Newbie -need feedback on first sportbike

wachuko · 11-30-2005

Newbie to Sportbikes… so please be gentle.

I will try to be brief. I currently ride a cruiser (2002 Yamaha Midnight Star (1600)) that I have been customizing over the past few years. Went over the Thanksgiving holiday to a friend’s house in Atlanta, GA and he owns a Sportbike (Suzuki, sorry can’t remember the whole set of letters but it was a 1000 motor). Well I got hooked on the feel of the high rpms…

His bike is a few years old and he is looking into changing it for something new, also in the 1000 engine size…

In my case I feel that is too big for starting in this space, but I also do not want to make the mistake I made when I got my first cruiser. With the cruiser I went with a VStar 650 that I rapidly outgrew… So in the case of a Sportbike I think the best starting point would be a 600...

I went to the local dealer and they had two ZX-6R (1- '05 and 1 - '06)

1. First of all - any differences between the two years? What are usual discounts from MSRP on these bikes (so that I know what to negotiate down from MSRP)??

2. The thing that worries me the most... Any other 5'7" riders out there using a ZX-6R?? I could not put my feet flat on the ground on this bike (I was on the tip of my toes)... not a good thing. Is there a way to lower the bike with the standard suspension (without adverse effects on handling)??

I am trying to decide between going with the ZX-6R or waiting for a '06 Yamaha R6... but ergos will play a great part in my decision. How hard is the ZX-R6 on the rider, meaning, is it easy on the wrist?? Riding my friend's Suzuki gave me a heck of a time with my left hand... had to take a few breaks during the ride (not stop but to take the hand out of the handle bar to take some of the preasure off)...

Thank you in advanced for your comments.

Here is my current ride - working on making a new seat (that is why you see it all mess up... and also installing a new front wheel in the next month or so...)

clausiam · 11-30-2005

That's a little strange. If you could drive his Suki (assume it was an '02 GSX-1000R) then the ZX-6 should be ok too. The Suki has a seat height of 32.7" (the later year models are a bit lower at 31.9") and the ZX-6 is at 32.3".

Of course you could always go for the good 'ol Ninja 500R which has a much lower seat height (~30.5") but I admit it does look a bit dated and may not be what you want.

wachuko · 11-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by clausiam

That's a little strange. If you could drive his Suki (assume it was an '02 GSX-1000R) then the ZX-6 should be ok too. The Suki has a seat height of 32.7" (the later year models are a bit lower at 31.9") and the ZX-6 is at 32.3".

Of course you could always go for the good 'ol Ninja 500R which has a much lower seat height (~30.5") but I admit it does look a bit dated and may not be what you want.

I had no saying on his bike

so I just rode it. It felt top heavy and he needed to change the front rotors as it vibrated when braking... so not an overall positive experience. But the sound and taking that thing high on the revs was intoxicating...

For the bike that I buy I want to make sure I make the right choice... If I go again to the dealer I know I will throw reason out the window and buy the most wicked looking bike they have...

daemon · 11-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by wachuko

buy the most wicked looking bike they have...

uh,have you looked at the Z1000.
lower insurance rate and quick as all get out.
want to see one look at the album"dragons den"below

TurboRush91 · 12-01-2005

I am also about 5'7 and am standing a bit tip toed on my 01 zx-6r, so I'd be interested in hearing some reasonable lowering options

swatter555 · 12-01-2005

If you have been riding a few years, I cant see a problem with any bike you would chose even if its bigger than 600cc. Sure there are differences, sport bikes are more top heavy and have a much better power to weight ratio. Yet, I think you could start on anything you want if you respect the differences.

Having said that, as far as seat height goes, you can check out the following:
-Honda CBR600 F4i = 31.7"
-Honda Interceptor = 31.7"
-Suzuki SV650S = 31.5"
-Kawasaki ZZR1200 = 31.5"
-New Kawasaki ZX14 = around 31.9" I think.
-Kawasaki ZX-12 = 31.9"
-Suzuki Hayabusa = 31.7"

Some of those will be a handful, but basically sport tourers will have lower seat heights than straight supersports. As far as making bikes lower I have heard it can be as simple as getting a different seat and adjusting the suspension, it goes up from there.

Also, I think its safe to say that any 600cc supersport is going to be hard on your body. If comfort is high on your list, I would stay away from the 6R or the R6.

bigbadmad · 12-05-2005

I'm with Daemon, try a Zed. More comfort than a pure sportsbike, your wrists won't be crying for mercy within 20 miles. Fast as a very fast thing on national fast day. Looks fantastic and thanks to the windblast you won't ride too fast for too long.

southjersey636 · 12-05-2005

I also think you should check out the Z1000, I sat on one and there really comfortable with the way your seated. Cool bike no doubt

workNprogrss · 12-14-2005

"fast as a very fast thing on national fast day".. . . now i dont care who you are - thats funny.

bigbadmad · 12-14-2005

Glad it got a chuckle!

