[FZR6Raven]

I learned on a 1996 YZF 600. Great comfortable bike, very nice seating position and surprisingly forgiving in terms of throttle response and suspension.

What newer sportbikes best emulate these older 600s? I'm guessing things in the vein of the GSX 650F? Maybe.....the FZ6R (not FZ6)?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[binx_19]

R6, GSXR600, ZX6R and CBR600RR, evolution at it s best.

 

[FZR6Raven]

R6, GSXR600, ZX6R and CBR600RR, evolution at it s best.

I'm not sure if you're trying to flame me or what, but I'm pretty sure those bikes are nothing like my thundercat- in terms of ergonomics, performance, or responsiveness.

 

[binx_19]

i am no flaming at all, but that is what your bike was back in '96.

 

[LovemyKawiZX6R]

R6, GSXR600, ZX6R and CBR600RR, evolution at it s best.

LOSER, there wasn't an r6 until 1999.:neener

 

[sqchram]

I think everybody is misunderstanding - the OP is correct calling the GSX650 and the FZ6 as closer in terms of performance and stats of yesterdays supersports.

 

[dsmgixxer]

i guess it would kinda depend on what is considered "older"

5 years ago, 10 years ago, etc.

 

[Tripped1]

Current--> older model

ZZR6000= up 02 ZX-6R
YZF-R6S=up to 05 YZF-R6
CBR-F4i= *gasp* CBR-F4i (predecessor to the 2003 CBR6000RR)

The GSX650 and Ninja 650 aren't really comparable to the older Super Sports. They are completely different animals. The CC is close but there the resemblance ends. They are much more "mild" without the singular focus in engine, suspension and ergonomics that make the Super Sport segment tick.

Not saying they are bad bikes, in fact my GF just bought a mid 90s Katana, and I LOVE riding that thing. It doesn't do anything CLOSE to as well as either of my Triumphs, but it is extremely easy to ride and having more then a 1/4 of padding under my butt is kinda nice. Not to mention that with the big 'ole bannana seat and grab bar I'm not in danger of tossing her off the back of it. Sometimes we get ready to go riding and she looks at me asks for both of us to take her bike. (usually on longer drones)

 

[FZR6Raven]

Yes sorry for any confusion anyone- what Im trying to get at, is that I loved riding the yzf600, and I want to buy a new bike that will resemble it in terms of performance and comfort.

 

[Tripped1]

Yes sorry for any confusion anyone- what Im trying to get at, is that I loved riding the yzf600, and I want to buy a new bike that will resemble it in terms of performance and comfort.

The FZ-6R would probably be the closest bet in terms of performance. I've never sat on one so I can't tell you about egronomics.

Likewise the SV650 if you want to try a twin.

There are a ton more options if you are willing to go nekkid.

 

[scatterbrained]

+1 for the FZ6R.

 

[FZR6Raven]

Is the ride height significantly lower on the FZ6R? I remember hearing it was designed for girls/shorter riders? The YZF 600 is a decently "fat" bike, and felt sorta spacious...I guess (6'2", long inseam here)


*EDIT*

some google'ing has told me the FZ6R is at 30.9 inches seat height, while the YZF is at 31.7. Thats pretty close...hmmm.....nice

 

[scatterbrained]

Why not just get another older bike?

 

[FZR6Raven]

Why not just get another older bike?

want fuel injection, want warranty, want shiny new body work, want 10+ years of technological advancements.

 

[binx_19]

oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh k, so why is in the new rider section?

 

[Squid Killer]

I put 40,000 miles on my YZF600. Even when new this bike was not a super sport but a GT. I bought it because it was a bike that could be ridden all day.

I know the FZ6R is going to be close to the qualities of the YZF but a little more upright and not as much wind protection.

 

[FZR6Raven]

I put 40,000 miles on my YZF600. Even when new this bike was not a super sport but a GT. I bought it because it was a bike that could be ridden all day.

I know the FZ6R is going to be close to the qualities of the YZF but a little more upright and not as much wind protection.

not to split hairs, but didn't Jamie James win the 1994 AMA 600 supersport championship on a YZF 600?

 

[rockscaler]

want fuel injection, want warranty, want shiny new body work, want 10+ years of technological advancements.

then youre asking for something not close to the older bikes, with 10+ years advancement same size engine the bikes shouldnt be "close". If they were close why would anybody buy new and lose $2k taking it off the lot. You have to be skilled enough to use the difference of a new bike over a well maintained older bike. A warranty isnt worth as much as you think, especially since if you make any mods the dealers start to chip away at what it covers.

 

[Skaz915]

I'm not sure if you're trying to flame me or what, but I'm pretty sure those bikes are nothing like my thundercat- in terms of ergonomics, performance, or responsiveness.

No word up on that...I've rode a 1995 fz6 and my 01 R6 is pretty similar and my buddies 05 R6 is just a touch different but still right there

 

[Skaz915]

want fuel injection, want warranty, want shiny new body work, want 10+ years of technological advancements.

You WANT a bike thats FI...nfloornfloor WHY??? I understand there is no mechanical work involved with jetting & etc.. but that is where the power is IMO and thats the fun in having a bike is tuning it...not having some POS power commander doing it for you....just my .02 though....