Mr.Number]

Iv been on the look out for a second bike for a while now, even more so the other day when I realised just how much mileage im getting through on the S2R. I share the same opinion as other owners who feel these bikes are keepers, so I want to keep the mileage down.

So which 600 is the question........im going for a sports bike as I really dont think a de-tuned 600 commuter is going to fit the bill when faced with an open road on a sunny day and im too used to having power. I simply couldnt live with something that feels slightly gutless as the feeling of wanting more power would ruin my ride.

New or old doesn't really matter and im never going to get round to riding them all to see for myself, as there's so many different bikes ! I dont want another ducati tho.

Kawasaki's get a lot of very solid reviews, mainly engine based compliments and the new ninja looks a great bike.

I also like the 2002 yamaha R6 which is non injection, straight inline 4, this also gets many good reviews, again engine based which is apparently a peach and very reliable.

Anyone have good experiences with a 600 sports ?

[rac3r]

Older R6's have 2nd gear problems (it pops out under hard acceleration). Go for a ZX-6R 636, either a B or C model, they have good mid range compared to the other 600's and the induction roar is awesome!

Personally I like the Ninja models compared to the others. I think the R6 is too track focused and the CBR is a Honda (:D) Daytona 675 is meant to be awesome too

[singletrack]

How much do you wan t to spend?

[He11cat]

Not a fan of Kwacks although performance wise they have a good rep ... always seem to have a bit of a crappy build quality I have found .
Friend in sales said the same to me .... always seem to wear the worst and be niggly!!.

Yams and Hondas however have been pretty solid... he also agreed with this .
I wouldn't knock a CBR...
Any of the Suzi's take your fancy??

[Saint aka ML]

But keeper does not exclude using it?! How many miles a year you do to work?

The highest mileage monster I seen was in 2009 Italian day at Ace Cafe .... when it got there it had 2 miles on a clock as his speedo just closed full circle before showing up.

Bike was in stunning working order for mileage and he only had to do 1 bottom end rebuild and 6 top end. He used it all over the world.

Your choice but those engines are well over engineered for power they make.

[utopia]

Does it have to be a sports 600 ?
I agree that you can still use a keeper monster, though...
With mine, I try to cut out a lot of the stop/start stuff, particularly in winter, as that accounts for most wear and tear. If you do much of that yourself, it might be worth considering something like a supermoto as a second bike that will cover all that, leaving the monster for longer runs. I run a honda dominator alongside mine, though I could do without the bodywork.
CCM used to do a 'dual sport' or somesuch, suzuki engined, which came with two sets of wheels...17in supermoto plus 21/17in enduro. One of those, and a monster, would give you loads of biking options.
Just a thought.
Can't speak for sports 600s...I haven't ridden any of them, ....but I'd look first at a Daytona 675.

[Nickj]

I'd go for an older Yam and just rag it till it died then get another. If it's a spare sacrificial bike then you don't want something too new or nice enough that you get involved with it.
If you do go for an almost new spare then you might as well get another monster and alternate use.

[Mr Cake]

I had never ridden a sports 600 before we got our ZX636R track bike and I was amazed how quick it was. Everywhere! I honestly don't know why people, myself included, ride litre sportsbikes. Made me rethink having the R1. For a minute anyway.

C

[NattyBoy]

I had never ridden a sports 600 before we got our ZX636R track bike and I was amazed how quick it was. Everywhere! I honestly don't know why people, myself included, ride litre sportsbikes. Made me rethink having the R1. For a minute anyway.

C

Usable power - the way forward eh mate ??! Wait till you get into your stride on it..there's no better feeling than breezing by a bike that on paper you have no right to ;-)

[steeevvvooo]

I'd go for an older Yam and just rag it till it died then get another.

I bought a Diversion to do that. The problem is, it was no fun to ride so started to spend some cash.

Have done a service, new tyres, fork refresh, carb set up etc, but have got to the stage where next job is head bearings + a shock refresh. It would be as good as it could be after this, but I can't justify spending more time/money (it's a little to big for my commute through central London).

It's a tough call getting something cheap, reliable, but enough fun to make you not want to take the Monster out everytime... which is the whole point of a second bike for me. My last attempt for a "commuter" bike will be a supermoto. Seems to tick all the boxes for me.

Diversion 900 for sale if you want to PM me! :look:

[Dave G]

Heres a leftfield choice, not quite a sports bike not quite a commuter and not a 600cc either.
Fun though.


The TRX 850

http://motors.shop.ebay.co.uk/Cars-Motorcycles-Vehicles-/9800/i.html?_nkw=trx+850&_catref=1&_dmpt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&_fln=1&_sac=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

[desmo]

I know you said a sportsbike, but my choice if you don't want another Ducati would be the Triumph Street Triple, an awesome handling little beast with great looks & plenty of power.

[MonstaChicky]

Superduke? Much more comfy for commuting, GREAT fun, and can go on track too...they crash well! But not a cheap investment...

[Mr.Number]

The problem with these supermoto type bikes is your constantly filling the tank up as the range isnt the best.

Thats what im thinkin nick, an old R6. Iv not heard of the 2nd gear issue rac with the 02 model, may have been bike specific. The pre injection engine is a belter im led to believe and clocks the miles up no problem. Its also the comfiest r6 to date, with wider seat and less track focussed like the newer models which are like sitting on a concrete bench.

I rode one years ago and couldnt believe how light it was, looking at figures the other day and its still the lightest in the r6 range.

red white and black if you know anyone selling.

[steeevvvooo]

second gear issue is common across a few of the older yamaha bikes I believe. I used to have a thundercat and that was one of the main pre-buying checks. Stick it in second, pin the throttle and see if it jumps out of gear. If it does, it's a big job so walk away.

[Mr.Number]

Cheers Ste/rac i'll have to look into that then, but im sure it can be sorted like most things.

[rac3r]

It can be but its engine out job and will cost quite a bit. The models after that 03 onwards are meant to be good

[Mr Cake]

Usable power - the way forward eh mate ??! Wait till you get into your stride on it..there's no better feeling than breezing by a bike that on paper you have no right to ;-)

Oh I'd never sell the R1, its too much of a giggle. There's nothing quite like unusable power Haha! I know what you mean though, mate. I can lap quicker on the smaller bike, and I was paid the ultimate compliment at the last trackday after a club racer asked if it was a ZX10R! Made me smile :D

C

Sorry for the hijack. But Nat thinks I'm fat and slow haha!

[Mand]

Usable power - the way forward eh mate ??! Wait till you get into your stride on it..there's no better feeling than breezing by a bike that on paper you have no right to ;-)

I remember a certain some one doing that on an old yella.600 on the first ukmoc track day.

No apologies for the hijack!! Haha.....

[NattyBoy]

Little Hooligan that yellowun was eh Mand ? LOL !

[Mand]

Little Hooligan that yellowun was eh Mand ? LOL !

Wolf in sheeps clothing. :D