11-30-2005	#1 (permalink)
wachuko Newbie Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2	Newbie -need feedback on first sportbike Newbie to Sportbikes… so please be gentle. I will try to be brief. I currently ride a cruiser (2002 Yamaha Midnight Star (1600)) that I have been customizing over the past few years. Went over the Thanksgiving holiday to a friend’s house in Atlanta, GA and he owns a Sportbike (Suzuki, sorry can’t remember the whole set of letters but it was a 1000 motor). Well I got hooked on the feel of the high rpms… His bike is a few years old and he is looking into changing it for something new, also in the 1000 engine size… In my case I feel that is too big for starting in this space, but I also do not want to make the mistake I made when I got my first cruiser. With the cruiser I went with a VStar 650 that I rapidly outgrew… So in the case of a Sportbike I think the best starting point would be a 600... I went to the local dealer and they had two ZX-6R (1- '05 and 1 - '06) 1. First of all - any differences between the two years? What are usual discounts from MSRP on these bikes (so that I know what to negotiate down from MSRP)?? 2. The thing that worries me the most... Any other 5'7" riders out there using a ZX-6R?? I could not put my feet flat on the ground on this bike (I was on the tip of my toes)... not a good thing. Is there a way to lower the bike with the standard suspension (without adverse effects on handling)?? I am trying to decide between going with the ZX-6R or waiting for a '06 Yamaha R6... but ergos will play a great part in my decision. How hard is the ZX-R6 on the rider, meaning, is it easy on the wrist?? Riding my friend's Suzuki gave me a heck of a time with my left hand... had to take a few breaks during the ride (not stop but to take the hand out of the handle bar to take some of the preasure off)... Thank you in advanced for your comments. Here is my current ride - working on making a new seat (that is why you see it all mess up... and also installing a new front wheel in the next month or so...) Attached Thumbnails __________________ Ride safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a. Wachuko) 2002 Yamaha Midnight Star Last edited by wachuko : 11-30-2005 at 10:17 AM.

11-30-2005	#2 (permalink)
clausiam Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 534	That's a little strange. If you could drive his Suki (assume it was an '02 GSX-1000R) then the ZX-6 should be ok too. The Suki has a seat height of 32.7" (the later year models are a bit lower at 31.9") and the ZX-6 is at 32.3". Of course you could always go for the good 'ol Ninja 500R which has a much lower seat height (~30.5") but I admit it does look a bit dated and may not be what you want. __________________ 2004 ZZR1200 - street 2005 ZX-6R - track 2006 ZX-10R - street

12-05-2005	#7 (permalink)
bigbadmad Newbie Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Coventry, The United Kingdom of Great Britain Posts: 15	I'm with Daemon, try a Zed. More comfort than a pure sportsbike, your wrists won't be crying for mercy within 20 miles. Fast as a very fast thing on national fast day. Looks fantastic and thanks to the windblast you won't ride too fast for too long. __________________ The more I know about women the more I love my bike. :D

12-05-2005	#8 (permalink)
southjersey636 Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Swamps of South Jersey Posts: 1,135	I also think you should check out the Z1000, I sat on one and there really comfortable with the way your seated. Cool bike no doubt __________________ 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R 636 1995 Kawasaki 600R (old bike) 1991 Plymouth Laser

12-14-2005	#10 (permalink)
bigbadmad Newbie Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Coventry, The United Kingdom of Great Britain Posts: 15	Glad it got a chuckle! __________________ The more I know about women the more I love my bike. :D

12-01-2005	#5 (permalink)
TurboRush91 Still On The Kickstand Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 34	I am also about 5'7 and am standing a bit tip toed on my 01 zx-6r, so I'd be interested in hearing some reasonable lowering options

12-01-2005	#6 (permalink)
swatter555 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 18	If you have been riding a few years, I cant see a problem with any bike you would chose even if its bigger than 600cc. Sure there are differences, sport bikes are more top heavy and have a much better power to weight ratio. Yet, I think you could start on anything you want if you respect the differences. Having said that, as far as seat height goes, you can check out the following: -Honda CBR600 F4i = 31.7" -Honda Interceptor = 31.7" -Suzuki SV650S = 31.5" -Kawasaki ZZR1200 = 31.5" -New Kawasaki ZX14 = around 31.9" I think. -Kawasaki ZX-12 = 31.9" -Suzuki Hayabusa = 31.7" Some of those will be a handful, but basically sport tourers will have lower seat heights than straight supersports. As far as making bikes lower I have heard it can be as simple as getting a different seat and adjusting the suspension, it goes up from there. Also, I think its safe to say that any 600cc supersport is going to be hard on your body. If comfort is high on your list, I would stay away from the 6R or the R6.

12-14-2005	#9 (permalink)
workNprogrss Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: tempe, AZ Posts: 11	"fast as a very fast thing on national fast day".. . . now i dont care who you are - thats funny.

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