Just wondering which of these (correct me if im totally wrong) same class of bikes would you pick..? (2006 for basis of comparison)

- Jordan

They are all the same class of bike, so no worry there.  

If I were trying to decide between a sport inline-4 600cc bike, then I would probably go with the Honda F4i based on looks.  The only Inline-4's i have ever ridden were a '96 FZR and a '97 GSXR.  (They rev really nicely, but I have become a fan of the 'V' configuration for power down low)

One thing that turns me off (but some may like) is the seperated passenger seat... and the wide-butt style seats on some sport bikes.

I am sorry that I don't have any more concrete information than that.   The kawasaki fairing is probably my least favorite looking bike of the 3.

Sorry that I don't have more wisdom to lend to the conversation :-/

I was planning on my next bike to be the YZF, but after messing around and sitting on the YZF and the F4 I ended up really liking the F4.

It felt incredibly light when I took it off the centerstand, I had to catch on the right from going to far just because I wasn't expecting to be that light. I just checked and it's about 42 lbs lighter(412 vs 370) and actually looking back and forth between the pics the F4 does look better.

I haven't looked much into the Kawi much yet, but since I was up I figured I would look it up and the weight is 377.

But the F4 is about a 1000 on the MSRP vs both of them.

I really really like the way the redone 2006 zzr 600 looks

- Jordan

I have an '04 zzr600, i decided to get it on a whim because

1) The price was right, it was a really good deal I couldn't pass up
2) I'm short..and with being short comes limited options without lowering, I can reach better on the zzr than I can on the GS
3) The riding position was more comfortable than the R6 I rode this summer and riding 2up isn't as awful for a passenger

Basically..it was a better fit and more practical for me, plus I won't feel that bad for letting it sit while i ride my gs around

Perhaps a trip to the Detriot International Motorcycle Show should be a part of your post-holiday plans.

I've been considering a good look at the latter two on your list.  Not sure why I wasn't as interested on the Honda -- believe it's the most aggressive ergo's of the three but could be wrong.

I believe this is the final year for the YZF600R.     If it had an electronic dash and a center stand, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat.  It may be the better sport-tourer of the bunch -- the main interest I have.  In that vein, my feeling is the ZZR600 is a close second.

These three, and though a bit portly, the Suzuki Katana fits here too, fit the category of second-tier sport bikes.  Cheaper and less agressive (to body and road) than the premier class of supersport bikes -- perhaps the entry level.

I'm going to disagree.  The katana is much-maligned... but I am of the opinion that people probably misunderstand the kind of bike it is.  

Its a touring bike first, sportbike second (in my opinion), which is a rarity in the 600cc category.  Very comfortable seating.  Very stretched out (but not too forward-leaning) riding position, long wheelbase, windshield that is easy to get your head under and forward-placed mirrors that give you a very good view of whats behind/around you.

I call it the Buick/Cadillac of motorcycles.  Not quite a full tourer, but it has some of the amenities (in the same way a Buick/Cadillac doesn't quite have all the amenities of a limo).

Undepowered?  Probably is, for a modern 600cc.  Its very bland and run-of-the mill... but it doesn't have any glaring problems with it either, imo

I will disclose ahead of time that I own an '01 YZF600R so the below may be biased.


All three bikes are great, probably the best "real world" streetbikes you can own today. More than enough performance, good wind protection, and both reasonable prices and insurance. The only real differences are in the details and personal preferance.

The CBR is the newest of the three having been developed from Honda's midweight race platform. They gave it a better seat (actually the old one off the carbed F4), relaxed ergo, and lugs for a centerstand.  But its still very much a race replica at heart, light weight and peaky power delivery. Its probably not as good at commuting or long haul riding as the Kawi or YZF, but it is probably the be best if twistys are where you will spend most of its time.  Down side is cost (its a Honda).
The ZZR600 is the previous, obsolete generation ZX6R with just different paint and graphics on the bodywork. Like the Honda, its very much still a sportbike, just not as finely focused as the newer bikes.  The kawasaki was always known for (good or bad) being the most street-worthy of the 600s and it carries that into its medium sport-tourer job. Its a bit heavier than a current line 600 for better stability, and very capable. The only down side is that some find the fairing a little odd (lizard with its tounge sticking out) and you could buy a couple year old ZX6R for much less and get the same bike except for the stickers.
The YZF600R has been around since 1996 so is the oldest of the three. It has a steel frame that makes it weight the most, but that helps it on the highway. it has the most relaxed ergos and a very good seat.  If the CBR is the best track bike, the YZF is the best sport-tourer.  It is also the cheapest, and parts are not hard to find.  It does have Yamaha's notorious cluncky transmission, but with skill its not a problem. The fairing might look a little dated to some, but it seems to be coming back into fashion (look at Yamahas M1 GP bike).

Basically boils down to what you want to do with your bike, and which one rings your bell the best.  I think if I were looking today, I would be sorely tempted by the Honda, because I like center stands, FI, and twisty roads. But if I were making the practical decision of what i wanted like I did back then, I'd still choose the YZF.

good luck.

Honda CBR600RR.

Triumph Daytona 650

Triumph Dayton 675!

That thing is way hotter than any bike here, even though it isn't one of the "budget" sport bikes... I don't care. It's the BEST.

Having had one, I'm cool on I-4s for street riding.  You don't use the capability that you trade off the efficiency and cheap insurance that normally comes with a bike for, unless you're way, way outside of the bounds of legality.

Roadstergal has a point -- there are financial trade-off's and you do buy an excess of power that is rarely used in normal riding.

But an I-4 has a smoothness to it that a GS500 rider can only dream about.  Is it worth the switch?  :dunno:

The "wanting" is sometimes better than the "having"...

I don't know if it's been said, but the YZF has a great website and forums. http://www.yzf600r.com/

whoa...nice lookin forum

Quote from: my_celica_is_jealouswhoa...nice lookin forum

That dude on the YZF forum, Brok3n has the best avatar I'VE EVER SEEN!!!


OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD.  


Holy crap.  Holy crap.

Edit: I don't care if I get in trouble.  This avatar MUST me seen.  I feel like Yeah Yeah in the Sandlot right before he hits the deep end.  YES!


<humming "My Eyes Have Seen the Glory">

ultimate male fantasy there...

This forum is one of the reasons I chose the GS over the Ninja500. I think having such a following like this has got to be a for reason. I figure to have such a nice site and forums, there must be some passion there.

I'm probably going to buy a YZF now.  :mrgreen:

Why do sorostitutes love to get drunk and make out with each other so much?  No that I'm complaining, it's just odd.