[deerslayer]

I currently have a 94 CBR600F2, have riden motorcycles for most of my life with the exception of a few years after I met my wife. Got back into bikes a couple years ago when I picked up a kz440ltd, rode it for a year or so then picked up my F2. The F2 was my first sportbike, have always rode cruisers. Well I have the itch again. I have gotten pretty comfortable with my F2 and want to step up to a newer fuel injected model. Prolly looking at around a 4k price range. Really wanted a 02 GSX-R 750 but I figured I would get a little insight on some other brands. Does Kawasaki have a FI model that would match up close to the GSX-R? Not sure how the newer 636's would stack up to one? I have seen several that are in my price range. On another note, I am 6'3" tall and weight around 220lbs. I feel a little cramped on the F2 when I tuck in on the highway. If you guys could give me a little insite I would appreciate it!

 

[ervins]

I currently have a 94 CBR600F2, have riden motorcycles for most of my life with the exception of a few years after I met my wife. Got back into bikes a couple years ago when I picked up a kz440ltd, rode it for a year or so then picked up my F2. The F2 was my first sportbike, have always rode cruisers. Well I have the itch again. I have gotten pretty comfortable with my F2 and want to step up to a newer fuel injected model. Prolly looking at around a 4k price range. Really wanted a 02 GSX-R 750 but I figured I would get a little insight on some other brands. Does Kawasaki have a FI model that would match up close to the GSX-R? Not sure how the newer 636's would stack up to one? I have seen several that are in my price range. On another note, I am 6'3" tall and weight around 220lbs. I feel a little cramped on the F2 when I tuck in on the highway. If you guys could give me a little insite I would appreciate it!

636 can keep up with the gix750 any day...Now in the straights where most newbs think that talent lies the gix750 will pull away...My neighbor has a gix 750...It is fast but in the twisties, it is all about the rider.

Plus the gixxer is a dime dozen and looks a little arse.

 

[ervins]

Now the newer gixxers look great...I will give Suzuki that.

 

[deerslayer]

I know in the turns its all about rider skill I just do not want to get bored or should I say "to used to the power" with the 636 since I am on a 600 now. I like the looks of the 2000 up GSX-R's, the single head light and the body, not to into the newer bodies though, on the 07's. Just dont care for them.

 

[Thmastr]

the 636s are fuel injected, but the zx6rr (03 and later) are also fuel injected yes they are still 600ccs but the technology is newer which means the engine packs more horse power, the bike is lighter and suspension will be night and day from the 94 cbr. If you want to go with the 636 I have heard that the extra 36cc make a huge difference and will cause it to pull away from anything in the "600 class" including triumph's 675.

If you are not dead set on FI I highly recommend the zzr 600 (which is much bigger than its supersport counterpart) since it is really confortable and very stable. If you are planning on commuting with it this is the bike to get, if you are planing on doing trackdays then the 03 zx6r's are a better choice.

 

[Kevorkian]

If you are looking for the straight speed, go with the GSX-R 750, otherwise the 636. The ZZR's are very nice tho, close to the 636 in power.

 

[JTpaintball70]

If you are looking for the straight speed, go with the GSX-R 750, otherwise the 636. The ZZR's are very nice tho, close to the 636 in power.

But ZZR's are not FI.
OP, I'd say go with the 636. They are VERY fun bikes

 

[deerslayer]

How about any of the little bit bigger bikes?

 

[JTpaintball70]

The current Kawi SS bikes are the ZX-6R, ZX-10R, and ZX-14. They no longer make a -7, -9, -11, or -12

 

[JasonFMHS]

ZX-10 will probably have about double the power of you F2, not to mentions its lighter and new suspension.

 

[ervins]

I know in the turns its all about rider skill I just do not want to get bored or should I say "to used to the power" with the 636 since I am on a 600 now. I like the looks of the 2000 up GSX-R's, the single head light and the body, not to into the newer bodies though, on the 07's. Just dont care for them.

Bored? Bro you won't be bored. Thinking you will get bored raises "RED FLAGS". The HP difference betweent the F2 and 636 is sizeable...Now going from F2 to gix750 the power is even greater.

