[tommyboynjataol]

I got the bike in Silver. Very sweet. I payed $8,300 USD out the door. I could've gotten it for $8,000 out the door if I could wait 2 weeks. But odvously I couldn't! I had a 96 ZX6R and there are some pretty big differances. When I first got on the bike I thought it felt a little flimsy but after riding it for a few days the bike really prooved me wrong. Now I feel it is a very sturdy bike. The biggest cons about the bike is #1 my wrists hurt so much after riding it for anything over an hour. #2 The seating position is almost like a slide. You really need to squeeze tight with your knees just so you dont crush your balls. (I guess over in Japan they have little nuts and its not so much a problem) also my legs get pretty sore because the 2003 riding position is like the fetal position! I'm 6'4" 200lbs so I feel like this bike isn't really ment for me. #3 there is no adjustment for the clutch handle, so my hand getts sore from always squeezing it, especially in trafic, and #4 for weeks my hands were black anytime I would ride because the hand grips rub off on my hands. Now for the Pros! Very smooth and powerful engine. Power always when I wanted it. the storage compartment is actualy a little bigger. The brakes are much better. Nice rear end, very sleek look, and the digital gauges is about freeken time. So far I took off all the stickers, took off all the signals and replaced them with flush mounts. The first thing you should do is go to pepboys and buy a replacement horn called the freewayblaster its 132 db. and runs $15.99. Thats 27 dbs. higher than the stock horn and it sounds much more manly. That horn fits the same bracket as the oem horn. Well all and all it is a super bike and I cant wait to get past this crappy break-in period!
Ride Hard,
Tom

 

[dj dunzie]

One problem easily solved... wear gloves when you ride... and you'll also appreciate it if God forbid you ever set the bike down...

I'm 6'1" 215 so it'll be interesting to see how the bike "fits" me after a few longer rides.

Does the #1-#3 outweigh the PROS for you at this point ???

"Keep yer feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked."

 

[tommyboynjataol]

Yes the pros do outweight the cons here. I do feel this is the best bike out there. Butits better for the track than the street in riding position and comfort level. I will post pics up of what my bike looks like now without the signals and stickers. I know most oh you have to wear those gloves and helmets in your state. But I feel gloves and helmets are for pussies. I got into one accident with my 96 ZX6R last year. With nothing more than sneakers and shorts. A woman ran her light. I was out for a while but The same month I finally was all healed I bought my 2003.
My philosophy is Its better to live free and die than to never really live!

With great freedom, comes great responsibility.

 

[03sixxerBlack]

HELMETS AND GLOVES ARE FOR PUSSIES? WHAT SPEED DID YOU GET IN THAT WRECK LAST YEAR? COULDNT HAVE BEEN THAT FAST OR YOU WOULDNT BE POSTING RIGHT NOW. ONLY FOOLS DONT WEAR HELMETS. YOU REALLY NEED TO DO THAT. I DONT CARE HOW TOUGH YOU THINK YOU ARE. IF YOU GET HIT DOING 60 MPH YOU WILL DIE!

DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE THIS BIKE? THE STORAGE DEPT IS ALOT SMALLER! THE CLUTCH IS THE SAME CLUTCH FROM YEARS PAST. IM NOT SURE WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT HERE GUY. ALSO HOW DO YOU KNOW IT HAS POWER EVERYWHERE IF YOU ARE STILL BREAKING IT IN? INTERESTING QUESTIONS INDEED. IM SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD EXPLANATION FOR ALL THIS RIGHT??



im sorry officer i guess i didnt see you..

 

[dj dunzie]

Yeah, sorry bud, you have a beautiful bike, but that comment was just plain dumb to me. If you wanna ride without a helmet, feel free. I just don't get why you figure you have to make a comment like that about basically every biker in this forum. Ain't a good way to make friends.

Besides, I'd rather be a pussy than a vegetable, I'll tell you that much right now. But I'm not gonna waste my time in a helmet argument, I'm obviously not gonna convince you, and probably shouldn't care if I do or not anyway.

Enjoy the new ride, hope you never set the rubber side up...

"Keep yer feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked."

 

[tommyboynjataol]

Yeah, sorry about the helmet comment. Its just a completely different feeling to ride with a helmet and without one. When I lived in Jersey I always had to wear one and it really sucked but I didnt know that until I moved to to Miami and stopped wearing one. I will never go back now. I know most states require riders to wear them. Sorry to hear that. But I did take 3 riders courses. I would strongly recomend every rider to take those classes. They saved my life many times over. I put just over 33,000 on my 96. As for my accident I was going about 50MPH when I crashed my 96. I understand the risks of not wearing a helmet and accept them. Hardley anyone down here wears one though. As for the comments about the bike. I had a 96 zx6E I guess I didnt proof read it. But the E model had a clutch lever adjustment knob from 1-5 just like the brakes lever. and the compartment on the E models was smaller than my 2003 R model. As for knowing the power of this bike I had to ride it home form the dealer and go on a major highway I-95 and I had to get onto the highway with big rig trucks coming at me so agaist my better break-in judgement I got her up to about 80 to get out of the way. and it only took me a few seconds to get up there. But at least I didnt become the front emblem of a 16 wheeler.

With great freedom, comes great responsibility.

 

[winders]

Originally posted by tommyboynjataol

With great freedom, comes great responsibility.

And sometimes great stupidity....

Scott

 

[localbar]

About wearing helmets, Its safe to say that its smarter to wear one - that goes without saying.

Some state do not require them because the don't have as many reported accidents blaa blaa blaa and its up to the rider. If you live in N.D your not likey to get hit by a merging car. There is always rider error - but what rider says to themself I think I might have an accident today.

