ZX-6R question

[SpatiallyAware]

So are u suggesting I get an SV for this yr and maybe sell it next summer and buy a liter?? I mean that sounds cool and all but liters r sort of expensive.. You do have a good point tho about the power band thing. I never thought of it that way before. Is that for all 600s? Or are some pronounced in the high end like that?

All 600 fuel injected supersports are like this, from the f4i on up. Some of the older zx6r (current zzr600) aren't *quite* as bad, but similar.


If I were in your shoes, and planned on having a bike for a year and selling it, and had a GS650 before this, I would definitely get an SV.


It takes a LOT of skill to ride a supersport properly. Safety aside, getting a feel for a bike in mid-corner running full-tilt isn't something you can get with 5-10 trips to the mountains. It's something that can be tough to figure out on a 600 while going balls to the wall. Think about what it takes to ride a 600 at 90% of the bike's capability... 70-80mph at full lean, versus an SV at 90% which is 50-60mph full lean.

I also think that over a year of ownership you'll get more enjoyment out of an SV.

...If you plan on fully getting into riding, buying something and keeping it for a few years, then you *might* consider getting a 600.. But personally, I'd still just buy a cheap SV right now since it's spring, sell it in the fall and buy a nice supersport when it's cold and they're cheap.



The old saying is very very true... It's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than it is to ride a fast bike slow.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

So are u suggesting I get an SV for this yr and maybe sell it next summer and buy a liter?? I mean that sounds cool and all but liters r sort of expensive.. You do have a good point tho about the power band thing. I never thought of it that way before. Is that for all 600s? Or are some pronounced in the high end like that?

And to answer your question, for mostly hwy commuting type riding I would eventually want a liter. 600s are the worst, IMHO worst than an SV, on the highway. You have to downshift to avoid lugging the engine, versus even an SV where you can just hit the throttle and go without any lugging.


You can find nice gsxr, R1, etc in the fall for $4k-$5k. Less if you're willing to do some work on it.

 

[z1ggy]

Also should I look into a kawi 650r??

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Also should I look into a kawi 650r??

It's basically an SV competitor. Personally I think they look goofy and cheap, but that's just an opinion on aesthetics.


If you are planning to resell then stick with the SV as it's been around longer and is much more popular. ....unless the 650r is a really good deal

 

[z1ggy]

The only issue I see is..The 650r doesn't come naked like the older SVs, unless I end up waiting til around August to get a newer SV650sf. Also, IMO the newer 650R's looks pretty nice for a non SS. I think both the newer models of the 650s look good..I would give top place to the SV for looks with fairings, though.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

The only issue I see is..The 650r doesn't come naked like the older SVs, unless I end up waiting til around August to get a newer SV650sf. Also, IMO the newer 650R's looks pretty nice for a non SS. I think both the newer models of the 650s look good..I would give top place to the SV for looks with fairings, though.

I mean... if it's only something you're going to have for a year I wouldn't stress too much about the looks. Particularly since you're on a fairly tight budget, even for an SV.

The chin fairings help a lot

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3387537045_b7dde571e3.jpg


Also note that most pics are while looking straight at the bike, while in person you're usually sort of looking down on it.

 

[z1ggy]

^ Which one is the chin fairing.. the one on the bottom by the kick stand.. or the one closest to the handle bars?

Also.. to cover the naked section, what type of fairing would I get? If it's something that's only like 150 bucks and I can install over the course of a weekend, I'd be down to do that.

 

[T2urtle]

you can convert a SV into a fully faired bike. They come like that or just buy fairings on ebay. Nothing special, they just bolt-on from what i read.

and yes chin fairing is by the kickstand. The ones near the handlebars are STOCK headlight fairings.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

^ Which one is the chin fairing.. the one on the bottom by the kick stand.. or the one closest to the handle bars?

Also.. to cover the naked section, what type of fairing would I get? If it's something that's only like 150 bucks and I can install over the course of a weekend, I'd be down to do that.

The 'top' fairing that surrounds the headlights is stock on an sv650s. The sv650 (sometimes called sv650n) does not have the top fairing with 2 headlights, but instead has one round headlight.

I don't believe either come with the chin fairing stock, but it's a suzuki part you can add on. The sv1000 does come with the chin fairing.

 

[z1ggy]

Yeah I'm not a fan then of the sv650n. So if I were to find a completely naked sv650 , I'd need the chin fairing ... And what else? So it's all faired

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Yeah I'm not a fan then of the sv650n. So if I were to find a completely naked sv650 , I'd need the chin fairing ... And what else? So it's all faired

You'll need to do some of your own research on this.


I'm fairly sure that if you have an sv650s it comes with the headlight fairing, then you just by the 'lowers', which look similar to a supersport IE completely cover the motor. You may need a certain year to do this, as it was only an option in the last couple years. These lowers are different from a chin fairing which leaves the engine exposed.


It sounds like you deep down just want the look of a supersport. You may be better off with a ninja 250.


.....If I were you, just buy whatever SV is in good condition and maintained well - whether it's faired or not, sell it in the fall and find yourself a supersport.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You'll need to do some of your own research on this.


I'm fairly sure that if you have an sv650s it comes with the headlight fairing, then you just by the 'lowers', which look similar to a supersport IE completely cover the motor. You may need a certain year to do this, as it was only an option in the last couple years. These lowers are different from a chin fairing which leaves the engine exposed.


It sounds like you deep down just want the look of a supersport. You may be better off with a ninja 250.


.....If I were you, just buy whatever SV is in good condition and maintained well - whether it's faired or not, sell it in the fall and find yourself a supersport.

