[micty]

Hi everyone. I'd like advice on whether I should get an 00-02 ZX6R.

I'm a newbie. I've been riding my EX500 infrequently for about a year (around 1200 miles to date). I ride relatively conservatively. I haven't even scraped the peg feelers on my bike (I've never had to lean that far yet).

I was thinking of getting a 00-02 ZX6R as a long-term bike because it may be the last streetable modern 600.

My concerns are:
1. I ride on surface streets quite often (approx. 60% surface streets, 40% freeways, 0% track). Would I essentially get stuck on 1st or 2nd gear at city riding speeds (e.g., 45mph)?
2. Does the ZX6R have adequate midrange torque? Does it have usable power even without having to go near the redline?
3. Is the ZX6R fun to ride even at less than supersonic speeds?

Thanks in advance.
Mic Ty

 

[Cambridgezx6r]

The J series ('00-'02) is an EXCELLENT touring sports 600.

It is the best touring/commuting modern 600 supersport there is. I out comfort (as well as out-straightline) my buddies on 1999-2002 R6s and F4is.

There's a cool write up, comparing the VFR800 Interceptor with the ZX6R as a sports tourer.

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/touring/01vfr6r.motml



'00 ZX6R silver

 

[GreenEnvy]

I use my 02 to commute to college and work in the summer, was totally comfortable after a week or so, I love it.

-=Welcome To Canada=-

2002 Green 6R
1986 Gixxer 7/11

 

[Cailith]

I ride my 02 to work every day, it is no problem at all to ride around town. Now if it would stop RAINING for a couple of days my wet-weather gear might get a chance to dry out...

Red 2002 ZX-6R 636

 

[scum182]

I commute to work every day, freeway and surface steets...80-100 miles each way on my '03 6R...It is an easy bike to ride

 

[Andy_7676]

the 00-02 zx-6r is the most comfy 600 period....

that's the reason I bought mine...

heck I would get a 02 over the new 03's becasue the 03's aren't as comfy....


it's a great upgrade from the ex500, but if you barely push the ex500 to it's limits, why get a zx-6r?

heck I was scrapping the centerstand on my ex500, so thought it was time to upgrade

My Drinking Team Has a Racing Problem!

 

[micty]

Hey everyone, thanks for the reassuring comments on the J1.

Andy, good question. The only reason I wanna get a ZX6R sooner is because I think it's an endangered species. I could wait til I'm really good on the EX500 but by then who knows if there will still be J1s in good condition? That's my quandary...

Mic

 

[Flash Ahhh]

Micty,

My 0.02¢ :

1. At 45 MPH I'd use 3rd or 4th gear. RPMs are low, bike is humming pleasantly. Plenty of room left in case you need to roll-on for passing, etc.

2. The 6r's top power band is between 9k and 12k RPM. There is plenty of usable power below that. You'd be surprised what you can do with that bike and not go over 9k RPM. I am serious. And you'd have plenty to spare.

3. YES! I bought the 6r over the R6 and Gixxes because of how I liked the ride stance on the Ninja so so so oo so much better. On the Ninja you don't have to support most of your weight on your arms the whole time. You can sit up, or lean back a tad, ride one handed, lean forward, etc. Its a nice variety of ride positions, and none of them are fatiguing. On the Yamas and Gixxes you are mostly leaning forward in the cockpit, both arms on the bars.

To continue, for commuting, I agree with Andy, the 03's are more a track bred bike and you lean a lot more. The 03 would be harder to commute on.

Now, lets say you are not ready for a Ninja 6r (Though I think you probaby are) another decent sport.touring bike is a Katana 600. The Katana has a great seat, nice cluster (with fuel gauge) and nice ride stance. Only two cons, it's a heavy bike, and the cooling is mixed air/liquid. Other then that, it's a good, cheaper alternative for a commute bike.

Keep us posted.

