Kawasaki 636 05 anyone?

[Villers]

After a chat with the insurance people it seems that despite my ridiculous insurance position I can insure an 05 636 for what I would accept as bordering on sensible. It was £210 more than my SV but for the sake of 200 quid I know which I'd rather have!!

So Ive got my heart set on it now and Im actively saving. This is where you lot come in, who has one? What are the bad bits? What to look out for? Whats really going to piss me off about it six months down the line etc?

As for me im about 5 feet 9 give or take and 12 stone. Im imagining these bikes to be tiny but cant find any locally so wont know for sure until I get out there.

Any encouragement/discouragement gratefully received!!

Cheers in advance
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[zenith10]

i really love these bikes but never been on one so cant comment on what there like just wondering how much would you be looking to pay for one? id love to get one soon as ive past my test

[Bandito]

i sat on one when i was tempted between that and an 05 RR.
Wasn't a fan of the build quality of the 636... felt too plasticcy and cheap... and its very hard to read the dash as the screen gets in the way...
I went for the RR as it felt more solid and you get Hondas build quality too..... I would recommend an RR over the 636 personally. Cheaper to insure too as its lower cc.

[TOM M]

[.....]

I've had an RR and have a 05 636 at the moment.

I'd say the build quality on the 636 is easily as good as the Honda, if not better.

The 636 motor absolutely munches the RR's, those extra 37cc really do make a difference, and it delivers the power in more aggressive way as well with a very punchy top end.

Handling-wise they are very closely matched, both very good but I think the Kwak is slightly more sure footed and favours a more aggressive riding style. Brakes are excellent on both bikes.

I never had a problem with the RR and have never had one with the Kwak. Take a test ride on each and go with whatever you prefer.

[Bandito]

[ram_doom]

I have an 06 which is identical besides the screen I believe.

Aggressive bike, with big power for a 600 class machine. Brakes are excellent, handling is great, always rides at the front of the pack, I believe its one of the lightest in the class also.

Oh and its put together quite nicely too

Can get some very nice upgrades, and it has excellent showa suspension.

Only thing that irritates me is that the digital tacho, has developed an intermittent fault with the area up to 500rpm not illuminating.
Might get this done on warranty if it gets any worse, but I'd rather not have the bike off the road being worked on for a week for the sake of a little black bar not lighting up

As for physical size, its quite small, but the seat height is high, and the riding position stretched out. Might give you sore wrists for a while, but the seat is fairly plush for a sports bike
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TL1000s, KDX200

[extreme3d]

Out of interest, what has made you change your mind about your SV?

[_Will_]

Love the look of em and seriously considering one next.
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Past -Honda qr50 | 2004 Peugeot Tkr s 50| | 1996 Yamaha XJ600s Diversion|

[Villers]

[.....]

If you do get a 636 get the suspension set up for you professionally. Or if you really know what you're doing then do it yourself. I had mine done and it made a world of difference. Much sharper and more planted. The main difference was the disappearance of the tank-slappers, not full on, but not pleasant. It used to really love shaking the bars very hard but hasn't done it since.

[ram_doom]

[.....]

They generally went stiffer as I had it set up for fast road/track use. I had mine done at www.stevejordanmotorcycles.com , might be worth finding somewhere similar near to you. He did give me a sheet with all the adjustments on but I haven't got a clue where it is.

This

https://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_street_bike_suspension_settings/#kawasaki

might give you somewhere to start from if you were to have a go yourself.

[Stu_666]

yeah I'd agree all with what Joe has said above. Also (as said above) the standard screen is cack and you can't properly see the speedo so an aftermarket jobbie would be good for remedying that. Also I've been informed that its not the best bike for pillions but I've never taken one so can't really comment on that.

Bought mine new in 2005 and it was the test ride that really clinched it for me. Having just passed my test I was looking for something a bit more sedate but was passing the Kawasaki place so thought I'd give it a go.

Handling is I'd say superb on them. Mine came fitted with Bridgestone BT045's (I think) and I haven't had any problems with them. Brakes are also quality. Using the bike for uni most weekdays its also fairly easy to use in town at low speed and for filtering through traffic. Slipper clutch also is good for changing down at speed on them.


As for build quality and reliability so far I have'nt found any probs with these.

What about also looking at a gsxr? Magazines normally rate them quite high.

[.....]

I'm definitely with Stu on the slipper clutch bit - it's great. If you are going to get it on track then it really comes into it's own - just bang it down through the gears.

[G]

[Villers]

Hang on G, where was the 'I told you so' bit of the thread??

I did consider the GSXR conversion but just thought 'bollox to it' why should I hack a nearly new bike? Over on SV650.org people are transplanting all sorts of gixxer stuff but I really just cant be bothered with it.

The speed of the SV isnt an issue to me really, Im not after the 636 for its speed (although it is nice) as I could easily spend less on a quicker bike if that was the case.

As for the gixxer option - no offense to anyone - I just plain dont like them. They dont do it for me tbh. Think it comes from going to bike shows and seeing rows and rows and rows of blue and white GSXR's in the carpark. Plus they have a bit of a stigma too.

The slipper clutch is an interesting addition for me, I have been known to lock the rear up on the SV and its not a v nice experience. Not normally through changing down too quick but through missing gears on the way down and panicing!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[G]

[Villers]

I think I have to remove the toolbox on the LHS to fit the shock and maybe fettle the battery box. Just dont fancy it G.

So far Ive only seen another 1 636 knocking about, but starngely no other SV's!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[Stu_666]

Probably say after a year and a half (ish) of having the ZX6R it still keeps me pretty 'entertained'. Still brings a smile to my face when I razz it along a stretch of dual carriageway going into uni.

Only thing I do wonder though if I should have considered something like a Honda VFR800 as I think hard luggage can be fitted to them. Suppose as well you have to ask what mainly you'll be using the bike for. Myself although the ZX6R is a fantastic sportsbike I wonder if I should have gone for something more of a sports-tourer.

[Villers]

My bike used to be my tool, but now its more of a toy! I dont need anything practical, im a 25 year old single bloke. Pillion is not an issue, I even drive a 2 seater sportscar. Im not about practicality!!

I cant wait to get my hands on one of these 636's!!

Whats the BHP, top speed and Model Number I should be looking at?
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[ram_doom]

[G]

Thought all the 600s were still teetering around 160mph (real speeds).

[ram_doom]