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While I have ridden CBR600RRs before at the Gap, I had a healthy amount of respect for each of the ones I tried. Either because I was afraid of binning my friends' bikes or my lack of experience riding in general or just being exhausted from riding all day.
Yesterday, I was loaned a 2003 CBR600RR to ride at the Gap by a friend. Dave trusted me enough to let me ride his bike only asking that I not wind it up too hard. So I did.
Bear in mind I have put around 55,000 miles on my Katana since May of 2006. I REALLY like my Katana and I don't know much else so my review is slightly biased and not in any way intended to be an expert opinion.
Comfort: Forget it. The ergos are horrible. The seat feels like it is above the bars. The bars almost feel as though they are under you instead of in front of you. Its seat is little more than a vinyl-covered piece of plywood.
Power: Best NOT forget it. Quite manageable power below 10K RPM. Above that and look out! I was on the Gap so I didn't really get to open it up so "highspeed" was limited to around 90.
Braking: Also best not to forget it. The brakes are ridiculously powerful. Couple that with the nearly 100 pounds lighter than the Katana this thing is and stopping is almost voodoo magical.
Handling: This is where it shines. It was effortless. Intuitive. Easy. I was in corners 10-15 MPH faster than I would normally be on the Katana without even trying. I could see myself getting VERY fast on this thing. I could also see myself being hurt badly when I found the limits of my abilities on this thing!
Overall: I want one! I do not, however, want to have to drive it farther than the 60 miles one way to the Gap. I just can't imagine it would be fun as transportation. If you are not fast on one of these things, you're doing it wrong!! PAUL!? RON!? Jussayin!
Verdict: Not selling the Kat, but I would really like to have one!
Yesterday, I was loaned a 2003 CBR600RR to ride at the Gap by a friend. Dave trusted me enough to let me ride his bike only asking that I not wind it up too hard. So I did.
Bear in mind I have put around 55,000 miles on my Katana since May of 2006. I REALLY like my Katana and I don't know much else so my review is slightly biased and not in any way intended to be an expert opinion.
Comfort: Forget it. The ergos are horrible. The seat feels like it is above the bars. The bars almost feel as though they are under you instead of in front of you. Its seat is little more than a vinyl-covered piece of plywood.
Power: Best NOT forget it. Quite manageable power below 10K RPM. Above that and look out! I was on the Gap so I didn't really get to open it up so "highspeed" was limited to around 90.
Braking: Also best not to forget it. The brakes are ridiculously powerful. Couple that with the nearly 100 pounds lighter than the Katana this thing is and stopping is almost voodoo magical.
Handling: This is where it shines. It was effortless. Intuitive. Easy. I was in corners 10-15 MPH faster than I would normally be on the Katana without even trying. I could see myself getting VERY fast on this thing. I could also see myself being hurt badly when I found the limits of my abilities on this thing!
Overall: I want one! I do not, however, want to have to drive it farther than the 60 miles one way to the Gap. I just can't imagine it would be fun as transportation. If you are not fast on one of these things, you're doing it wrong!! PAUL!? RON!? Jussayin!
Verdict: Not selling the Kat, but I would really like to have one!
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