^^Ah- interesting-- a bit more power than is easily used on such a light bike. I imagine there must be some king of considerations regarding more strength for greater power too. At least that appears to be the case if you look at the frames on the ZX-14, 10 and 6.

romans wrote:

Big changes from 08 to 09. Power,weight, shocks, lots. For 7500 out the door,,, hard to beat. Unless your a Canadian lol.

He's right Bill, huge differences between the'08 and '09, over 20 lbs lighter and the subject of mass centralization. I would stay away from the earlier models, they were OK bikes but not the world beater like the '09 and '10 are. Like Rook said, why does twenty pounds less feel like so much more? I believe the mass centralization is the key to why this bike feels so light between the knees. I sat on a new CBR600RR Saturday morning at the dealer and it felt heavier than my 6R although the spec sheets are saying it is 6 lbs lighter. These bikes are an absolute steal at $7500 drive out, the only concern I have is that at your altitude the 750 Gixxer might have a bit more punch.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/7/2010 @ 8:13 AM *

Thanks, Kruz.

One of my boys is going to let me ride his CBR600RR at a Miller track day on the 18th, so I took it out for the first time this weekend. It's a 2004. What a blast! The thing feels like it was born to turn -- unlike the 14. I was a little surprised that I could deal with its small size, at 6'3".

Thanks for the great info on the ZX-6R. I'm not really worried about having enough "punch". These things have way more power that I know what to do with at this point...

Fun stuff! -bg

I tok the ZX-6R on 225 mile ride in the twisties yesterday morning, four hours in the saddle all together. I had an absolute blast on the thing. Ergonomics, wind proection, engine vibration levels, handling and shift quality are world class, KHI hit one out of the park on this one! Power....well compared to the liters or 14 it's not going to blow your socks off but it's still fun as can be. I don't miss the ponies when Im riding this bike, can't explain it but it's still a blast. Pulling out into fast moving traffic from a dead stop in first is the only time I really notice the low end deficiency, once you're out of first and the rpms climb it scoots. I'm still breaking it in but I hit 12,000 rpm and 120 miles an hour in sixth yesterday and she was pulling good, so plenty of pep. I'm going to ride another 200 miles and then take her to the 16,000 rpm redline and see what she's got.

BTW, this engine reminds me of a gas turbine engine the way it spools up so smoothly. Below 7000 rpm it whirs like a big electric motor. From 7000 to 8000 you get a hint of vibration in the footpegs, kind of a tingle and a low growl from teh intake and then it goes dead smooth from then on. This is the smoothest motor I've ever seen and that is part of why it is so fun to ride.

BTW, after 4 hours of continuos riding, my wrists and knees were starting to ache a bit, I mean this is a race bike though.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/7/2010 @ 1:19 PM *

80000 rpm huh? ;)

BG read these reports for the full skinny on the little Ninja. You can't go wrong on the 750 Gixxer either, it's a fantastic machine as well!

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2009-supersport-shootout-87967.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2009-supersport-racetrack-shootout-88055.html

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/156/2811/Motorcycle-Article/2009-Kawasaki-ZX-6R-Comparison.aspx

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/7/2010 @ 1:03 PM *

Thanks, Kruz! -bg

80000 rpm huh? ;)

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/7/2010 @ 1:21 PM *

http://www.kawasaki.com/products/product-awards-reviews.aspx?autoplay=false&id=428&scid=24

BG take a look at the link above and scroll down the page to the 2009 ZX-6R list of accomplishments, it looks like a clean sweep of all the 2009 Supersport Shootouts including cycle Magazines Sportbike of the year and Middleweight of the year. Rook is going to buy one so you know it's got to be good!

^^^I'd love to but I couldn't with everything else going on and all that is about to go on. I can't do it and that's why I enjoy it so much that you did it.

Maybe in a year or two.

Well, if you ever make it down this way you can always ride mine....... and the 10 also.

Fender Eliminator on:

Before

After

Rear tire on the 6r, easy to wear it down to the edge when the bikes this light:

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/11/2010 @ 12:34 PM *

Rear tire on the 6r, easy to wear it down to the edge when the bikes this light:

Remove big heavy pipe. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Why not take it to the track where this bike is designed and built to entertain?

BTW there's easily 40-45lbs. of excess weight on a modern stock jap 600,
got $$$?

I think Mass is talking two big, expensive rings......for your new sweetheart. You might wait a few months and see if you are still truly in love. If so, dig deep and put your $$$$ up to represent the commitment. CF instead of a diamond. Haha- at least we know that CF is really worth something (if you ever want to resell it)!!

I meant 45lbs. before the aftermarket wheels,
there's plenty to give.

Anyway, a 600 belongs on the track IMHO.

I have this feeling Kruz is going to get lured into being a track rider. He's going to find street conditions too unpredictable to realize the full potential in the new bike.

Remove big heavy pipe. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Yer right Romans, this bike deserves an Evo like the 10. How much weight did you say it saved on your 6R?

I have this feeling Kruz is going to get lured into being a track rider. He's going to find street conditions too unpredictable to realize the full potential in the new bike.

I think you guys may be right, you can't begin to use the full potential of any of these machines on the streets, way too crazy.

I'm guessing I've knocked off 6 to 7 lbs of deadweight from the 6R already, that would put it at about 414 lbs w/ full fuel. An Akra Evo would knock off about 15-16 more pounds and get me into the high 300 range. Where's the rest of the weight going to come from if I don't go to exotic Marchesini or C/F wheels? I'm talking about remaining street legal here. For track only I could see ditching a lot of stuff and of course adding carbon fiber bits.

Where's the rest of the weight going to come from if I don't go to exotic Marchesini or C/F wheels? I'm talking about remaining street legal here.

It would be a shame too toss aside a brand new OEM battery but a speed cell will lower the weight by 8 lbs on a 14. I'm sure it would be a similar amount on a 600. Another great thing about going lightweight on a battery is that it is taking weight from a higher position on the bike than other weight reductions.

The rotating mass has got to make the biggest dif but yeah, that is going to cost a bundle. See what you can do without losing the OEM wheels and if you think it's great, then maybe you will decide to go all the way.

I paid $39 with free shipping for the fender eliminator kit from http://customizedbikeparts.com/catalog/index.php including the LED turn signals and a 3 LED plate lite. Not a bad deal and incredibly light, I think the box it came in weighed more than all the components. anyway here it is with the plate blacked out and the plate lite on there.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/14/2010 @ 7:37 AM *

PUT DOWN THE “TRACK PIPE” AND WALK AWAY WHILE YOU STILL CAN

After you do your first track day that’s all you will be able to think period. It’s the most addicting thing you could ever do. The side effects are an angry wife, a thinner wallet, and little to no appetite for street ridding. One hit off the track pipe and you’re hooked. If you do decide to take a hit of the pipe forget all the mods mentioned above at this point you will need the cash for tires and track time.

Did I mention you will need money for lots of tires even for the front

^^Some of us don't have the angry wife problem....any more

....but I can sympathize.

Priorities.

Yeah, let's not forget, there is more to life than motorcycles for most of us.

But motorcycles are still pretty high on the list.

there is more to life than motorcycles for most of us.

Yeah, let's not forget, there is more to life than motorcycles for most of us

yeah I know but this is running a damn close second to the wife and kids it cost less and it would only make noise when I wanted it to.

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 6/14/2010 @ 3:01 PM *