CBR600F or ZX6R or ????

Motorcycling
1

Been thinking about what to get for my next bike (although it would probably help to find a job first… ) much as I love the Bandit it is starting to feel a bit slow for me, and when I’m out I find myself going to move up a gear, only to relaise it’s already in the top gear :doze:

I’m after something that’s sporty, reasonably comfortable with a decent amount of power too but at the same time fairly cheap and easy to work on.

Ones I have in mind are a CBR600F or ZX6R, in terms of performance they’re pretty much similar, but was wondering if anyone had experience of either or both ?

Cheers :slight_smile:

2

Both great bikes. If I were you I’d get a test ride on each and go with whichever you prefer.

3

I have one of each!! Although the ZX6R is a track bike and I haven’t actually riden it yet!! The CBR600F is a great bike, it’s my 1st bike, had it just over a year now and I have loved every minute on it, probably a little more comfy that the ZX6R but don’t quote me on that :stuck_out_tongue:

4

My first bike was the CBR600f as well, and I can vouch for it being not only comfortable, but also an excellent bike for grin factor! Still got mine, but she’s a streetfighter now! :smiley:

5

I’m in exactly the same position with exactly the same bikes. My problem is the insurance premium is massive on the Honda and Kawasaki. Thinking of keeping the Bandit as a winter war-horse, but I’m soooooo tempted by the ZX6 - preferably a 636. Will have to do some test rides as the Honda probably makes more sense as I’m 6"3, but that Kawasaki in green. Not sure if I can resist.

6

Head: CBR6 - comfortable, user friendly, build quality.

Heart: ZX6R - noise, aggression, charachter.

7

Both great bikes however the B1 636 is a totally different bike all together. Agressive head shaking and a hard ride.

8

Yeah, I love the Bandit and want to keep it but am hankering after something in the sports line. Even thought about an SV1000s as a starter.

Wouldn’t want to be without a naked. Saw a GSX1400 today and that was kinda cool.

Strewth, so many nice bikes about eh!

9

I’m biased as I have a B1H 636 but I did try a CBR and found it a bit bland after the ‘roughness’ of the ZX. As Sid Throttle says its definitely ‘heart vs head’!!

I’m aware that a CBR does everything asked of it and does it well but in my opinion it lacks the rough, raw feel of the Kawasaki. Not sure what year ZX you’re after but i tried a later 05-on underseat exhaust one and it felt tiny compared to mine. You’re more than welcome to meet and try mine for size, I’m 6’2" and don’t find it too cramped, perhaps a bit weighty on the wrists but that may just be me.:smiley:

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Mark ive had a cbr and a zx6, the zx6 is a bit quicker, these were both 2000 models, apart from that both very good bikes with a bit more comfort from the cbr.

11

MCN did a video review of these recently, among others.

They rated the Honda top, then the Triumph 675. I think the Kwak came last!

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Thanks all for the replies so far… still can’t decide ! I do like the sound of the ‘rawness’ of the ZX, they seem to be slightly cheaper too. Digger I’m looking for a cheap one so def. won’t be the 05 model !!

Are one easier to work on than the other ? What about reliability ? I’ve heard that Honda reliability is second to none ?
Are there any decent ZX6 forums (UK based) that I could have a look on ?

Cheers

13

CB6F…i think it will suit you better mate, good bike, bit less manic than a ZX-6R.

test ride both, go what what ya like:D

14

Different years I know but I tried a CBR600rr 2007 and a ZX6 2007 and immediately bought the ZX6, it’s like riding a rabid greyhound compared to an asthmatic labrador. Slight exageration but there’s a marked difference, the Honda was very smooth and refined and the Kawasaki more raw and focused. Took a while to get used to it but 22,000 miles on I know I made the right decision.

People often criticise Kawasaki reliability but it seems to be hearsay rather than actual factual evidence. All mine has needed is a pair of discs which warped at 5000 miles or so, apart from that it’s been 100%.

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Try the MCNinjas site there are a few for sale on there

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Kwak! Not from experience, just been brought up to go for a Kawasaki :stuck_out_tongue: And I reckon someone’s just jealous cos I said I was getting a ZX :Whistling:

Although when I was shopping for a bike my dad (who’s a bike mechanic so ridden hundreds of bikes) said the ZX6R is so much more fun to ride than any other similar 600. I guess everyone has a different opinion though. Honda apparently are more reliable… But I guess that may just be with their much older bikes that have prooven to be so hardy that they’ve given Honda such a good rep?

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Jealous ? Haha ya cheeky sod, well just a bit !

Tempted to go for the ZX6R… quite fancy a bike with a bit of a wild side :smiley: plus they seem to be a bit cheaper… :smiley: hope they are reliable though as I will be using it for commuting (once I find another job!)

Gonna have a read through some forums to get some info. I see Terry Moto has one cheap, but it’s unfaired :frowning:

18

+1:DI felt like that exacly and allowed my heart to make the decision!!..ZX6R baby!! :cool:

19

Theres a buying guide to the ZX636 in this months RIDE magazine. :slight_smile:

20

I’ve got the 00 zx6r model and my friend has a '99 cbr-f. Although we both haven’t ridden for that long, we’ve swapped bikes now and again. The first thing I noticed was the comfortable seating position of the cbr and its smoothness, it would be ideal for commuting around london compared to my zx as im always crouched down however I am fairly short but who needs all that fluffy nonsense when you got a beast under your legs. CBR F for me is like a tamed cat, zx is the unfed monster itching to open up. Although I’ll be transfering to a gixxer soon, I prefer the ZX. Test ride both and get the one you prefer!