I'd say the EX500s are pretty decent bikes but I'd have a hard time seeing them beat a decent 600 rider. The new 600s are actually lighter than the EX500. Now if you go with the steriotype that most 600 riders are newbies or squids then there is a whole different equation. You're getting into rider skill, not machine capabilities. I would, however, be more apt to believe that a 600 can out run a 1000 in certain situations. Take MAM for example. You would think the the long straights that a liter land missle bike could beat a little 600, but the record holder at that track is a 600. The 1000s just slide through the corners too much to get the drive that a 600 can.
The reason for this isn't because the number 600 is better than the number 500. Its because Kawasaki and the rest of the big 4 dump almost ALL of their R&D into the 600s and almost as much into the 1000s. 5 or more years ago the EX500 had a much better fighting chance but unless they do something with its design I can't see a very long "performance" future. It will always be a great beginner bike because it is so forgiving. But lets face it. Forgiving doesn't get you to the winner's circle with today's fast paced racing techknowlagy.
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