|
|
Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 13, 2005 16:22:55 GMT -8
OK Husky, I've narrowed it down to two choices - the Kawasaki ZZR600 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Keep in mind here that I'm 66 inches tall (5 feet 6 inches) and weigh 135 pounds. Yea yea I know...I'm gonna get destroyed  OK here's the lay-down on both of them: Price: ZZR600 - MSRP $7,299 Zx-6R - MSRP $8,699 Specs: ZZR600Engine: Four-stroke DOHC inline four, 16 valves Displacement: 599cc Starting: Electric Bore x stroke: 66.0 x 43.8mm Compression ratio: 12.8:1 Cooling: Liquid Carburetion: (4) Mikuni BDSR 36R Ignition: Digital Transmission: Six speed Frame: Aluminum perimeter design Rake / trail: 23.5 degrees / 3.7 in. Front suspension: 46mm Cartridge Front Fork, fully adjustable Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK® rear linkage, 20-way compression and rebound damping, ride height adjustment Front wheel travel: 4.7 in. Rear wheel travel: 5.3 in. Front tire: 120/65ZR17 Rear tire: 180/55ZR17 Front brakes: 300mm dual hydraulic disc with six-piston calipers Rear brakes: 220mm hydraulic disc Overall length: 79.9 in. Overall width: 28.7 in. Overall height: 46.3 in. Seat height: 32.3 in. Ground clearance : 5.7 in. Dry weight: 377 lbs. (49-state model), 381.5 lbs. (Calif. model) Wheelbase: 55.1 in. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Color: Metallic Ocean Blue ZX-6R: SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves Displacement: 636cc Starting: Electric Bore x stroke: 68 x 43.8mm Compression ratio: 12.9:1 Cooling: Liquid Carburetion: Fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies Ignition: Digital Transmission: Six-speed with multi-disc back-torque limiting clutch Frame: Twin spar aluminum Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.2 in. Front suspension: 41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs Rear suspension: Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring Wheel travel, front / rear: 4.7 / 5.3 in. Front tire: 120/65ZR17 Rear tire: 180/55ZR17 Front brakes: Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, four-piston calipers Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single-caliper piston Overall length: 81.3 in. Overall width: 28.1 in. Overall height: 43.7 in. Seat height: 32.3 in. Dry weight: 362 lbs. Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. Wheelbase: 54.7 in. Colors: Lime Green / Flat Stoic Black, Metallic Raw Titanium / Flat Stoic Black, Candy Plasma Blue / Flat Stoic Black, Pearl Magma Red / Flat Stoic Black Pictures (the most important part of any bike): ZZR600: www.kawasaki.com/kawasaki_main/images/products/motorcycle/1444_800.jpgZX-6R: www.kawasaki.com/kawasaki_main/images/products/motorcycle/1476_800.jpg-------------------------------- Personally, I am more inclined to the Ninja ZX-6R. Sure, it's more money (800 dollars more) but its also got better acceleration and speed and weighs less. I am FINALLY going to the dealership tomorrow (been rather busy as of late) and I'll probably make up my mind there. But what do you think dude? Considering that I'm a beginner (636cc isn't too much for my first bike, right?) and that I'm kinda small, which should I go with? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. |
|
|
|
Post by Husky23 on Jun 13, 2005 16:40:30 GMT -8
Hiya FF.
And, yes 636cc's capable of 115 horses and near 50 ft/lbs of TQ at the rear wheel is abit much for a first timer. I'm just telling you straight up.
But, if you're set on a new rig - I'd still go for the ZX-6R.
FF, what's your inseam? I'm like a 32 inseam, so my both feet would plant fairly solid on the pavement. Both of these rigs got smidge over 32 inch seat height - you'll be able to check it out though when you go to the dealer. If the soles of your feet don't plant solid, you may able to get the dealer to lower the suspension a half inch or so. Just bear in mind that also reduces shock and fork travel - but the adjustment can make a novice rider feel more confident on the machine. Just thought I'd pass that.
|
|
|
|
Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 13, 2005 17:15:34 GMT -8
Hrm, I have no idea what my inseam is Yea I was always afraid that height may be a problem with my choice of bike. However, I'll try sitting on both the 6R and ZR600 and see which works for me. I'll check up on lowering the suspension if at all possible - thanks. |
|
|
|
Post by 101ABN on Jun 13, 2005 18:40:40 GMT -8
James, Let me give you another option.
