Two 600 questions.

[Shiv]

Ok first off is I saw a dude in class with a motorcycle helmet sitting next to his chair so I asked him what he rode (avoided the "Do you ride?" and the "here's your sign" part). He said a CBR 600. He's been riding for 3 years and he asked if I rode or just knew a lot about bikes. I presented my 'out of money, no job, no bike' dilemna and he said I could ride in 600 around some day.

Now this isn't in traffic. I told him I think I'll stick to 500s until I feel more comfortable around traffic and he meant like a parking lot somewhere. So would I kill myself in a parking lot on a CBR 600 if I didn't gun the throttle? Considering taking him up on the offer just to see what it feels like.



And the second question: A Katana 600, would that be a good beginner bike? The 600cc part says 'no' but I always here how it's like a dumbed down version of the 600cc line. Think I've read that twice on TMW and about four times on another forum.

[Skier]

So would I kill myself in a parking lot on a CBR 600 if I didn't gun the throttle? Considering taking him up on the offer just to see what it feels like.

Death? Most likely not. Dropping the bike? More likely. If you can't afford to replace his plastics, don't ride it.

And the second question: A Katana 600, would that be a good beginner bike? The 600cc part says 'no' but I always here how it's like a dumbed down version of the 600cc line. Think I've read that twice on TMW and about four times on another forum.

As the owner and rider of a Kat 600, I'd say it would not make a good beginner bike. Compared to the bike I started with, it's much more difficult to do low-speed manuevers with, has a lot of power and parts can be pricey if you drop it.

As for it being a "dumbed down" version, pre-98 Katana 600s are GSX-R 750 motors, sleeved, with different cams. So you have a slightly scaled down GSX-R 750 motor under you.

[jmillheiser]

The Katana motor has always been a detuned GSXR-750 motor (the old aircooled gixxer).

Same goes for the bandit 600 motor.

iirc the bandit 1200 is based off the old GSXR-1100 motor

[1will]

your classmate sounds like a generous and trusting person.

[Jamers!]

your classmate sounds like a generous and trusting person.

yes he does, and while that may be true, i agree with the above comment of if you cant afford to repair damaged stuff from a drop id be very weary of riding it.



JWF

[Shiv]

Yah I thought of that already.


I'll ask him about that part. It could be scratched up already and he just doesn't care. I can't imagine him offering someone to ride it when he knows they have little experience.

[1will]

heheh

[roscowgo]

i started and still ride on a 92 600 kat. not such a great idea.


i cant Quite remember how much those replacement mirrors were....