Who's got a sports bike?

I find the CBR600RR very comfortable; like it was fitted for me (but I spend my time on R-bikes; R100GS, R1100S, R1150GS).

The Buell Firebolts are impressive performers but they *are* weirdly configured, high-powered for their size and require constant attention. "Powered unicycle" is the best description of the last one I test-rode.

FWIW I think a liter-class sportbike (or a 750, which are now where liter-bikes were years ago in terms of performance) is an insane choice for a first ride. None of the contenders are beginner's bikes.
 
Last edited:
I rode for 5 years. My favorite of the bikes I owned was a 2003 r6. I don't ride anymore. If I did, I'd get a used 2007 CBR600rr, hands down. The GSX-R750 is also a great bike.
 
Realize this is only an opinion... but I had Honda's for my ENTIRE life until I was about... 30. I honestly think the best over-all bike is a Ducati, but only if you get one of the newer models... like a 916 or newer (newer are 996)... the Suzuki 750 is a really good handling bike also... and the Honda CBR 600 is a solid choice.

BUT... I gotta' agree with many of the people in this thread and say that Yamaha makes the best bang for the buck (of the Japanese). Honda is probably the most reliable, then closely followed by Yam, then Suzuki, then Kaw... and last is Duc.

On handling it's Duc, Yam-Suk, Honda (only if it's the 600), Kaw, then the rest of the Hondas.

The Fireblades (as they are called over there) were 900rr over here. I owned one of those also... I would suggest that you avoid those for handling issues. ESPECIALLY if it's '99 or older. Those were flat-out unstable at speed.

Seriously... your best bet in an "economy" sportbike is a Yamaha... the 600 will blow you away. Seriously I'm almost worried about you... and I don't mean that to be an insult... you have no idea what you're in for. Back in the late '80s... to around early '90s there was going to be legislation put in place, in the USA, which would limit bikes to 100hp... and at that time the Honda Hurricanes (1000cbr) were just crossing over 100hp... floating around that mark... and they were 500lbs bikes. Now go check out that 600... and the weight of it. The power to weight ratios are unbelievable these days. Your 600 will most likely have a 0-60 time of around 3.5 seconds. It will be PLENTY fast to get killed on... and I don't mean this as "your dad" or a smart-ass comment from a non-biker... I mean things will happen so fast that you won't believe it. I've lost two riding buddies... don't take it lightly. I almost bit it myself.

My bikes have been... Honda, mini-trail 50, ct-70, Elite 150, cr-80, cr125, cr-250, cr-500, CB-1, cbr 600, cbr 900rr (919). Yamaha, R1. The Yamaha was by far the nicest bike I've ever ridden (of the Japanese bikes)... and I've ridden a LOT more then I've owned.

The more recent Honda's have starting looking a lot like the Yamaha's... so I think you could go either way, but if you get something '03 or older I'd lean towards Yam in that price-range.
My .02
 
Last edited:
Damn, you all have different favorite bikes, lol. Such a personal thing, isn't it?

The unfortunate thing is I don't live in a big city so I could be in for a long, long wait if I try to find a certain model/year. The bike I'm looking at, linked below is a 4hour + drive.

Matt, what year was the R1 you liked? What do you like/dislike about them? Here's the bike I am/was looking at - it's a 99. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Blue-Yamaha-...yZ102689QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I read some reviews and some people say they're weird to sit on, something like the seat being too high compared to the handlebars?

The main thing I'm after is a comfortable (for a sports bike) and fun ride, I'm not a daredevil/hoon so I won't be riding crazy. I'll keep an eye out for a 600 or 750 (GSXR750 01 or 02 sounds nice) or any of the models, might be the best way to go. hmmm...
 
tmnt said:
The main thing I'm after is a comfortable (for a sports bike) and fun ride, I'm not a daredevil/hoon so I won't be riding crazy. I'll keep an eye out for a 600 or 750 (GSXR750 01 or 02 sounds nice) or any of the models, might be the best way to go. hmmm...
Click to expand...

Any CBR 600 (of virtually ANY year) will fit this description... the newest bikes, of about the last 5 years, have moved more towards absolute performance then comfort... but you can always add a Corbin seat. (I did, they're great.)

The R6 wouldn't be bad, but for comfort/reliabiity I think the Honda 600 would be hard to beat.

My r1 was a '99 (maybe '98, I don't remember which)... but it was pretty bad-ass. It went through various levels of "trick", but at the peak I had a yosh race system, many other special bits, including CF wheels... it was as much fun parking it as it was riding it. This freakin' thread is going to make me want another bike. Not good for 'ole Matty... I started to get this funny feeling... too many close calls due to my "judgment". If I was buying a bike under your circumstances I'd get a Honda 600rr or Yamaha R6.

Flip a coin... if you want outright performance then mark that side Yam... if you want comfort and an edge on reliability then mark that side Honda... I would still happily take heads or tails. You'll be able to beat 4.0 on 0-60 and have an easily attained top-speed of around 150mph... which is plenty. Nothing's lost on a modern 600... make your next bike a liter.
 
Thanks a lot mate. I'm not a big fan of the looks of the earlier cbrs but I think the Yammys look pretty nice. You've all talked me out of the litres so I'll let you know what I end up with (hopefully within a month or so!).

Let us know what bike you get Matt :laugh:.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top