2007 Kawasakik ZX6

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you're a Kawi fan, Kawi Green might be like Guards or Ferrari Red or British Racing Green to you(the latter of which I don't like the color but I can definitely respect the heritage).

If you're looking for a bike, I would recommend the new 2009 SV650S ABS too. It looks great, rides nicely(not as outright fast as a 600cc SS, but easier day to day) and though ABS may detract from the purity, the rare time(s) you'll actually need it, you'll be thanking the diety of your choice you have it.

Id you absolutely have to have a SS, I'd go for a GSXR 600, I've ridden a few and always liked how they felt as an overall package. The 2008s in Black on Black is sexy as hell in that menacing stealth look too.

Blasphemy!!! Guards Red isn't an "eye of the beholder" thing, it's a gorgeous color.

Not sure how I feel about ABS on bikes. If you're experienced you'll know now to grab a fist full of brake lever, but I guess freak accidents do happen.

I agree, as a whole the GSX-R600 is a better bike (although I think the '08 model was a HUGE step backwards in the looks department). The '06/07 is one of my favorite bikes. Not stellar in any one area, but great all around.

Yeah, I hate the new low exhausts on all the sport bikes this year. The undertail exhausts look so much cleaner IMO.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you're a Kawi fan, Kawi Green might be like Guards or Ferrari Red or British Racing Green to you(the latter of which I don't like the color but I can definitely respect the heritage).

If you're looking for a bike, I would recommend the new 2009 SV650S ABS too. It looks great, rides nicely(not as outright fast as a 600cc SS, but easier day to day) and though ABS may detract from the purity, the rare time(s) you'll actually need it, you'll be thanking the diety of your choice you have it.

Id you absolutely have to have a SS, I'd go for a GSXR 600, I've ridden a few and always liked how they felt as an overall package. The 2008s in Black on Black is sexy as hell in that menacing stealth look too.

Blasphemy!!! Guards Red isn't an "eye of the beholder" thing, it's a gorgeous color.

Not sure how I feel about ABS on bikes. If you're experienced you'll know now to grab a fist full of brake lever, but I guess freak accidents do happen.

I agree, as a whole the GSX-R600 is a better bike (although I think the '08 model was a HUGE step backwards in the looks department). The '06/07 is one of my favorite bikes. Not stellar in any one area, but great all around.

Yeah, I hate the new low exhausts on all the sport bikes this year. The undertail exhausts look so much cleaner IMO.

Come on, it's not about looks, its about center of gravity. Function>>>Form. I believe that a exhaust like on the Kawi Ninja 650R is a great innovation, slinging all that way down low, now only if they could get tge 650Rs canister to stop scraping in tight turns.

 

[StepUp]

I'd say unless you're tracking week in and week out, that form and function are about equal. Hence why I don't feel obligated to buy the "best" bike.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Well there we go again, eye of the beholder. Lots of people didn't like the headlights of the pre 08 GSXRs. Personally I thought it was okay, that way when you don't have your high beams on, it doesn't look like one of your headlights is out, but IIRC, the pre 08s recieved their share of criticism which must be one of the reasons the GSXR moved away from the design.

Oh, all bikes have their share of criticism, but design..."ugliness" (I can't call it flaws as it's intentional) get more criticism than anything, even if they're performance based. The '07 GSX-R1000 took a huge amount of heat for it's weird headlight, the '08 CBR 1000RR took tons of flak (to the point that Honda took the photos off their website trying to figure out what to do) for it's nose (although it was short to keep weight down, which it accomplished like a champ). Most people will agree that the '06/07 Gixxer 600 was a good looking bike, as was the R6, and likewise most will say the '08 was a step backwards looks-wise, although I think I'd be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks performance-wise it was worse. They need to lose the "power selector switch" thing though.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Yeah, I hate the new low exhausts on all the sport bikes this year. The undertail exhausts look so much cleaner IMO.

Come on, it's not about looks, its about center of gravity. Function>>>Form. I believe that a exhaust like on the Kawi Ninja 650R is a great innovation, slinging all that way down low, now only if they could get tge 650Rs canister to stop scraping in tight turns.

Undertails looked pretty slick but it's not even a center of gravity thing (although that helps), it's a weight thing. You've got to add on alot more steel to get the exhaust up there, then it generates more heat to cook your rump.

The biggest reason they're dissappearing is emission standards, I dunno why it's more difficult to make them meet the standard but for some reason it is.

Personally I like the centrally mounted exhaust the most (like the current R6 and the previous gen's GSX-R600/750 have). All you get is the canister sticking out.

