Following a couple of PMs for my thoughts on my ZX6, this is my take on it.
I have a B1H which is the 2003/4 model. At the moment I am commuting 50 miles per day on it and do not have comfort problems. It takes me 25 minutes for the first 20 miles through the countryside then another 20 minutes for the last 5 miles to the centre of Edinburgh through nightmare traffic. I have also done Edinburgh to Cambridge on both the SV and the B1 and found the B1 to be more comfortable. I found the riding position and seat on the SV (I had a pointy one) to be dreadful.
I am 6ft tall. The riding position is ok and, although a lot of weight is put on your wrists, this is not so bad becos I am tall and can sit almost upright without supporting my weight on my wrists too much. I like this riding postion cos it makes me feel in control of the bike. If you have back or knee problems and are shorter than me, it may be a problem.
If you go back one model to the A1, it has the same 636 engine but it is carbed and it is more comfortable (I think, I've never ridden one) The G and J models have a 599cc engine, I think the G is more comfortable from what I have read on the Ninja Forum. I have also had a C1 (the new underseat model) out while mine was being serviced. It was comfortable and civilised (like a Honda really
) but the throttle was snatchy and I hated that. The hooligan aspect has been removed from the B1 and the end result is 'Nice'
I prefer IL4s to the Vtwin cos I like the peaky power delivery and like to rev it - I learnt to ride on a two stroke which is very peaky! The power delivery is ace - just beware of the odd highside- keep it pinned an countersteer.
Things to note: I am lightweight (11st) and the back end is oversprung. As I can't/won't afford to get a new rear shock, I have removed all of the preload and damping. That has softened the back end calmed the front end enough that it doesn't need a steering damper. They talk of the front end being a bit frisky over bumps but as long as you sort the back end it will be fine. Because the back is oversprung, it doesn't squat under power and loads all the weight on the front end and you get the odd headshake/tankslapper. You can respring it which will cost about £100 - £150 so just take note of that when negotiating. Mine, a B1, is the 03 model, as far as I know they sorted the springing out for the B2, out in 04.
The front tyre as standard is a 120/65 which is an odd size and you can only get in Michelin Pilot & Bridgestones. I didn't like the Michelins so changed them for Diablos with a 120/70 section front which has calmed the front end as well and it is not as touchy. Although it is a sportsbike, I put Diablo Stradas on, due to the mileage I do, which are the same as Metz Z6s- they are great in the wet and although I have not done a trackday on them yet, I have never had any grip problems. Have put put about 6-7k on them and they are wearing well.
The brakes are fantastic, you really don't want them to be up to full strength during winter cos you will end up on your ass in a field if you grab a handful.
The steering is very quick and takes a bit of getting used to. After having to wrestle the SV around corners it is a bit of an eye opener and you keep thinking that you have hit ice and are going down, when in fact it is fine and has a lot further to go. You learn to be precise with your steering and it is very rewarding when you match your input to the line and nail the gas on the way out of the corner
Yeehah! If I think of anything further I will add it.
Any other Kwak owners want to comment?