 

[sarcasmo]

As others have said, you'll see a sizeable power increase with the 636. The 636 is also one of the nicest bikes Kawa has made IMO. The 750, however, is also a great bike. To me, it's a great ballance of power and handling. It can handle close to a 600cc bike, but can put down power close to a 1000cc. I'm pretty sure the 750 will be my next bike, but I wouldn't turn down a 636 if I found a great deal on one.

 

[deerslayer]

Ervins, do not take the getting bored statement out of context, raise a red flag on me if you want, or call me what you will, squid whatever. Trust me I have been around bikes long enough, I respect any bike, and my profession puts me right in the middle of a lot situations where I see the end result of not repecting motorcycles, cars, atv's you name it I have pretty much seen it. My F2 is quite fast, but I get bored with the bike in general! It is a nice bike, and I just dont want to get bored overall with my next bike. I still have some time before I make a decision as I am awaiting the sale of my ATV before I start looking seriously. Do the 636's accomodate slighlty larger riders like myself, with my long legs I dont want to feel squished on the bike?

 

[NCDave]

Just curious....what is it about the bike that bores you?

 

[ervins]

Ervins, do not take the getting bored statement out of context, raise a red flag on me if you want, or call me what you will, squid whatever. Trust me I have been around bikes long enough, I respect any bike, and my profession puts me right in the middle of a lot situations where I see the end result of not repecting motorcycles, cars, atv's you name it I have pretty much seen it. My F2 is quite fast, but I get bored with the bike in general! It is a nice bike, and I just dont want to get bored overall with my next bike. I still have some time before I make a decision as I am awaiting the sale of my ATV before I start looking seriously. Do the 636's accomodate slighlty larger riders like myself, with my long legs I dont want to feel squished on the bike?

No squid comments from me...Not my thing...However, you will not get bored of the 636...That bike turns quick and is a blast through the twisties...My friend who is 6'2" 220lbs now owns my 636...Does not feel cramped...He tucks a lot.

 

[deerslayer]

No prob ervins, I appreciate it. NCDAVE, I am not sure if the newness of the bike has wore off or what. I still enjoy riding the bike but not as much as I did. I would like to have a little better handling and I fell like I want more mid range power. Seems kinda bland to me now. Bike still takes off like a bat outta [email protected]*& and still runs threw the tach well. Also I am kinda bored with the looks> I want something a little sportier, sleeker looking with more of a forward riding position. I feel like I am being lost in the crowd....not sure if that explains it or not?

 

[Kevorkian]

But ZZR's are not FI.
OP, I'd say go with the 636. They are VERY fun bikes

Correct, but they aren't that far off, and I will always recommend a ZZR!

 

[ervins]

No prob ervins, I appreciate it. NCDAVE, I am not sure if the newness of the bike has wore off or what. I still enjoy riding the bike but not as much as I did. I would like to have a little better handling and I fell like I want more mid range power. Seems kinda bland to me now. Bike still takes off like a bat outta [email protected]*& and still runs threw the tach well. Also I am kinda bored with the looks> I want something a little sportier, sleeker looking with more of a forward riding position. I feel like I am being lost in the crowd....not sure if that explains it or not?

Honda has that effect. Great bikes but not thrilling...I get on my 10R...Freaking Thrilling! I got on my 636...Freaking Thrilling! I got on my CBR 600rr...Muted! 636 from 2003/ 2004 was a looker...Still IMO one of the best looking bikes ever...

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[atomic47]

I'm 6'4 230 and the 636 fits me well. very usable power and alot more bike than an f2 or an f3. the 636 has a much more aggressive riding position, the f2 is closer to an sv650 or a 650r than a modern repli-racer. 03's and 04's are nice, but the 05's and 06's are just sexy.

 

[JimmyD]

Do you really think the difference between an f2 and a 636 is that big? To me the guy seems pretty experienced. Don't get me wrong, Im not knocking the 636, it's a sweet bike.

My suggestion would be to demo a 750 gixxer and/or a ZX-10. I'm hearing more and more that 1000 series bikes are much smoother and just steps above the 600 class. My 600cc riding buddies are pretty unanimous that they won't be buying another 600.

If I was looking into a replacement for the EX I would definitely be doing a lot of demo riding.