Hi,
I've owned motorcycles for no more than 1 year (under 600cc) and had driven in a friend's 2001 R1 several times (in fact, I learned in it). Now I want to buy a 600cc sportbike for daily use.

I know all the bads of using it everyday, but I can live without confort, low mileage and spares.

I've been thinking in:

2007 R6 from a friend. Only would buy used from him. It already has pretty nice small mods.


2010 R6. Does it really makes a difference over the '07?


2010 GSXR 600. I've heard critics con the brakes and manufacture on the previous models.


2010 Ducati 848 I don't really like the sound of this bike, and it's price is high here, too close to the BMW S 1000 RR. Even I'm not buying a 1000cc bike doesn't make me happy it's that close.

 

I have a yellow/black 2008 Suzuki GSX-R I'm thinking selling. Never dropped, I've treated her very well

 

If you've only been riding a year (or less), jumping into even a 600 sport bike is probably not that wise. Something like a SV650 would be a better choice, or if you must, an older 600 class bike with less power to deal with and less of an investment should you put the shiny side down.

That said, if you have the self control to jump in head first...

Of the jap bikes, I prefer the gixxers, but frankly they're all about the same, especially in the 600cc class. I like the gixxer due to the riding position and slightly fatter mid range, though all of the 600s are pretty anemic in the low-mid power band.

Which is exactly why you should get the Duc. Spend a few days on one, and you're very likely to "get it", and never look back.

 

get that R6 you posted, those things are so damn fun.

 

I have to show some love for the Triumph Daytona. I got mine brand new at the beginning of summer and now use it for my daily commute (except when raining). Personally I love it for my use, and the lowish end torque is nice compared to the rest of the 600 class.

 

600 is the perfect bike to learn on. Suz, Yam, Honda or Kawi - you cant go wrong. All great bikes. Or a Triumph 675

 

I'll second the Triumph 675. Best bike in the class right now with looks that put all the others to shame.

 

Another vote for the Triumph. The engine is said to be spectacular.

Can't imagine the 600cc 4 bangers being much fun under a bajillion rpm, and the 848 left me bored (although I loved its bigger brother 1198).

Make sure you get a steering damper, they are lively little things for a noob.

 

This. It's not so much about the power as it the ease of handling the thing. A bigger bike has more rotating mass which makes it harder to steer. I don't think I "really" learned to ride until I got on my single cyl supermoto.

Also might want to consider Monster 620 or the Street Triple. If you go the 675 route, get the newer generation one, it had a host of reliability fixes. They come with steering dampers stock btw.

 

848 for sure.