YZF600R opinions (JamesG, others?)

[ScottWV]

I saw in a recent post that JamesG mentioned he has a YZF600R, and rather than hijack the thread I thought I'd start a new one.  

So, for JamesG, and anybody else who has owned/ridden one, what do you think?  I'm just curious.  Don't have money for a new bike right now, but it's one I keep looking at for the future if I go the full-fairing route.  So all opinions, etc. would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[JamesG]

Other than it is IMHO the world's best all-arounder, jack-of-all-trades (but master o' none) bike today, what do you want to know?

[Kokopellian]

I think I'm getting one.  I rode one recently and it convinced me enough to get one over the SV650.  It's more comfortable than the SV650 to me.  Also, it's WAY cheaper than a Honda Interceptor!  I really like them.

[yamahonkawazuki]

yeah, im contemplating selling my gs, actually trade for pick-up, w/ new motor, (my truck needs one), and buying 97 model yzf from friend. i actully like it, somewhat comfortable, and handles well.

[ScottWV]

Other than it is IMHO the world's best all-arounder, jack-of-all-trades (but master o' none) bike today, what do you want to know?

Generally everything i've read/seen is good, except I hear there's an issue with the 1-2 shift under power.  Have you had trouble with 2nd gear?

[juggernaught]

I haven't ridden the FZ6 but i'm keeping my eye on it.  I've researched it on the net as i'm hoping to get a new bike this spring.  I was looking at the FZ6 and the Honda 599 which i also think is sweet. I found a few sites that review the two.  I was considering the SV650 but pretty much ruled it out over the first 2.  The Honda goes for about $7,100 which is kinda steep but anyone i've spoken to who rides a Honda swears by their reliability.  Still the FZ6 is mighty pretty.  ANd the 599 looks like a GS on steroids....decisions decisions...

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0312_yamfz6/

http://www.amasuperbike.com/2003-Oct/031013599.htm

FYI...

My 2002 GS needs a bit of work but i intend to sell it after having it fixed up.  I'll keep you guys in mind when i decide to finally sell it.

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[juggernaught]

Oops....ya'll were talking about the YZF.....doh..!!!

Nevermind  

[JamesG]

Generally everything i've read/seen is good, except I hear there's an issue with the 1-2 shift under power.  Have you had trouble with 2nd gear?

Yep, thats why I don't recommend the bike to novice riders. Besides the fact is has lots of expensive plastics, the bike has a tendency to miss shifts to 2nd unless you are forceful with the shifter. Missing gives it a false neutral and can grind up the gear dogs.  The Factory Pro "shift kit" (really a stronger detent spring), helps, but its still a bug of the transmission design. Once you know about it, and how to avoid it, its not  a problem.
Other than that the bike has no other problems, its a good comfortable sport bike. So journeyman that it verges on the bland.  The after market is kinda hit or miss on it though, you can find stuff, but it takes some digging to find. Like I've been trying to fit hard sidebags to mine, but GIVI or anyone else doesn't make a mount for the YZF, so I'm going to fabricate one for it myself.

[alerbaugh]

I've had my eye on the yzf600r for a gfew weeks.  Would you guys say it's a good second bike.  I'm looking for 70-90 hp but more is ok; and easily hits and stays at 80mph+.  I would keep this bike awile as well.  This or another 600 but insurance is a bear on we 17 year olds.  Any gripes about them?

[ScottWV]

Speaking of insurance, I hope just because it's a 600cc 4cyl that the insurance companies don't charge outrageous amounts to insure it...

[vtlion]

I suppose it depends on your insurance company, but my gut feeling is that it'll get lumped in with the Gixxers and CBR's because of its styling... not to mention that the 600R has about 85-90% the HP of an R6.

Good luck with it.  let us know if you find someone who will cut you a break on insurance for it.

[alerbaugh]

Not sure if it's a local company but Farmers sells motorcycle insurance with a car by engine size.  It has nothing to do with how they look or how fast they go but but pure engine size.  like 450-599cc is one and 600-749 is another size.  so 1cc does make a differance but I don't know how much you pay for it.  If I had a car I would get it but they don't insure motorcycles only. :x

[Frost]

there's a review of the YZF600 and the ZZR600 in this month's Cycle Canada...

[pantablo]

Not sure if it's a local company but Farmers sells motorcycle insurance with a car by engine size.  It has nothing to do with how they look or how fast they go but but pure engine size.  
. :x

AAA sells insurance and quotes their motorcycles by engine size. Upgrading from a 01 gs500 to a 03 triumph speed four (a i4 "600" but its 599cc) only adds $94/YEAR.

[alerbaugh]

does AAA do motorcycles only?

[bigdaub]

i had an 03 and i liked the bike, no problems and rides comfortably.  definately big power difference between the gs and the 600, and clutch is really sensitive.  don't have it any more, sold it to my cusin recently, and he loves it.

the hornet is sweet.  haven't had the change to ride it yet but from what i've heard is that it handles really well.

[lumpoffire]

I had a '97 YZF.  Nice bike all around; fast, good handling, even good mileage.  The riding position just didn't agree with me, even after installing Helibars.  This bike is supposedly more comfortable than the current race-replicas like CBR-RRs, R6s, GSX-Rs, etc.  It still felt low to me.  If you're short of arm like I am, it might be a problem, especially after riding a comfy standard style bike like the GS500E.  Also, bikes should have centerstands, like the good Lord intended.

Dan

[jag69]

James G... Please list some pros and cons of the YZF600.  I would like it as a second bike.  More specifcally, How is the wind protection on the Highway?  How touchy is the throttle compared to the GS?  Is it difficult to maneuver in city traffic?  Sport-Touring?  These are just a few to begin with.

Thanks,

[JamesG]

Well...
Wind protection is excellent and the relatively heavy weight (compared to "modern" 600s) make it very stable on the highway.  It makes a very good sport tourer for single riding. It doesn't have the umph of a big liter bike but its alot more manuverable than one.
A GS is a MUCH better bike for city riding and traffic manuvering. The YZF is a bit of a porker at low speed and its throttle is pretty rough at just off idle, but that could just be the stock jetting. Once you get used to it, its ok and the rest of the bike's charm makes up for that sin.

[jag69]

Thanks.  Was it difficult to get used to after riding the GS?  I have full fairing nerves.  I will continue my research.

Thanks again.