Restricting a 600...

[Jonathan_Beardy_Campbell]

Hi,
I am 18 and looking to do my practical tests, I'd like to get a bigger bike and restrict it rather than keep my tiny 125. I am thinking about getting something like a Honda cbr600 or a Yamaha Thundercat 600 and I was wondering how restricting them would affect their performance? I'm a bit of a newby so any help would be appreciated.
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Still dreaming of a bigger bike....

[P.addy]

You lose 2/3 of the HP theoretically.

You can still hit around 100mph, some say you get less MPG, but hey.

[Nope.]

Restricting a bike will change performance characteristics and will probably create flat spots however if you haven't ever ridden the bike without the restrictors then you probably wouldn't notice the difference to be honest.

It also depends on the type of restriction used. If its inlet manifold washers expect over-fueling and flat spots, similarly with low power ECU's but less of the flat spots as the fuel map can be more easily tuned. If its done through throttle stops you don't get flat spots as such but you cant access all of the rev range which can get annoying at times.

Basically, restricted bikes are annoying but not un-ridably so.

If you need cheap restrictors at some point PM me, I have a small stock of designs and can get them made up for a very reasonable price when compared to that of FI international. (Me: £29.99 + Shipping, FI International £172.99 + Shipping + Fitting by a mechanic)
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Former: Derbi GP1 50, Sachs XTC 125, Suzuki GSXR 400 GK73A, Kawasaki ZX7R, Suzuki DR250, Yamaha RD350
Current: 2011 Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, 2003 Yamaha YZR-R1 5PW (In Build), 2009 Kawasaki ZZR1400

[Teflon-Mike]

CBR6 & Thunder cat are 80+ish bhp bikes, depending on original spec.
They have chassis, brakes, suspension etc all designed to handle the forces of an 80+ bhp engine, and the speeds, cornering and breaking forces etc that can generate.

Restricting one, you'll be chopping its bollocks off big time, and it would be like riding every where at no more than half throttle.

As said; coming from a 125, knowing no different, will still be exiting... however...

You'll be lugging the extra mass needed to support that engine and equipment about, and you'll be paying the same high maintenence water cooled inline sports bikes demand, all for NOT having the performance they offer in reccompense.

Can be done, but its expensive and hard work for no real benefit.

You'd be far better off with a naked twin.

Two cylinders, less to go wrong. They are cheaper to insure. Better on petrol. Cheaper to service and maintain... and delivering the same 'punch' just as fast and just as exiting.... for less money and less work.

And I say 'Naked'.... if you have to have sprots bike style, GPz500 or SV650 have fairings..... but cocooned behind a screen, you dont get the same sensation of speed. As a newbie, and on still restricted performance, naked bike gives you more direct 'feedback' and sensation, that helps you realise when you are going a bit quick.... and exagerates it.... so when you are tramping on, it feels like it.... where behind a bubble, particularly on a bike like a CBR6, you KNOW has more to offer.... it will feel like you just aren't getting it.

Dont know your finances, but teenage income tends to be megre and erratic..... 600's can be quite cheap to buy, but the running costs, particularly as an every day, all year, main means of transport can be crippling. And insurance will be the big 'hit'..... restricted, CBR600 will be as much to insure as a full power version, and they are a high risk bike. GS500 or CPz500, just as much power in restricted form, but much lower insurance group, classes as a commuter, rather than a super sport 600....

Crunch some numbers, and think about the running costs. & REALLY have a think about the twins.
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Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'