Originally posted by: StepUp
I'd say unless you're tracking week in and week out, that form and function are about equal. Hence why I don't feel obligated to buy the "best" bike.

Apparently you don't know many track guys. Most track guys, even those who only get a few weekends in a year, care MUCH more about speed than anything else. It's all about taking that tenth or two off, and they'll do what they can to do so.

Racing/track days are expensive though. Not the events themselves, but everything you need for said event. I've got a younger friend who's racing a full WERA season this year. He spent $12,000 on a fully prepped (championship winning) R6 and he's looking at spending around $10,000 this year on TIRES alone...and that's if he gets contingency money.

 

[StepUp]

Well... it will be the 1st SS bike, not the lad one

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Come on, it's not about looks, its about center of gravity. Function>>>Form. I believe that a exhaust like on the Kawi Ninja 650R is a great innovation, slinging all that way down low, now only if they could get tge 650Rs canister to stop scraping in tight turns.

Function isn't the be all and end all to me. As long as it handles well and I have fun riding it, I don't need the fastest bike out there...nor do I want the fastest bike out there. I just want one that I can enjoy riding fast and one that inspires confidence.

Honestly, I'd be perfectly happy with the new 2009 Ducati Monster 1100 S.

BTW-There are no chicken strips on my Pilot Powers.

 

[StepUp]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Come on, it's not about looks, its about center of gravity. Function>>>Form. I believe that a exhaust like on the Kawi Ninja 650R is a great innovation, slinging all that way down low, now only if they could get tge 650Rs canister to stop scraping in tight turns.

Function isn't the be all and end all to me. As long as it handles well and I have fun riding it, I don't need the fastest bike out there...nor do I want the fastest bike out there. I just want one that I can enjoy riding fast and one that inspires confidence.

Honestly, I'd be perfectly happy with the new 2009 Ducati Monster 1100 S.

BTW-There are no chicken strips on my Pilot Powers.

QFT

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
BTW-There are no chicken strips on my Pilot Powers.

Dude, you don't have to lie to be cool...just go sit with your friends at Ruby Tuesday

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
BTW-There are no chicken strips on my Pilot Powers.

Dude, you don't have to lie to be cool...just go sit with your friends at Ruby Tuesday

Lie, I'll snap a pic if you want proof.

 

[Kabob]

Photochop's don't impress me, neither do tire scrubbers!

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: kabob983
Photochop's don't impress me, neither do tire scrubbers!

Tssh, its called sandpaper.

Personally, I wore these tourmasters and they fit in perfectly under jeans and were comfortable for every day use.

http://www.newenough.com/boots..._motorcycle_boots.html

That, and screw the sidis.

I loved my Gaerne boots.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/mo...ycle-boots/gaerne-grs/

They're not so comfortable for walking off the bike though...

 

[ViviTheMage]

want

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: StepUp


Yeah I went to school in Knoxville and one of my favorite things to do was to go corner carving at the Dragon. I miss that place.

And yeah Sidi boots are the shit... pricey but well worth it.

I got accepted to UT and I regret not going there because of that. :laugh:

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: kabob983
Photochop's don't impress me, neither do tire scrubbers!

Tssh, its called sandpaper.

Personally, I wore these tourmasters and they fit in perfectly under jeans and were comfortable for every day use.

http://www.newenough.com/boots..._motorcycle_boots.html

That, and screw the sidis.

I loved my Gaerne boots.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/mo...ycle-boots/gaerne-grs/

They're not so comfortable for walking off the bike though...

So, same price as Sidi but not as comfortable? Hmm...I don't see why I would choose those quite honestly. BTW-I picked up my Air Vertigos during a 25% off everything sale last summer. They cost me $225.

 

[StepUp]

I don't think I want a tall boot for daily driving. The Sidi Streetburners are just what I wanted although the price is still a bit steep. Here's hoping for a sale.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: StepUp
I don't think I want a tall boot for daily driving. The Sidi Streetburners are just what I wanted although the price is still a bit steep. Here's hoping for a sale.

Yeah, at least get something that covers/protects your ankle and make sure it is made for motorcycling. Regular shoes/boots will generally come right off your feet when you crash and having road rash on your feet is definitely something you don't want to experience.

You'll thank me the first time you go down.

I also have a pair of Sidi Doha boots but honestly, they weren't as comfortable, light, or breathable as the Vertigo Air full boot and with jeans on over the Vertigo Air boot they don't really scream race boot...fuck, I'm walking around with a leather jacket, gloves and a motorcycle helmet anyway so it's not as though my boots are what's making me stand out. :laugh:

Unless it's really cold out I almost always choose the Vertigo Air boots over my Doha boots.

