Opinions on these bikes please

[Dunn-y]

I'm just looking around at what bikes I could buy next year. Budget of £2000.

Have been looking at a 2000 model ZX6R and a 1999 model CBR600F. Anyone have experience with either of these bikes and what they are like to live with and use as a commuter plus have some fun days out?

Still not sure if I want to go for a Supermoto or Sports/Sports Tourer.

[granty92]

my friend has a 2000 model 6r and its a bit high maintenance(may just be his one is cr*p) they do look nice though, to be honest i would go for a supermoto as they look so much fun

[Dunn-y]

my friend has a 2000 model 6r and its a bit high maintenance(may just be his one is cr*p) they do look nice though, to be honest i would go for a supermoto as they look so much fun

Yeah they do. They also look real easy to work and seem to hold up well in a crash. Only problem is so far all the decent ones are above my budget. :(

[alfa.rbt]

did you consider a thundercat? I've seen one today, they looks awesome and remeber reading a great review somwhere. I think I could send you a ride magazine with test on that if I can find it.

[Dunn-y]

Yes, it was one of the first bikes I looked at before going with the SV. I'm really considering a Supermoto as they just look so much fun.

[monkey]

I used to have a '98 ZX6R which now belongs to Cazza. Also Sid Squid has a '98, Ricardo has had 2 around the 2000 year and Jambo has one of similar age. We all like them.

You can get excellent economy from them if looked after. All day comfy too. Good for at least 120 000 miles if cared for. Brakes need correct maintenance (6 pot Tokicos).

I can't comment on the CBR I'm afraid.

Generally I really like the older sports bikes because of the bang for your buck and comfort.

[yorkie_chris]

Brakes are a bit maintenance intensive but fine if kept up to, easily done at home on either TBH, worse on the -6R though.

General stuff... personally I'd take the ZX6R as they seem to return good economy, hondas don't seem to do too well on that. The ZX6R also feels to have a more fun power delivery and maybe a little easier to work on but there's not much in it.

[kellyjo]

Cbr600f was a great bike. Practical, comfy, easy to maintain but then fast, sporty and fun too. Excellent all rounder, will do whatever you want.

[hardhat_harry]

I have had a good play on all of these a few times and my opinion is the ZX6R is much more fun.

Thundercat is surprisingly the best allrounder nice handling too

CBR is a bit bland and I'm assuming Kellyjo has never changed the spark plugs on a CBR they are a nightmare

[Lozzo]

Unsurprisingly I'd opt for the Honda every time.

Firstly, they never go wrong, Secondly, they are in no way slow (numerous race victories attest to this). Thirdly, they make great all-rounders. You can't call them bland, they do what they are meant to do and more, and they do it bloody well. If bland is defined as that, then so be it, but they can be great fun to ride if you know what you're doing.

I wouldn't touch a Thundercat - heavy, drink all fluids like a ****ed fish, nowhere near as nice handling as the Honda and not as well built. They do have good brakes, but that's about the only thing I like about them.

The ZX6R is a good bike, but they require more maintenance than the Honda especially, as others have mentioned, in the braking department. Good as they are they don't stand up well to abuse and look tatty very quickly if not looked after, whereas the Honda will just keep coming back for more and be easier to tidy up.

I wouldn't touch a Supermoto of any description. The people I know who own them soon tire of their impracticality and start looking for something less extreme. They're all a pain in the ar5e (literally) and most of them are abused. DRZ400s seem to be popular, but god only knows why. I borrowed one of my used stock to do the 2 mile trip home one night and was bored of it by the time I got home - 34bhp? Thanks, but no thanks.

[andrewsmith]

ZX6 are a lot of bike for good money. A grand will get you a 1998/9 in okay nick and I've looked but couldn't afford the insurance.
CBR600F I know of a F3 coming up for sale very soon.
Thundercats... *cough* Stretchie!!!!!! *cough*

[Sid Squid]

Strange to hear that a ZX6 needs loads of maintenance - mine hasn't needed much at all.

[Lozzo]

Compared to the Hondas we deal with, the ZX6s always need more doing and don't suffer being neglected anywhere near as well