On Wed, 13 Aug 2003 03:59:19 GMT, "MX-Pilot" <no.DeleteThis@spam.thxs> wrote:
>A) used 2002 cbr600f4i 10,000km, $8795$ cdn
>
>b)demo 2003 gsxr600 1,700km $8599$ cdn, and factory warrenty
>
>c) used 1999 cbr600f4, 10,000km $6199 cdn,
>
>d) used R6 2002 10,000km $8,200
>
>also, the gsxr is a physically bigger bike? whats the smallest a person can
>be to ride that bike? 5'6? i'm around 5'8
>also, what is the target riders height of that bike? 5'10?
>
>i can see the hondas and yamaha's are a smaller bike for ergos and such and
>tiny people
>
>im leaning gsxr. but havent test driven it yet.
>
The "smallest?" Some of the best riders of 125 and 250 two-strokes,
not to mention 600s, are shorter and lighter than average.
You don't mention experience, so let's hope this isn't your first jump
into motorcycles. Most motorcycles will not suffer the uninitiated.
The price for failure can be catastrophic. Modern 600s are just that
much less forgiving, due to the high performance potential.
Since you list various prices, money doesn't seem to be the primary
issue. Keep in mind newer bikes depreciate quickly. You'd probably
take less of a loss on the '99, percentage-wise, when it's time to
sell again. If you aren't a fiend for the latest tech, used bikes are
a good thing for most guys.
The "target" rider seems to vary from bike to bike. Some are setup
for big fat Westerners; others, lighter Asians. You'll have to figure
that out on a case-by-case basis. There isn't a magic bullet.
Regarding bikes: guess it depends what you want. 600s took a big leap
forward in 2003, though the Gixxer 600 remained largely unchanged from
2002. Some argue the Gixxer didn't "need" any upgrades, but that's a
marketing and racing issue. 600s change fast, not to mention lose
resale value equally quickly. I believe they are currently the most
competitive class, in terms of technology, and wonder if the gauntlet
hasn't passed from liter bikes to 750s to 600s..
I like fuel injection. I've owned four bikes with FI, starting with
my '90 851 (unusual technology back then). The other three are
currently in the garage. I like the way they deliver power and ease
of street-tuning (I'll take an EPROM or gameboy to a jet kit any day).
Some still prefer carbs for various reasons, and I'm not technical
enough to argue the point from a performance perspective in exhaustive
detail. It may, however, be safe to say fuel injection's easier for
the "average" rider to deal with.
Guys flog the crap out of Gixxer 600s at the track all day long, and
it just comes back for more. Roadracing World's Army of Darkness race
reports make me a littler nervous about quality, however. Honestly,
I'd research that as thoroughly as possible before buying. With a
warranty, though, the decision's a little easier. That's worth a lot
to some guys.
The R6 changed substantially from '02 to '03, losing eight pounds and
gaining additional engine and suspension tractability. I do not know
if the '02 has FI. Many say they're great all-around bikes.
Definitely take a ride and decide for yourself.
Honda is hard to fault. I've seen guys really haul ass (street and
track) on F4i's. Hondas are quite civilized and usually don't break,
in my modest experience. Perhaps this one is the most civilized
street bike of the bunch? Again, take a ride, understand where you'll
use the bike. Know thyself.
The '99 F4's a step behind in technology, but at reduced price. Guess
it comes down to bling-bling factor there. That extra $2,300 or so
CNDN for the other bikes will buy a LOT of gear and training.
Don't forget to check insurance rates. They may vary bike to bike,
depending on your experience. I know little of Canadian insurance.
'-----------------------------------------------------
' Daniel Bannon
' NW WA State, U.S.A.
' 2003 ZX-6R, 2000 RSV Mille, 1999 CBR1100XX
'-----------------------------------------------------<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
>> Stay informed about: which bike? A or B? 
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