 

[JulesMaximus]

If you want glove advice I have tons of experience with those too. :laugh:

I swear, I must have 7 different pairs of gloves and I've probably tried on at least 5 times that in the store and bought and returned a couple more on top of that.

 

[Kabob]

I'm with you. I've owned...5 different helmets, 3 jacket, 3 1 piece race suits, 4 pairs of gloves, and two pairs of boots.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kabob983
I'm with you. I've owned...5 different helmets, 3 jacket, 3 1 piece race suits, 4 pairs of gloves, and two pairs of boots.

:laugh: I have two leather jackets, 1 nylon jacket and a mesh jacket for summer. I also have a couple pair of motorcycle jeans and one pair of leather pants.

I've come to the conclusion that you should just spend the money and get decent gear the first time. Get the best gear you can afford and maybe stretch your budget a bit because comfort and fit is at least as important as protection. If it doesn't fit right and/or isn't comfortable you probably aren't going to wear it.

I've found that Dainese makes some of the best quality gear in fit and protection...it is expensive but it's worth it. I would say that Alpinestars is equal in protection but not as good in fit and finish.

 

[Kabob]

I agree, get good gear the first time, your skin will thank you.

Dainese is, IMHO, the best you can get. Alpinestars is just a notch below (what I typically wear). Dainese just doesn't fit me as well. I don't like textile/mesh though, not as sturdy as tried and true leather. I've got a perforated leather jacket that I wear year round, liner in or out.

I've owned an Alpinestars 1 piece suit, didn't like it as much as my current suit, a MotoGP Titanium 1 piece, although I'd like to sell it off and get something that fits a little...tighter.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kabob983
I agree, get good gear the first time, your skin will thank you.

Dainese is, IMHO, the best you can get. Alpinestars is just a notch below (what I typically wear). Dainese just doesn't fit me as well. I don't like textile/mesh though, not as sturdy as tried and true leather. I've got a perforated leather jacket that I wear year round, liner in or out.

I've owned an Alpinestars 1 piece suit, didn't like it as much as my current suit, a MotoGP Titanium 1 piece, although I'd like to sell it off and get something that fits a little...tighter.

Yeah, I have an Alpinestars leather jacket with some perforation but it is incredibly hot in the summer and a tad bit too cold in the winter. If it is between 60 and 80 degrees it is fine but any hotter or colder than that and I'm uncomfortable. I rode out in the desert a few times last summer and mesh was really the only option...either that or a t-shirt. Seriously, it was 100+ out there on some days.

I have a pair of Dainese leather gauntlet gloves and they fit me so perfectly. I've tried on a few of their jackets and they fit a little better than A*. My A* jacket comes up to the back of my neck and bites in just a bit. It is slowly loosening up as it breaks in (just bought it in the fall-25% off sale) but I kind of wish I had waited because Cycle Gear had a 40% off all Dainese sale about a month or so later...

 

[Arkaign]

Does it come with a matching-colored body bag?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Does it come with a matching-colored body bag?

Shush you! We'll have none of your negativity in this thread!

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: kabob983
Photochop's don't impress me, neither do tire scrubbers!

Tssh, its called sandpaper.

Personally, I wore these tourmasters and they fit in perfectly under jeans and were comfortable for every day use.

http://www.newenough.com/boots..._motorcycle_boots.html

That, and screw the sidis.

I loved my Gaerne boots.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/mo...ycle-boots/gaerne-grs/

They're not so comfortable for walking off the bike though...

So, same price as Sidi but not as comfortable? Hmm...I don't see why I would choose those quite honestly. BTW-I picked up my Air Vertigos during a 25% off everything sale last summer. They cost me $225.

For walking around. Who cares about walking around. When you're wearing those boots, you should be on the bike. And I got mine for ~200 as well during a sale.

The tourmasters are perfect for around town, imho.

As for gloves... Get kangaroo. In fact, get as much kangaroo as possible, I love dead kangaroo. :evil:

Regarding leathers, as a slim guy, the euro manufacturers fit me better. Dainese and Spidi were my choice, although I wore a* jacket around town.

EDIT: As much as we can each argue how much something is better, gear is personal. Find what you like so you WEAR it!

EDIT2: Get a back brace as well. I really liked my Tpro.
http://www.motostrano.com/tpfobapr.html


I hear good things about Velocity gear as well. Pretty cheap for a level 2.
http://highvelocitygear.com/pr...pages/velo-shield.html