I am just as guilty, I ride around with shorts and tee's all the time, Few times in CT without a helmet (but I didn't like the feeling so I put it back on after a mile or so)

I tried riding around town with one of those german helmets and I have to say that the WIND NOISE and air in the eyes (with sunglasses) it a BITCH. I prefer a good helmet.

 

[02kwaker]

sorry dude, but no matter how much training you can have, shit happens. i guess every racer, motocross, and other riders that wear riding gear are all pussies also? right ok thanks, glad to know i learned something today.

just a question, why would your clutch hand hurt? i mean is it that stressful to pull a clutch in? don't worry about your wrists, i'm sure a pair of helibars will be out soon to save you.

 

[tommyboynjataol]

First that's a piss poor attitude you have. Yeah shit happens but It does make a HUGE difference how much training you've had. On the road I can tell if another rider has taken these courses or not, just by looking at how they ride. The courses saved my life several times over because they train you reflexes. Sometimes you have to do what doesn't feel right, and they teach that to you. As for helmets I don't think I compared helmets to motocross or racing did I. I think its pretty self explanatory (well, for most people) that its just a given that if you race you wear full gear. I am talking about recreational riding. as for the clutch lever, I was just giving my opinion. My old bike you could change the setting and my 03, you cant. So there's an extra say 5 inches or so of extra tension in my 03 compared to my 96.
Time for somebody to take their horse tranquilizers huh

With great freedom, comes great responsibility.

 

[GreenEnvy]

I dont think anyone would suggest a safety course is not worthwhile. I learned loads from the one I took, and plan to take more advanced ones too.

I'd never ride without a helmet on the street, I think anyone that does is just dumb (no offence intended). It's like driving your car without a seatbelt, but even worse.

I did ride without a helmet on the infield when I was at mid-ohio for a superbike race, and I even went half a mile down the street just to see what it was like. Yes it feels great, but it is not worth my life to get some wind through my hair. Helmet technology has progressed a lot in the last decade, to the point they are so light and comfortable now, if you have a properly fitted one you won't even know it's on.


-=Welcome To Canada=-

2002 Green 6R
1986 Gixxer 7/11

 

[96SNAKE016R]

I won't even get into the obvious safety issues. You do what you want to do with your life.

For me, the proper gear makes me feel like I'm one with the machine about a thousand times more than it would without it. Like I'm now prepared for anything the road throws at me without worrying about losing skin or any of that bullsh!t. It's almost impossible to picture being on my bike without the full gear on and as hard as I like to ride, that's a good thing.

Like they say, dress for the crash..

Green/Black 01ZX6r. LP flushmount v's, tank guard. Removed decals, 2002 rear fairing, Pyramid hugger

96 SVT Cobra Black/Tan Vert 32V. Not stock!

93 Blue Probe GT 24V Commuter car.

 

[Speedvlaze]

hmmmm...

It might feel great until a beetle smacks you in the eye![B)]

LOL

 

[Nilsonov]

One super con about the new 6r's....they look like my ass(yea, u dont want to know wut that looks like(....ill never get anything above the 2002 unless the do somethign about that hidious machine)[V]

 

[dj dunzie]

To each their own. I honestly think it's the nicest looking streetbike on the market this year. You really gotta see mine sittin in my garage... it looks Ducati kinda sexy in red...

And not the NEW Duck either... that thing is gawdawfulugly...

"Keep yer feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked."

 

[Speedvlaze]

Originally posted by Nilsonov

One super con about the new 6r's....they look like my ass(yea, u dont want to know wut that looks like(....ill never get anything above the 2002 unless the do somethign about that hidious machine)[V]

ummm...yeah...

 

[tommyboynjataol]

Here she is!

With great freedom, comes great responsibility.

 

[Enemy Zero]

Originally posted by Nilsonov

One super con about the new 6r's....they look like my ass(yea, u dont want to know wut that looks like(....ill never get anything above the 2002 unless the do somethign about that hidious machine)[V]

I have to admit, the first pics I saw of them made me want to hurl. I proclaimed that Kawasaki had ruined my favorite 600. After seeing them in person, they are damn sexy machines. I can't believe the way I've lusted after them since. To each their own as was said. I think it is the best new bike on the market as well. Just really good looking. Especially in that green we don't get here in the states.

Ken - Yellow '02

 

[slanttwo]

It really doesn't matter how fast you are going, the helmet is only speed rated for the initial fall of 15 mph. that is the speed your head hit's the ground at on a vertical level. No matter how fast you're going horizontaly, you'll still fall at a rate of 15 mph coming from about 5 1/2 feet or so. Now in a high side situation it's a whole different can of worms because you'll be falling at a much faster rate. Just be glad that you're head didn't meet a curb at that 50 mph you were travelling. To give you an idea of what 60 mph will do to your body if it experiences a sudden stop, it's like falling from (about) 130 feet up. No armor will protect you from that situation. Given all that I chose to protect my body as much as I can to lessen the statistics. I have had two falls and came away with minor bruising and a scratched up $600 Arai on the front, I thank God that it wasn't my face.

All that aside, that bike is stinkin Hot. I love it. by the way my name is Tom also.

 

[dedpidgin]

One more pro safety gear vote here. Wouldn't even consider riding a bike without a helmet, it's plain stupid. I usually wear full leathers and a back protector too, it makes you feel MORE free on the bike I find.... you're not thinking about "what might happen" or anything then and you can enjoy your ride more, and push that bit harder.

Besides, who wants to get off the bike and find your face plastered with bugs!!? [8D]