Well, let assume that you want a brand new ZX-6R(636). To answer your last question, there is no way that your buddy would leave you behind if you take in consideration the specs on both bikes. I guess that it would be up to each rider's ability as to who bites the dust. And that applies even if your buddy is riding on a liter bike.
IMHO I don't think that you will "outgrow" a 600. Unless you have some serious riding skills there is no way that you will push your bike to the limit and live to tell the story. Having a 600 has an advantage, maneuverability! You can take turns that a guy on a GSXR1000 wont dare to.
I have a friend who's first ever bike was a GSXR600 and he has not had an accident or really big scare yet. His trick is to ride within his limits and only pushing a bit at a time to increase his learning curve and riding ability. He doesn't let his lack of experience ruin his rides. It also helps that all of us in the riding group understand and respects his decision to take it "easy".
With that said, dont let your friend's opinion about brand influence YOUR decision. He is just getting his first bike so what does he knows about them, what his buddies tell him??
I am gonna catch some hell for what I am about to say, but here it goes anyway. It makes no difference if you buy honda, suzuki, yamaha or KAWASAKI. All four companies have great bikes in the 600cc class that will give you many hours of enjoyment while riding. My advice is that you need to sample each bike and find that best suits you. Riding positions can make a big difference. Sit on the bikes and the one that "tickles your pickle" should be the one to go with. All 600s are priced around the same so that shouldn't be a factor, unless you can get a REAL good deal.
If your buddy wants a go, tell him to come on down to MD and see how good he fares against my 2002 ZX6R!
Let Saddam come and play!
IMHO I don't think that you will "outgrow" a 600. Unless you have some serious riding skills there is no way that you will push your bike to the limit and live to tell the story. Having a 600 has an advantage, maneuverability! You can take turns that a guy on a GSXR1000 wont dare to.
I have a friend who's first ever bike was a GSXR600 and he has not had an accident or really big scare yet. His trick is to ride within his limits and only pushing a bit at a time to increase his learning curve and riding ability. He doesn't let his lack of experience ruin his rides. It also helps that all of us in the riding group understand and respects his decision to take it "easy".
With that said, dont let your friend's opinion about brand influence YOUR decision. He is just getting his first bike so what does he knows about them, what his buddies tell him??
I am gonna catch some hell for what I am about to say, but here it goes anyway. It makes no difference if you buy honda, suzuki, yamaha or KAWASAKI. All four companies have great bikes in the 600cc class that will give you many hours of enjoyment while riding. My advice is that you need to sample each bike and find that best suits you. Riding positions can make a big difference. Sit on the bikes and the one that "tickles your pickle" should be the one to go with. All 600s are priced around the same so that shouldn't be a factor, unless you can get a REAL good deal.
If your buddy wants a go, tell him to come on down to MD and see how good he fares against my 2002 ZX6R!
Let Saddam come and play!