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Best of the bargain 600s

Dustin

Dustin

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I've always dabbled with the idea of buying a proper sportbike and am kind of considering adding one to my fleet over the winter. It would be nice to have something fun for shorter trips and trackdays and etc. I've owned an FZR 400 and ridden a handful of modern supersports and there's just no comparing the old relics to today's bikes.

I am wondering what you guys would pick if you had a budget of maybe $2500 USD. I'm interested in something fairly modern and nothing that needs work; I want a turn key bike. I have seen lots of deals come up over the last while and because these 600s are a dime a dozen and don't hold their value, I'm sure it won't be hard to find one if I head south with a trailer :)

As much as I love my new FZ600, it's just not the same as the modern bikes. I would never consider taking it to the track where I might chuck it down the road. It's just too pretty and I would be heartbroken if it wound up wrecked.

Just tossing ideas around :)
 
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I had an 01 R6 track bike that I bought used for $2500 about three seasons ago, I used it for the track only and it was just bullet proof, it took all of the abuse I could give it including a couple of mishaps. I sold it this winter for $2300.

If you are thinking about some track use I may be wrong but I thought that Honda started putting slipper cluthches in the bikes starting in 04. Good luck with your search I really dont think you can go wrong with one of the major four Japanese bikes in your price range.
 
I've been looking into it and I think you're right. That kind of 2000-2004 era was really competitive apparently and all the bikes were very good.
 
gen 2 R6 '03-'05 aka '06-'09 R6S but preferably an '04 as the '03s had coil pack issues they fixed during the next year. decent street bike and awesome track bike. gen 1 R6 was carb'd, still awesome, but FI in '03+ which is pretty much way better
 
I am inclined to agree. I think I would like something packed with more tech

Another thing I've noticed is that it would seem that the bigger 1000s are the same price or sometimes cheaper. I have seen a handful of Honda 929s & 954s, R1s and such for under $3000.

I think that such a fast bike might be a bit overwhelming for me on track, though...
 
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I like small bikes for the track. I think the are funner and more forgiving. And once you get good you'll pas lots of "faster' bikes.

See if you can find an '05 R6. All the power, usd fork, a little more comfort vs late model R6.

Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2
 
Depends on what track you are riding. I would take a 954 over a 636 any day, but I am a tall dude. Can't go wrong with a CBR 600 either, but one 636 on a Saturday night is usually the only one you see.
 
I say go with what ever you get the best deal/value on. You are a experienced rider that has some sense about you. I think you will have a blast riding a 636,600RR,954,R1 or anything with two wheels. If its not a primary bike its easy to live with a bike that isn't a 100% fit. My ZX, I would never use it as a street bike. On the track I don't notice what would normally be considered short comings. I love the fact I bought/stole it at a incredible deal and it gives me hugh smiles at the track.
 
Also...when it says 'not running', and 'just drain the gas and its good to go!', don't you think they would do it to make it easier to sell? Probably something wrong with bikes like that.
 
That's a good point. I'll learn on whatever I'm on and will probably be too scared on track with whatever I get it won't make a difference

I guess I will wait until summer ends and we get a streak of miserable rain and cold, the best deals are had then anyway
 
johnnyontherocks said:
I say go with what ever you get the best deal/value on. You are a experienced rider that has some sense about you. I think you will have a blast riding a 636,600RR,954,R1 or anything with two wheels. If its not a primary bike its easy to live with a bike that isn't a 100% fit. My ZX, I would never use it as a street bike. On the track I don't notice what would normally be considered short comings. I love the fact I bought/stole it at a incredible deal and it gives me hugh smiles at the track.
Click to expand...

Does your ZX vibrate a lot! My friend's 07 is a torture to ride and my entire body is tingling.
 
Dustin said:
I am inclined to agree. I think I would like something packed with more tech

Another thing I've noticed is that it would seem that the bigger 1000s are the same price or sometimes cheaper. I have seen a handful of Honda 929s & 954s, R1s and such for under $3000.

I think that such a fast bike might be a bit overwhelming for me on track, though...
Click to expand...


You are right on target!
Watch out for other models and sizes - you could really find a good deal.
I was dead set on finding a 600 dedicated track bike. I really wanted a newer R6 or a Gixxer. While I was looking I couldn't find anything close to me in my price range. Then an R1 came for sale for about the same price (maybe a little better than the 600's were selling for).
I got a great deal for a great bike. Just be patient and keep your eyes open. You will also get a better price if you can wait till around October. That has been the best month for me to buy a bike.
 
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