For my own peace of mind...

[TheArchitect]

Hi all

Now that I've finally passed my Mod2, I feel I can post in this section, and not the New Biker section, without feeling too preemptive!

So I've decided to buy my mates 2005 CBR600RR as my first big bike. I've heard all the usual arguments for and against my decision to get a 600 Supersport as a first bike and I'd like to think I've made a calculated and well thought out decision about my choice.

Anyway, despite my keenness to get the RR I know the real test will be when I come to use it day in day out for my 20 mile commutes and weekend rides. My question to the supersport commuters is two fold;

1. how far do you commute and is it comfortable and easy to get used to it? I understand it won't be as comfortable as a Hornet or XJ6 or the like.
2. From experience, how does the RR compare against bikes of similar class, eg. GSXR600, R6, in terms of ridability and comfort? At this stage I'm not so fussed about performance as I know any 600 supersport has more power than I could envisage tapping into.

To clarify, I'm not looking for someone to help me make up my mind, I've already done that. I just want to know if there is a better option the same class that I might have overlooked.

thanks in advance for the advice and insults.

Ash
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[map]

[TheArchitect]

[Bendy]

[Eddie Hitler]

You will be fine!

Having ridden the 2012 CBR600rr, it's a docile thing (in my opinion of course).

It doesn't want to rip your arms out unless you climb into the higher rev range. It's very easy to get on with in the lower rev range, with plenty of power. Fantastic handling, too. It was also alot more comfortable than I thought it would be.

600s are all more or less the same. You made a good choice, that bike should keep you happy for a very long time. .

[sidewinder]

Just remember also the bike will only do why you tell it to.just take it easy fora while and get used to it.you will be fine as long as you don't ride like a twat

[P.addy]

Very bland power delivery. Revs and revs.

I had an 03, so same shape, just standard forks rather than upside down.

Can't say comfort was an issue, but I wouldn't want to go touring on it. 100 miles max before arse becomes like a piece of wood.

Drinks fuel, mainly because it wants to be revved. Neutral handling but at the same time feels precise. Later suspension may even make it far nicer.

Commuted on it, was ok, fairly windy on motorways though, bigger screen needed.

[Matt B]

Comfort on a bike can be relative to a few things other than the actual riding position. Your physical size and also stuff like how tense you are.

Anyhow the riding position on the CBR600RR is very similar to the 08 ZX6R I had. You will find that a 20 mile commute on a 600 Supersport is nothing. I used the ZX6R regularly to do 60 mile commutes from Milton Keynes up to Rutland. About an hour there and never got any aches or pains.

As for a better option within that class, probably not, but it really all comes down to your own preference. If it's a nice example and you like it then go for it
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[Wonko The Sane]

Regarding commuting on it,

I use my ZZR for 20 miles of motorway filtering and thrashing each way.

It's not too bad, my mirrors are the widest point and they slip under a transits mirrors. I take the odd bit of traffic I can't get past or a red light as an opportunity to sit up and stretch out.

Keep on top of chain lubing and an eye on tension, keep an eye on tyre and brake wear.

I try to vary my route a bit to avoid wearing a flat spot onto my tyres

It does cook my arse on a warm day in heavy traffic.
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[P.addy]

[TheArchitect]

thank you all for commenting.

I haven't ridden the RR yet but have sat on it and on my mates 2010 Ninja. Both felt very similar in terms of reach and angle of my legs on the pegs.

I'm 5'9" but my legs are longer in proportion to my upper body reach. Therefore I find I tend to rest slightly heavier on my wrists.
I think 2 miles a day shouldn't be a major issue once I've become accustomed to the bike. Only time will tell.

I intend to go and give it a decent go. worst case I swap it for a FZ6 or something!
____________________
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[P.addy]

What are your quotes looking like?

Also, invest in some crash bungs

[TheArchitect]

[P.addy]

Don't be a gay, if you don't like the colour, buy a different bike rather than have it all taken off, put back on etc. The rear plastic is 1 piece and a royal fucktard to get off. That and the tank will be a challenge.

Alright price with new licence, think I was paying £300 with that and 3 other bikes on my policy so not bad at all!

[Bendy]

If you don't like the colour, give it a month and you probably will.

[TheArchitect]

[P.addy]

Yeah, because you can wrap over bolts They hold the tank down, 2 at the front. It has MANY indents along the fairing, folds back on itself etc etc.

Best of luck, stop being a tarty fag and find the bike in the colour you like.

You think I like riding a red-ish blimp? There ain't no way I'm painting it, wrapping the tank is a no no with it on, but to get off, panels off... world of pain.

In short, why bother, its fine. If its a pain finding one, wait, simple?

[-Matt-]

I'm 5''10 and legs are fairly long - can commute comfortably on my ZX6 and ride without stopping for hour, never found it uncomfortable to be honest.

Try sit so your body and weight is being supported a bit by your legs around the tank rather than all forwards onto your wrists if its particularly uncomfortable, my wrists rarely ever ache on mine, leg occasionly gets stiff but I think thats just down to having been riding sports-positioned bikes for a good few years now.

Unless you go full-retard whazzing the throttle right back it shouldn't feel excessively uncontrollable you have to rev these bikes a lot to get the real power out of them, it will definately be quick, especially as your first big bike, but it isn't going to go bucking you off unexpectedly

[Rogerborg]

[chickenstrip]

If your mate's bike is well looked after, no reason you shouldn't have it. It's not like you can never sell/trade it later is it?

[Suntan Sid]

5'11" with long legs, I used to commute 45 miles on a KR1S never had any back or wrist ache, just the after effects of a seat that appeared to be made from two folded sheets of A4!!
You'll be fine!
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[TheArchitect]

Agreed it is a convenience but certainly not coincidence. He's had the RR for a number of years and I know he's a weekend rider and does take good care of all 3 of his bikes. They are always garaged rarely see rain. Anyway when I started getting into bikes (about 2 years ago) I knew I wanted an RR after seeing his. The time came and I asked him if he'd be willing to part with it and he thought why not. It's a great bike for the money in paying and I know for a fact it's been looked after for at least the last 4 years.

About the wrapping. Not saying it's a good idea or it's the best way to mod a bike. What I'm saying is I personally don't like the colour and I have decided to have it wrapped. Also I know it can be done without removing the panels because I have seen a number of bikes being wrapped without removing the panels. You'd be surprised how good the wrappers are with the right tools.
____________________
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[Tamsin]

[TheArchitect]

[TheArchitect]