Swoop,
My kind of decision, I'm not sure if you know but I've owned GSX-R's for the last 6 years and currently own the K2 1000cc model. I'm not biased towards Gixer's (well maybe a little) but as the current models stand the GSX'R 600 is by far the better bike and I've spent some time on them all. Since I belong to a large road racing bike club here in NZ.
The GSXR is far better then the R6 on the road and on the track it's more livable day by day on the road and has superior performance all round. I've ridden both on the track also and while the R6 imho is more precise the GSXR gives more confidence on the edge and much better feedback plus keeping it on the boil and coming out of corners it's awsome. Plus throw on a pipe,filter and PC3r and you can produce some serious power.
I totally understand your feelings about the CBR they are much more civilised and easier to live with day by day then both the above bikes, infact their very comfortable on long rides. Couple of the guys have them and swear by them as the best 600's. Plus they are a great looking bike but I agree just don't have that race pedigree as the other two bikes.
Oh, forgetting the ZX6'r the older models are probably a great alternative comfortable and more road orientated (like the ZX9) though not as hot on the power and track day abilities. But second hand great all round bike and bang for your buck imho. Not sure on the newer 636's don't really like them considering what you get for the same money in a GSXR.
Triumph 600 wouldn't even think about it but the 03 model suppose to of had some changes.
For me if I wasn't into track day's and as much performance as I could get I'd go after something more civilised which would be the CBR. Especially so if holding onto your licence and long rides across France are the go. Plus with an undertail and pipe they look pretty awsome.
But for overall performance,speed,fun and no so bad for long rides and awsome on tracks there's no choice I would definetly chose the GSXR it just has so much more in one package and is by far the best current 600 on the market. The engine alone is a marvel of 600cc performance. Plus you can probably pick up a second hand low milage K1 for a steal.
Ergonomics are same as the 1000 (though feels slightly smaller), and I can ride that bike all day. Chuck a bubble screen on it and you can go touring. Infact I'm planning a 2500km ride next month on mine. I think people who say that their uncomfortable on GSXR's for long trips are softnoodles use to BMW's.
Really same old advice applies especially with bikes. Take all of them for a good ride and see which one gives you the most fun, what bikes are all about really. And don't worry about whether it's the latest track weapon or not. Fun is the main thing. I still get a blast out of riding my mates 350cc BSA Bantam. :-)
Alot of guys pay for and buy the latest track toys but haven't got a clue on how to ride and on the road you can only use a 10th of their performance anyway. Buy what you think suits you best for how your going to use the bike. If your riding with mates, remember a good rider will beat a candy arse on anything.
But if you do chose the Gixer then welcome to the club, as for why I chose the 1000cc model, well nothing I've ever ridden gives me the "diddly Me" factor like that bike every time I take it out. And if it wasn't for that factor on the big bike and that I do track day's I probably would of gone for a new Daytona. As like the 600 it's more road orientated.
Good luck on your choice, don't let the dickheads in the magazines shift your decision and all the best. If you would like to chat more about bikes feel free to email me
desther@ihug.co.nz...-Gixer
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