ZZR 600 vs THUNDERCAT

runningwild · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

Hi folks,
ive had my gpz 500 for 4 years and now its time for a change. I have to decide between the ZZR 600 and the YZF 600 Thundercat. I dont want any other bikes (CBRs, Fazers, etc). I really dont know which of these 2 to choose. It will be a 2nd hand bike. However, when you guys give your opinion here, dont take into account the price, just compare the bikes.
How do these bikes compare? given that both bikes are more or less similar, i would like to compare them in aspects that are important for me: a comfortable riding position, good wind protection, decent low end power, and good mid range power. Because, up top they are very close in terms of max power, arent they?
Also, i have heard the yamaha has more linear power delivery. is it true? because i like bikes with a thrilling final rush, not so linear. Perhaps the ZZR is more fun in this aspect.
Im aware that the thundercat is a bit more sporty, but im not sure if that is so important for me. I like to ride kind of fast, but not pushing my limits on every turn, i also like to take it easy. im not the sporty kind of guy.
anyone help me with my decision?

thanks

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Thundercat is definatly the more sporty.

ZZR, at least with a 4>1 exhaust, doesn't so much land up with a top end rush as more of a flatish spot in the mid range.

Both can have gearbox problems.

ZZR engine is smoother but has a clunky transmission (cush drive rubbers wear out rapidly).

From experience the ZZR brakes do not put up with poor weather at al well.

ZZR has a fairly low seat height.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

druidsam · Crazy Courier Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Karma :

it would have to be the thundercat for me..i had a test on a zzr and a thundercat and the yam was for me the better of the two for comfort and power delivery.As kickstart said they can have a gearbox problem usually with 2nd gear,so when test riding the bike thrash it in second, if it jumps out of gear then walk away from it,my cat has been good to me and has never given me any problems in two years.it has been used for touring,two up riding and the occasional anti social blast Laughing

...................Sam
____________________
trust me! I'm a druid
https://www.bikerforum.co.uk/

runningwild · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

No, I have a thundercat (which I may sell) and it has a decent enough top end rush and good low down power.

If your interested in buying a thundercat let me know.

Fawbish · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Karma :

Marc_Buck · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 May 2004 Karma :

yes thats theone
____________________
94 fzr600r