'05 ZZR600 - Tell me about it

[2DFlyer]

What can anyone tell me about the '05 ZZR600?  I know it's a 00-02 ZX6R.  Having never ridden a 600 I don't know how they perform.  I know 60 comes in about 3 seconds but I'm willing to bet that's one shift at most.  My performance bench mark is a ZRX1100 that always put a smile on my face.  Is the ZZR fun in the same way?

[deanzaZZR]

I love mine. I've had it since August 2006.

The bike it replaced is a 2005 Z750S. I found that I actually prefer a sportbike's ergonomics. I also appreciate the better wind protection (I'm tall at 6'3"). But what I most love about the bike is the solid, fully adjustable suspension (and the brakes are damn good too, aided by it's light weight).

You'll miss the torque of the ZREX. Do you think you can live without the torque? The ZZR cruises at 4K quite happily, but rapid progress requires 6K+ RPM. It sounds very nice with a Leo Vince CF can. I've put 3K miles on it and it has been 100% reliable.

[cjohns]

SMOOTH!!!! I think it's a great bike. Smooth, consistant power all the way to redline. Very comfortable bike to sit on. Besides that, the bike just looks great. Would have been nice to have fuel injection, but....
 
^Weird!!! I had a Z750S also, found out I was a bit lazy when it came to shifting. Things the 750 could pull out of usually requires a downshift on the 600. I think this bike helped me get up into the upper rpm ranges much more than the 750.  I am fairly new to bikes, but you might find yourself in the same situation coming from an 1100cc bike.
 
Having much more fun riding using more of the rpm ranges.
 
Two thumbs way up!!  Great all-around sport bike.
 
cj

[2DFlyer]

Thanks guys.  I know I'd miss the torque but I also rarely ever ran the ZRX north of 7K.  I wonder if exploring upper revs (7-10K anyway) might be just as fun, but in a different way.  
 
One of my recent experiments was a Duc ST3.  Great bike but, as I've described in other places, I had to be temping fate and breaking the law to really have any fun on it.  Some say the path to street sport nirvana entails using more of a less capable bike.
 
How many revs is the motor turning at 70 in 6th?

[deanzaZZR]

How many revs is the motor turning at 70 in 6th?

I should know this, but traffic usually moves along around 80 MPH (indicated around here). At 80 it's turning 7K RPM. At 70 I think it's at or just above 6K RPM. The engine is incredibly smooth for a little four banger and there are no unpleasant vibrations.

[1moreroad]

On the street a ZX6R is no more or less capable than a Duc ST3.   You really won't be able to push the limits of either bike on the street.  I've cruised on 55 mph canyon roads at 60 mph never slowing down for any corners.  I mean cruised -- the bike never worked hard at all.  Depending on the rider, it may be more capable on the track -- all depends on if you can trade torque for weight (Duc has more low end torque and more weight).  Let's all say it together, it's the rider, not the bike.
 
Garry on the 6R/10R thread describes the engine pretty well and what it feels like at various RPMs.  The older 6R/ZZR will feel the same as the newer one but with about 10% less hp and 10% more weight.  There is no reason to ever go above 10k rpms on the street (not saying you shouldn't, just that you don't need to), even in the canyons.  On the track it feels like a pig anywhere much under 10k rpms.
 
2nd gear is good for almost 100 mph at redline.  DeanzaZZR is spot on for speeds/rpms.
 
One nice thing about the ZZR (and I think the F4i) is that they have rubber covered footpegs to dampen vibration at the feet.  These make a big difference.  IMO there is very little buzziness on the bike.
 
Riding position is significantly different than the ZRX.  Stock set up will be significantly harder to turn into corners but very stable once in the corner.  Raise the forks or the rear end and you can significantly speed up turn in.  I was able to dial in the ride to make it turn in with about the same effort as an FZ1.  Raising the forks has no effect on stability -- still very stable -- at anything up to at least 100 mph.
 
OEM suspension can be dialed in nicely to handle the road but will IMO always be a little harsh, especially if you're comparing it to an ST3s with Ohlins.  Still, you can pick a line and stay on it over gaps in the road or even small potholes.  You'll just feel the potholes up your backside a bit more than I liked.
 
Let's see, ZRXs will have a LOT more storage space under the seat because of the twin shocks.  The ZZR is a little cramped between seat and pegs, about 1" less than a ZX9R or VFR and 2" less than an FZ1.  I think the forward lean to the bars on the ZZR is perfect.  You'll probably miss the torque.  The engine just spins up (pretty quickly) and the bike goes faster.  There's no grunt down low like you'll get out of a big I4.  Wind protection is good, on par with a VFR or most other sport tourers.  The bike is wide at the gas tank/seat unlike the newer supersports or sporting twins.  Tank range is about 180 miles.  Gas mileage is about 48 mpg.  It's actually about 3.7 - 3.8 gallons to reserve.  Never run out of gas so I don't know if reserve is 0.8 gallons like Kawi claims or if the gas tank really holds 4.8 gallons like Kawi claims (i.e, a 1 gallon reserve).  It's hard to start in the cold.  It does not like to wake up in weather below 50 degrees or so.  Headlight is good, but not great.  Better than some bikes but inferior to the VFR.

