I am considering purchasing a new bike next week. I used to have a 1993 Suzuki Katana 600 about 7 years ago and have not had or riden a bike since. I am looking at either a new 2006 ZX-6R or a 2007 ZZR-600. In your opinion, which would be the best bike for a would-be "new" rider. Do you think that the ZX-6R will be too much bike? I am looking for something that I can have fun with, but I do not want a bike that tries to rise up every time I take off with some force. Also, I live about 40 miles from the dealership where I plan on buying the bike-will this present a problem in driving the bike home for the first time during the break in period? Should I take a truck or will it be ok to drive it home?

 

What do you plan on using the ride for? They are both good.

 

I am looking for a bike to just ride around and have fun with. I do not plan to go to the drag strip or anything like that, but I do want something that has plenty of power, but is comfortable to ride.

 

beep beep I would choose the 636 [sm=smiley16.gif]

 

whats that supposed to mean? (beep, beep ???)

 

thats the sound of my horn

 

Doyou think the 636 will be ok for long rides, and what about the insurance premiums--you guys got any ballpark guides on how much that would be for the ZX-6R and the ZZR-600 respectively? Sorry about the beep, beep thing - right over my head.

 

"Ride around and have fun with", like an 8 hr cruise? Kinda comes down to looks and comfort in your eyes yes. They both can be worked on to meet your needs, "plenty of power" though is in the eye of the rider as well. For example, my 10r could use some more grunt for the road, and since I like the twisties, modded the suspension and am still working on the power. For a 12 hr ride the 10r was still not that comfy. The 6r is prolly not too much bike, but is more concentrated towards handling over comfort and your style. The ZZR is prolly more comfy while cruising. More upright position, tuned down engine(normally), etc. Which may make it more comfy to your style.

 

my 636 is ok for longer rides as long as im not going straight downt the interstate

 

Well, I can get the 2007 ZZR-600 for about $800 less than the2006 ZX-6R and the ZZR will probably save me quite a bit on the insurance. I guess my only concern was the Katana 600 that I had was not that strong -I mean it was fast, but nothing special and I want whatever I get this time to have more "umph" than what I had in the Katana, but still be a bike that I could take a 6 hour trip to the mountains on and not ruin my back.