You can pick up a used Buell Blast (500 cc, 1 lunger) for under $2500. Use it to learn your stuff, then turn it over for what you have in it and step up in 6 months or so.
I know you'll hate this Idea because it's a common sense approach but please, hear me out. With either of those two crotch rockets you're considering, you'll find things happen pretty damn quick when you roll on the throttle.
Coming too hot into a curve + rider inexperience = instant statistic.
Why not save yourself a little road rash and a few broken bones?
My advice, learn your handling and control techniques on something that is more forgiving of rookie mistakes, which you WILL make.
Once you master the small one, you'll be way safer and more comfortable on the hot one.
Just my $ .02.
|
|
|
|
Post by Husky23 on Jun 13, 2005 18:57:02 GMT -8
James, Let me give you another option. You can pick up a used Buell Blast (500 cc, 1 lunger) for under $2500. Use it to learn your stuff, then turn it over for what you have in it and step up in 6 months or so. I know you'll hate this Idea because it's a common sense approach but please, hear me out. With either of those two crotch rockets you're considering, you'll find things happen pretty damn quick when you roll on the throttle. Coming too hot into a curve + rider inexperience = instant statistic. Why not save yourself a little road rash and a few broken bones. My advice, learn your handling and control techniques on something that is more forgiving of rookie mistakes. Once you master the small one, you'll be way safer and more comfortable on the hot one. Just my $ .02. That's an excellent idea 101. I think it's worth a look see too FF. 101 is mucho correct here. It's a whole different sensation FF. You can be going 90 MPH on some back road and it feels like your doing 45-50. That is until that 120 degree decreasing radius right hand blind turn rapidly approaching needs your bike to be at 35-40 MPH to take the bugger. So even if you don't loose control locking all the wheels up and letting the ass of the bike get away. You'll probably low side it when you loose nerve countersteering hard, pushing the bike to an extreme lean angle and slipping both front and rear tires. Then again it could highside on ya and toss your little 135lb ass into the 150 year old oak tree on the other side of the road. Can anyone say - sudden stoppage? www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/blast/www.reviewcentre.com/reviews12028.htmlwww.popularmechanics.com/automotive/motor_cycles/1268541.html |
|
|
|
Post by 101ABN on Jun 13, 2005 19:22:21 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 14, 2005 3:43:41 GMT -8
James, Let me give you another option. You can pick up a used Buell Blast (500 cc, 1 lunger) for under $2500. Use it to learn your stuff, then turn it over for what you have in it and step up in 6 months or so. I know you'll hate this Idea because it's a common sense approach but please, hear me out. With either of those two crotch rockets you're considering, you'll find things happen pretty damn quick when you roll on the throttle. Coming too hot into a curve + rider inexperience = instant statistic. Why not save yourself a little road rash and a few broken bones? My advice, learn your handling and control techniques on something that is more forgiving of rookie mistakes, which you WILL make. Once you master the small one, you'll be way safer and more comfortable on the hot one. Just my $ .02. Thanks 101 - I will seriously consider it. After all, I don't want to spend so much money on getting a really nice bike and then ruin it in a few days. That would really be awful. So maybe I'll just go with a smaller bike at first, even a Ninja 250R. |
|
|
|
Post by 101ABN on Jun 14, 2005 6:03:05 GMT -8
The other thing you'll get killed on is the financing on a new bike. You'll have so much tied up in the note that you can't get your money back out of it.
Shop used and pay cash if you can. Get your skills and then turn it and get something that will really please.
