DSN

Well, im coming in at 6'6 so im not... short....

im also looking for a 600, as the insurance on a 1k+ is crazy

any bikes you guys would recommend, looking for a super sport/sport but will also be using it to commute now and then.

jj2463

are you buying new or used?

DSN

i was initially looking for a new bike, however Ive decided the funds are better spent else where.

im looking to have about 4k around, but the less the better as always

May be teased into buying new and financing half for the right bike though.

jj2463

Given your height you might find many of the 600's a touch cramped however have a look at the Suzuki GSXR 600/750. The Honda CBR600F is worth a look, both the new one and the old (not the super super sport). There are plenty of used ones around. I would also look at the old Triumph Daytona 650. The styling is quite angular but they are built for the real world rider.

As a broad rule of thumb, Suzuki and Honda (especially Honda) tend to make road focussed bikes where as Kawasaki and Yamaha look more at the track, so are more extreme. Sit on lts of bikes and imagine it as 2am, you are in France, been riding all day and you want the early ferry. If it is cramped you will be in agony.

jj2463

Following on, Ducati make bikes for midgets or contortionists, though I think they are worth the pain. Triumph build for real people bar the 675, but if you want to sacrifice some comfort they are well worth a look.

Cavetroll87

I would second what jj2463 says about a CBR600F, Thats what I ride and im 6ft and I find it pretty good for a 600 (although Im a glutton for punishment coz im thinking of an R6 next) and I picked up mine (03 model) for just under 4K with only 11k on the clock and in mint condition and if you search round there are plenty out there!

DSN

Well so far, im lined up to give all the "usual" sports a try, the cbr,zx6,gsxr6/750 and even the r6.

and of course im going to give them all a good test ride before I even think of making a decision.

Ive been out on an R6 before, and I really loved it, but never for an extended duration.

And sometimes I will want to use it to get into London and back in the same day, mebby 2 hours riding. But I defiantly want to be able to get the bike on the track as well.

jj2463

You will be OK on most bikes for 2 hrs and remember that there is no point being comfortable and bored! My Fireblade was good for 3 hrs riding because it had great ergonomics. Whatever you get you will have to live for for at least a couple of years (unless you are rich) and the CBR600F will do everything well, fast raod, track, commute, tour but (opinion will divide here) will it make your heart go flip when you look at it?

Comfort is a personal thing, but I look out for:

The angle of my head looking forward. If your head is low then you push it up to see ahead. After 30 minutes this can be quite annoying, after 2hrs it can be a killer

Comfort of the saddle

Reationship between bars/pegs. The tighter your knees the less you will want to ride

Can I get feet to floor easily.

My Fireblade was easy and comfortable. i rode my sprint st from Chamonix to Calais in one trip, just stops for fuel and felt as fresh when I arrived as when I left, but my BMW K1300GT could have me squirming in my saddle after 45 mins until I got used to it. My GS, all day comfortable, and one of the most fun bikes to ride through the twisty bits that I have had.

Oggy

Wasn't there a link some where in these forums with all the ergonomic data of loads of bikes new and old.
I loved the site as you input your own height and it shows you as a stick man (or woman) on a picture of the bike telling you the angles of knees and arms.

DSN

This sounds awesome. but cant find it