The 2008 model year and up is fully faired. You're going to probably be in the $3500-4000 range on that model... maybe a bit more depending on condition and because it is a newer model.

There are some companies that sell full race plastics for the earlier models but I have no idea what they cost and you will need to have them painted which will add to that.

 

[z1ggy]

At SA- no way to the 250.. I'm highway riding mostly, that will get annoying fast. Yes I do want and like the look of a super sport , but I also wish to stay alive and keep my skin where it is, So I can appreciate your advice. I found fairings for older models, but like JM said, I'll probably need to get it painted. I'll just keep an eye out for now..

 

[alkemyst]

In regards to pricing higher than KBB, bikes like boats are hard to find in good used condition.

Parts for poorly maintained specimens really drives up the total cost.

Alot are ok with beaters though.

 

[JulesMaximus]

In regards to pricing higher than KBB, bikes like boats are hard to find in good used condition.

Parts for poorly maintained specimens really drives up the total cost.

Alot are ok with beaters though.

You just have to be patient. I listed my SV on craigslist in August of 2011 and I got a ton of e-mails about it. First person who showed up bought it for $100 under my asking price.

 

[z1ggy]

^ how was riding that on the highway without a wind screen?

 

[JulesMaximus]

^ how was riding that on the highway without a wind screen?

You get all the buffeting and wind noise one would expect from a bike with no windscreen. You get used to it though. I have the neck muscles of a linebacker and I wear earplugs.

I rode it on the highway all the time. 80mph is no big deal, hell, 110mph is no big deal. Never really had it much above that though.

My new bike is also a naked bike. Just red and with a bigger engine. I dig the naked bikes... what can I say? 😀

 

[z1ggy]

Yeah I don't have huge liner backer neck muscles, do I'm not quite sure how much I would enjoy highway riding without a wind screen. Also, with the ear plugs in, can u still hear horns and sirens well?

 

[pauldun170]

Yeah I don't have huge liner backer neck muscles, do I'm not quite sure how much I would enjoy highway riding without a wind screen. Also, with the ear plugs in, can u still hear horns and sirens well?

I've been riding for close to 20 years.

I NEVER leave the house without my earplugs. Even for quick trips around town. I use cheapo foam ones rated at 32db. Occasionally I'll use my back ups that are rated in the high 20's (probably better for most people but I prefer my 32db)
I have no problem hearing other cars, horns etc. Once the helmet is on I'm not having conversations with people who mumble.
Also riding with earplugs allows me to ride longer and more comfortably.

Plenty of tough guys enjoy hearing loss so I can understand why folks ride around with AM exhaust, half helmets and no plugs. Plus it gives them the chance to ask everyone how cool they look on the bike.

 

[pauldun170]

You get all the buffeting and wind noise one would expect from a bike with no windscreen. You get used to it though. I have the neck muscles of a linebacker and I wear earplugs.

I rode it on the highway all the time. 80mph is no big deal, hell, 110mph is no big deal. Never really had it much above that though.

My new bike is also a naked bike. Just red and with a bigger engine. I dig the naked bikes... what can I say? 😀

Is that a pitbull stand?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Is that a pitbull stand?

Yes, I had one for my SV so when I bought the Ducati I knew I wanted another one.

Yeah I don't have huge liner backer neck muscles, do I'm not quite sure how much I would enjoy highway riding without a wind screen. Also, with the ear plugs in, can u still hear horns and sirens well?

Yes, you can hear horns just fine. Like pauldun170 said, it makes for a more comfortable ride, plus you don't have the hearing loss later in life that comes with riding for years without them. I don't care how loud your exhaust is, the wind noise around your helmet at 80mph is very loud and it is not only tiring to listen to but it can cause permanent hearing loss over time. This is a fact.

 

[pauldun170]

At SA- no way to the 250.. I'm highway riding mostly, that will get annoying fast. Yes I do want and like the look of a super sport , but I also wish to stay alive and keep my skin where it is, So I can appreciate your advice. I found fairings for older models, but like JM said, I'll probably need to get it painted. I'll just keep an eye out for now..

250's are fine on the highway...on the back of a trailer being towed by a bigger bike.

All kidding aside they can be a lot of fun, as long as you drop any notion of "competing" with other vehicles on the road.
They are awesome if you get the suspension right and find a nice tight set of twisties. Set up properly, its the two wheel equivalent of driving an early Miata.
Slow as crap,
Not winning any spec sheet wars
However, find the right road and get in a groove and you can have a blast at limits that wont attract attention from law enforcement.

...until you reach an area with a lot of hills.

Then the SV650 is where its at.

 

[pauldun170]

Yes, I had one for my SV so when I bought the Ducati I knew I wanted another one.

Having spent years with a centerstand on my ZX11, I'm now in need of one for my CBR1K. Been procrastinating on making a final decision on whether to get a pitbull or look into cheaper alternatives.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I kind of liked my unfaired bikes on the highway. It's no problem up until 100+

Noise is no different, sometimes the buffeting is weird (like your helmet wants to drift left/right) but it's not that bad at all.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I honestly see no reason you couldn't own a 600cc supersport. You've got a year of riding experience and seem to have a good level headed approach to motorcycle riding. If you were coming on here looking for a 600cc and a good stunt cage for it so you could do wheelies I'd advise you against it. SS aren't the devil. It's not going to decide to wheelie on its own while weaving through traffic. You I repeat you have the final say as to how dangerous it will be. If you want to take corners dragging your knee and flying wide open throttle everywhere then you will wreck. Case closed period.