Last warning...This is is progressive illness. You'll always want bigger, or faster, or cooler, or more confortable, or prettier, or something other than you've got. This is a good way to get used to it. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by tits on Jun 14, 2005 7:07:53 GMT -8
put it down only scratches paint. Every first bike and biker has a huge learning curve. The biggest and most dangerous is when you realize that most drivers (especially middle aged females) don't see motorcycles. Enjoy!  |
|
|
|
Post by ReformedLiberal on Jun 14, 2005 15:02:51 GMT -8
James, Let me give you another option. You can pick up a used Buell Blast (500 cc, 1 lunger) for under $2500. Use it to learn your stuff, then turn it over for what you have in it and step up in 6 months or so. I know you'll hate this Idea because it's a common sense approach but please, hear me out. With either of those two crotch rockets you're considering, you'll find things happen pretty damn quick when you roll on the throttle. Coming too hot into a curve + rider inexperience = instant statistic. Why not save yourself a little road rash and a few broken bones? My advice, learn your handling and control techniques on something that is more forgiving of rookie mistakes, which you WILL make. Once you master the small one, you'll be way safer and more comfortable on the hot one. Just my $ .02. Thanks 101 - I will seriously consider it. After all, I don't want to spend so much money on getting a really nice bike and then ruin it in a few days. That would really be awful. So maybe I'll just go with a smaller bike at first, even a Ninja 250R. Glad to see you're taking the advice seriously. By all means, work your way up to state of the art. Don't just buy your way to the top. And remember, anything that might ruin the bike will do a number on you too. No air bags, seat belts, and crumple zones between you and another vehicle, or the pavement. Motorcycles do not register in the minds of many motorists. One of the most common causes of car/bike collisions is people pulling out of driveways, parking lots, and side streets, or turning left right in front of an oncoming bike. The outcome is often instant death or paralysis for the rider and a "what was that?" from the driver. Spend the dough on a good set of padded leathers, boots, helmet, gloves, etc. Even one of those dorky looking orange vests with the reflective tape can save your life. And take the attitude that anything that could go wrong, will go wrong. Look out for the other guy at all times. Expect everybody and anybody to do something stupid. Keep plenty of room around you and always have an escape plan. I don't say this to scare you, but to prepare you. It will become second nature after awhile and completely subconcious, but you have to practice it to get to that point. |
|
|
|
Post by toejam on Jun 14, 2005 16:55:07 GMT -8
James, Let me give you another option. You can pick up a used Buell Blast (500 cc, 1 lunger) for under $2500. Use it to learn your stuff, then turn it over for what you have in it and step up in 6 months or so. I know you'll hate this Idea because it's a common sense approach but please, hear me out. With either of those two crotch rockets you're considering, you'll find things happen pretty damn quick when you roll on the throttle. Coming too hot into a curve + rider inexperience = instant statistic. Why not save yourself a little road rash and a few broken bones? My advice, learn your handling and control techniques on something that is more forgiving of rookie mistakes, which you WILL make. Once you master the small one, you'll be way safer and more comfortable on the hot one. Just my $ .02. Buell now has a 500cc single lunger? Where do I sign? (Son of a bitch - I get too old for this shit and they invent the shit I wanted!) |
|
|
|
Post by ReformedLiberal on Jun 14, 2005 19:25:59 GMT -8
Thumpers are cool, ain't they?
|
|
|
|
Post by 101ABN on Jun 14, 2005 19:37:18 GMT -8
Thumpers are cool, ain't they? I love thumpers almost as much as V-twins!  |
|
|
|
Post by Husky23 on Jun 14, 2005 19:56:43 GMT -8
Thumpers are cool, ain't they? I love thumpers almost as much as V-twins! I'm digg'n V-twins also. A strong V-twin in a sport bike kicks ass! I damn near flipped my TL1000S two years ago. I was eating quickly so I left my riding gloves on and I just finished slapping a gut bomb down my chops. The stop light turns green, my greasy middle and forefinger slip off the clutch lever and as I'm jerked back my other hand rolls on the throttle. I was damn near verticle through the whole intersection - Christ!!! |
|
|
|
Post by ReformedLiberal on Jun 14, 2005 20:11:24 GMT -8
I love thumpers almost as much as V-twins! I'm digg'n V-twins also. A strong V-twin in a sport bike kicks ass! I damn near flipped my TL1000S two years ago. I was eating quickly so I left my riding gloves on and I just finished slapping a gut bomb down my chops. The stop light turns green, my greasy middle and forefinger slip off the clutch lever and as I'm jerked back my other hand rolls on the throttle. I was damn near verticle through the whole intersection - Christ!!! I had a '81 Yamaha XT500 Enduro. Around here the shortest distance between two points was off-road. It had a torque curve like a pool table. I was replacing stretched chains every six months or so from all the wheelies. They put the same motor in a road bike for a few years, SR500 I think they called it. It looked pretty sweet too, but when I decided to stay on the pavement I got a '87 883 Sportster with buckhorn bars and lots of extra chrome. I kept the front wheel down most of the time, but I was still replacing chains a lot. I guess I'm just a torque fiend. |
|