-Flash



"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but habit" - Aristotle

 

[micty]

Thanks for the detailed answers, Flash. I didn't consider the '03 because as everyone has pointed out, it's more of a track bike than the J1, and a streetbike is what I'm looking for. Plus, given that I don't really ride that much, I think it would be too much money to spend on a bike.

For the benefit of readers in my predicament, the other bikes I was thinking of were an F4i, YZF600R, or a VFR800.
vs. F4i: I thought the ZX6R looks a little better than the F4i, probably costs less, and is superior in comfort. Plus I don't wanna have to worry about cam chain tensioners. Also, since I have an EX500, I feel some loyalty to Kawi.
vs. YZF: frankly, I think the YZF is a better match for my riding skills, but sorry, I just like the ZX6R's looks a lot more. And the ZX6R is a better value.
vs. VFR800: I like the abundance of midrange torque but it seems too heavy for me. Also, insurance could be higher.
I never really thought about the Katana, bec it doesn't seem much better than the EX500 (and I'm guessing that the EX500 is more fun), it's too heavy, and will probably have a very low resale value cuz of its bad rep. Plus, I don't really like the way it looks.

Anyway, I'm gonna check out a ZX6R tomorrow. Will let you guys know what happened. In any case, thanks to everyone for all the advice.

 

[Andy_7676]

The Zx-6R feels alot like a smaller slightly less comfy VFR IMHO.....

I do like the midrange on the VFR though....


the VFR never felt heavy to me, it seem to be well balanced...but I"m a bigger guy so it's all relative I guess...


If you have been riding an ex500, I have no doubt you can handle a ZX-6R, but it will be an eye opener the first time you open the throttle on the zx-6r...

After I traded my zx-6r in and took the ZX-6R for a ride, I couldn't stop smiling....

be aware thgou that the zx-6r will make you want to ride faster, so try and keep your speed in check....

good luck and let us know how it goes...


p.s.

dont expect the zx-6r to be very comfy at first, it will take your body time before you get use to the seating position when you use to ride the pretty comfy (IMHO) ex500.

My Drinking Team Has a Racing Problem!

 

[-gary]

Don't forget about the 6E (or whatever they call it now).

-gary
'02 6R

 

[arturo3rd]

also consider a corbin seat for long commuting, i heard they are worth every penny. now the hard part is finding one under $100

Member since 8/30/02. Forget what the post count says!

 

[Cailith]

I used to commute on an FZR1000, that was more comfortable than the ZX-6R for round-town commuting, but I just loved the look and ride of the 6R!


Red 2002 ZX-6R 636

 

[spddmn]

I ride my 01 ZX6R to college all the time. It is a great bike for commuting as well as on the track. It does have great mid-range torque, and at 45mph you can still cruise in almost any gear you want and be comfortable.

 

[micty]

Darn it. It was sold just before I got there. Well, there goes another happy ZX6R owner. Looks like I'll just have to wait for another one...

Mic

 

[Flash Ahhh]

Micty,

Good luck and keep us posted.

I've never rode a Ninja 500, but I know a girl that commutes to school on one.

-Flash

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but habit" - Aristotle

 

[Andy_7676]

"also consider a corbin seat for long commuting, i heard they are worth every penny."


yes they are!!!

My Drinking Team Has a Racing Problem!

 

[johnrizof]

As a man who has rode all the 6R sinse '98.
I recomend the '02 model if you want comfort and pilion.
But for solo riding the '03 is the best!
As for the pains and aches I got pass them as soon as I crack open the throtle.

 

[zodrow]

Just so you know man. .I just bought a J1 and I'm trying to sell my GSX (Katana) 750. Brand new metzler m1 tires (less than 200 miles on them) and just got outta the paint shop. Doens't even look like a Katana anymore. It's pheonix yellow (integra type r yellow) with gunmetal and black graphics. Probably one of the most confortable bikes I have ever owned. Especially for commuting.. .let me know if you have any questions. .but either way. Good luck in your search!

Holdin' it BIG!