I've spoken a couple times with an otherwise happy 2002 Blindingly Red ZX6R owner, whose only reservation is that he feels the bike cannot be controlled in the wet. "Absolutely NOooo traction!" He stated that he'd tried to start off in 2nd gear, as you can do with a standard-transmission car in slippery conditions, but that didn't work out. Soo.. I'm very interested in what members here have to say about their experiences. Although I failed to see what tires were on HIS bike (duh...), I'd ask that you please tell us what tire you are referring to if you post a reply. I'd strongly consider "upgrading" from my Kawasaki 2002 EX500R next year BUT: I've had to ride in drizzle and in hard rain several times. Miserable, a bit scary, but I certainly did NOT feel that I had "absolutely no traction". I was very careful, and made it through. Doubtless, the skinny tires on the 500R have an advantage in wet conditions if only because they press down more in what contact spot there is (same experience with bicycle skinny tires, which get adequate grip in the rain if one is reasonably careful.) Man, would I love to be persuaded that the 6R is a "great rain bike". Yeah, sure...
"Abandon All Sloth, Ye Who Enter Here!"
"Abandon All Sloth, Ye Who Enter Here!"