2000 ZX6-R in excellent condition, too mad for 1st big bike?

[Fullers1845]

Hi folks, my wife's uncle sadly passed away recently and in his garage was his ZX6-R J1 spec which he had owned from new.
It hasn't been run since it was last MOT'd in 2017. Before that it's only miles since 2006 was my brother in law trundling it to the local garage for it's MOT as his uncle was in poor health unfortunately.
He used to use it for summer commuting from Kent to the city and a bit of touring and it's done about 30K miles, the only mods are a rear hugger and a scott oiler, and it looks to be in really nice condition but will need a bit of re-commissioning work to get it back on the road, new tyres, fluids, brakes etc but nothing too onerous.
My brother in law reckons I should take the bike on; I'm in the process of getting my A licence (need Mod 2) and it's a lovely bike which I know was meticulously cleaned and serviced (and never dropped) but my biggest reservation is that it would be my first big bike so would it be a bit too extreme for that?
Brother in law reckons it's pretty tame and easy to ride at low revs, he just says it's a matter of sensible clutch/throttle and self-control.

[MarJay]

I think it's too powerful for A2 but yeah back in the day people used to have them as their first bikes. They are good all rounders. You can do a trackday on a Monday and then go touring on a Tuesday.

As long as you take it very easy, and be aware that the high revs are where the power lies, you'll be OK I think. I usually recommend against a 600 as a first bike, but times have changed, and of all the 600s only the CBR600F is a more appropriate first bike I think.

Seeing as there is an emotional attachment it's better than the usual 650cc twin suspects.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[MCN]

RIP your uncle.

I've got a bmw S1000RR, it's tame at low revs too.

A 600 is a great 1st bike.

If you are really concerned have a local shop restrict it.

It will have enough Oomph for a couple of months.

Just take your time, avoid groups if they are all on R1s/Gixers etc.

Smooth control:
I normally ride with my thumb and forefinger round the bar with the other fingers round the throttle grip.
That's your reins. Grip the tank with your knees.

A bit like horse riding.

Have fun. Maintain some feelings for your ability to ride/drive by not riding like a knob.

Ps. I'm sure your uncle would have been happy to know the bike is used and loved. And still in the family.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[stinkwheel]

A 600 supersports is totally banzai but only if you tell it to. If anything, they're pretty tame up through the lower and midrange. Drop a couple of gears and pin the throttle to the redline and you've suddenly got yourself something of a handfull. Dealers choice.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Fullers1845]

Cheers guys, I'm leaning towards taking the bike on I think.


MCN I think you are right in that respect, he would have wanted me or my brother in law to keep it going (B.I.L. has an old school '93 ZZR600 and they used to ride out together).

Will be nice to have another family bike; I currently have a 1922 race bike with the original registration plate that belonged to my grandfather (he bought it in 1930) that is running but still needs a lot more work to go back on the road.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

ZX6R is a bike for experts and heroes.

[B0ndy]

Had one as my first “non A2 bike”, wouldn’t say it’s too much for your first big bikes.

The longest I’ve kept any bike, it was brilliant - still miss it. Enjoy it
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CBF 125 -> CB400SF -> GSX600F -> ZX6R (G1) -> GSXR1000 K4 -> ZX6R (B1H Stunt bike) -> VFR800 -> R1 5PW -> Sprint 1050 -> Fireblade 929 -> ZX10R C2H -> GSXR1000 K3

[dave001]

you will grow in to any bike with a bit of respect for the right wist

just buy what ever bike you want

[MarJay]

[dave001]