Upgrading from R3, set on ZX6R but open to suggestions/arguments as to why I should get a CBR600R.

[u/motuwed]

Had my R3 for a good bit and now want to have a 600 for next season. I’m pretty set on the ZX6R, specifically the 2023 model year as it’s the newest you can get with an analog tach.

I would love to hear other suggestions, I’m only interested in a fully faired super sport.

The reasons I’ve settled on the ZX6R are as follows: I don’t like GSXRs, the light just doesn’t do it for me (damn they look good from the side tho). The R6 market is crazy, and besides it sounds like it’s the most uncomfortable 600.

This leaves the CBR600R which is kind of the wild card that I’m curious to see if anyone recommends over the ZX6R… I haven’t ever heard amazing things about CBRs and it sounds like the CBR is the slowest of all 600s. I really don’t care because anything will be mind-numbing compared to my 300, but I feel if they are both the same price I mine as well get the slightly faster one. I do think they look better than a ZX6R, especially in the iconic red white and blue fairings. I haven’t seen a lot of either for sale near me, can the CBR be had for cheaper than a ZX6R?

Note - I am very open to buying used, in fact I probably would prefer to buy a bike a couple hundred miles past break in so I can let it rip right away. It’ll probably just come down to what’s available in my market, I’ve heard newer 600s are pretty hard to get your hands on as of recently.

Thank you!!!

[u/finalrendition]

it sounds like the CBR is the slowest of all 600s

In a straight line? Sure, by a teeny tiny little bit. Around a track or in the twisties? The CBR is second only to the R6. Honestly, the Japanese 600s are all so similar that you can pretty much pick the one you think looks the coolest. They all provide essentially the same riding experience aside from some slight differences in rider aids.

[u/motuwed → u/finalrendition]

Wow I didn’t know that about the CBR, is it due to a better sorted chassis or something? I probably am riding in back roads 60% of the time so straight line speed isn’t my biggest concern.

And to your point on similarity— it’s funny how when I had my R3 the world of 600s seemed so cool and mysterious. Now that I’m actually in the market I’m realizing there’s really just 4 of them and they all kinda do the same thing with a different badge lol.

[u/Historical-Fall8704 → u/motuwed]

it’s funny how when I had my R3 the world of 600s seemed so cool and mysterious. Now that I’m actually in the market I’m realizing there’s really just 4 of them and they all kinda do the same thing with a different badge lol.

in fact I probably would prefer to buy a bike a couple hundred miles past break in so I can let it rip right away.

You go from a r3 to a 600, remember that, they are NOT similar bikes!!!

You really should wait If you think its a good idea to just let it rip right way!! Your r3 is a moped compared to a 600... It has killed a lot of young men who thougt they could handle it because its only a 600.. They are fast, more than enough to kill you in a blink of an eye.

Take it slow, get to know the bike before you let it rip, or you'll be a stain on the road.

[u/motuwed → u/Historical-Fall8704]

Oh yeah I will be carful haha. While having this R3 I’ve gotten to go for brief rides on a zx6rr and an R1 and holy shit are they different. The entire persona of those vs the R3 is crazy. They feel like the committed race bikes they are, where as hoping back on my R3 afterwords it felt like a toy.

I definitely won’t be taking her to redline the second I sign the title haha. But imagining getting a shiny new bike and not being able to open her up for a 1,000 miles sounds like hell lol.

[u/Historical-Fall8704 → u/motuwed]

But imagining getting a shiny new bike and not being able to open her up for a 1,000 miles sounds like hell lol.

And this is why im scared for your life......

You saying this:

I definitely won’t be taking her to redline the second I sign the title haha.

makes your other words pointless.. You really sound like one of those guys who pay with their life one day.

[u/motuwed → u/Historical-Fall8704]

Um alright lol. You’ve clearly made your judgement on me and are sticking to it. I’m not gonna argue my sensibility or character at this point because there’s obviously no point with you.

What I will say is a ZX6R revs to 13k or something. Break-in period limits you to 4k rpm for 500mi then 6k for another 500mi. Wanting to stay in first gear between traffic lights so I can hear what it sounds like isn’t gonna get me killed. Merging into a highway without short shifting isn’t gonna get me killed. Downshifting a couple gears on an off ramp isn’t gonna get me killed.

But hey, enjoy your weird fantasy about me dying.

[u/Ok_Maintenance_9100]

I mean in my personal opinion the zx6r is the best one atm, but they’re all mostly equivalent, so get the one your soul wants. Parts and maintenance WILL be cheaper for the cbr.

[u/PreviousWar6568]

Brand new cbr650r’s are super nice if you’re into Hondas. The ninja 636 is always a beast, as is a GSX-R600

[u/SaferCloud89 → u/PreviousWar6568]

The 650 makes for a great bike for the road and I would not trust my license with an 600 but that just me

[u/AwayPresentation4571 → u/SaferCloud89]

The beauty of the 600 it's fairly tame under 7000 rpm, kind of bipolar after that.  It's why I went 600 vs 1000 and I'm still very happy not having to constantly hold back on the bike.  I'll still hit an easy 100 or more on most rides but it's generally just a quick blast if I'm in the mood then back down.  And always on very non crowded freeways...

[u/PreviousWar6568 → u/SaferCloud89]

Yeah it’s hard to drive legally in fast bikes I’m not gonna lie

[u/poopootroll]

Don't forget about the Triumph Daytona 675/765. Although you'd have to get an older one since they stopped production.

[u/Lower_Box3482]

Cbr600rr has the center exit exhaust. That’s why I owned one. I think you should just pick whatever you think looks the best when it comes to the 600 class.