[waycool]

Try posting over at http://www.zzrbikes.com

[2DFlyer]

On the street a ZX6R is no more or less capable than a Duc ST3. You really won't be able to push the limits of either bike on the street. I've cruised on 55 mph canyon roads at 60 mph never slowing down for any corners. I mean cruised -- the bike never worked hard at all. Depending on the rider, it may be more capable on the track -- all depends on if you can trade torque for weight (Duc has more low end torque and more weight). Let's all say it together, it's the rider, not the bike.
 
Garry on the 6R/10R thread describes the engine pretty well and what it feels like at various RPMs. The older 6R/ZZR will feel the same as the newer one but with about 10% less hp and 10% more weight. There is no reason to ever go above 10k rpms on the street (not saying you shouldn't, just that you don't need to), even in the canyons. On the track it feels like a pig anywhere much under 10k rpms.
 
2nd gear is good for almost 100 mph at redline. DeanzaZZR is spot on for speeds/rpms.
 
One nice thing about the ZZR (and I think the F4i) is that they have rubber covered footpegs to dampen vibration at the feet. These make a big difference. IMO there is very little buzziness on the bike.
 
Riding position is significantly different than the ZRX. Stock set up will be significantly harder to turn into corners but very stable once in the corner. Raise the forks or the rear end and you can significantly speed up turn in. I was able to dial in the ride to make it turn in with about the same effort as an FZ1. Raising the forks has no effect on stability -- still very stable -- at anything up to at least 100 mph.
 
OEM suspension can be dialed in nicely to handle the road but will IMO always be a little harsh, especially if you're comparing it to an ST3s with Ohlins. Still, you can pick a line and stay on it over gaps in the road or even small potholes. You'll just feel the potholes up your backside a bit more than I liked.
 
Let's see, ZRXs will have a LOT more storage space under the seat because of the twin shocks. The ZZR is a little cramped between seat and pegs, about 1" less than a ZX9R or VFR and 2" less than an FZ1. I think the forward lean to the bars on the ZZR is perfect. You'll probably miss the torque. The engine just spins up (pretty quickly) and the bike goes faster. There's no grunt down low like you'll get out of a big I4. Wind protection is good, on par with a VFR or most other sport tourers. The bike is wide at the gas tank/seat unlike the newer supersports or sporting twins. Tank range is about 180 miles. Gas mileage is about 48 mpg. It's actually about 3.7 - 3.8 gallons to reserve. Never run out of gas so I don't know if reserve is 0.8 gallons like Kawi claims or if the gas tank really holds 4.8 gallons like Kawi claims (i.e, a 1 gallon reserve). It's hard to start in the cold. It does not like to wake up in weather below 50 degrees or so. Headlight is good, but not great. Better than some bikes but inferior to the VFR.

Great bit of help.  Thank you.  I feel like I just put a hundred miles on one without ever throwing a leg over.  It looks like the ergos ought to be similar to the ZX9R.  Other than being too wide through the hips I like the way it sat.  Maybe I ought to hold out for a clean unabused '02/'03 9R for the 300cc worth of torque.

[deanzaZZR]

Great bit of help.  Thank you.  I feel like I just put a hundred miles on one without ever throwing a leg over.  It looks like the ergos ought to be similar to the ZX9R.  Other than being too wide through the hips I like the way it sat.  Maybe I ought to hold out for a clean unabused '02/'03 9R for the 300cc worth of torque.

I believe the 9R has a bit more leg room and about 40-50 lbs more heft.

On longer rides and sport-touring, the extra torque would be very welcome and they look cool too!

[MSL217]

I think you should go for the zx9 also that way you won't miss the torque. Also the zx9 is very comfortable for a sportbike. I don't think I could make the change from a liter bike to a 600. I switched bikes with Jay (Jammin) and rode his gsxr 600 for a while on our 06' National trip and stalled it a few times just pulling away from stops. You really have to rev those things, just taking off---I guess it doesn't help that I'm 245 pounds. They do handle great though, mid-corner adjustments are a breeze.

[Connierider]

We have a 06 ZZR and it dynoed at 100hp even,we've dynoed many 636's and the best was about 109(bone stock). And the ZX6J doesn't weight 10% more than the 6R/6RR just a few pounds difference.According to Motorcyclist the 636 does a 10.89 1/4 mile compared to the ZX6J @10.92, so not much difference.And the J model has one of the better mid range.I like the ZZR on the open road,but since installing the Corsa III's it rocks in the corners.jmho

[2DFlyer]

I think you should go for the zx9 also that way you won't miss the torque. Also the zx9 is very comfortable for a sportbike. I don't think I could make the change from a liter bike to a 600. I switched bikes with Jay (Jammin) and rode his gsxr 600 for a while on our 06' National trip and stalled it a few times just pulling away from stops. You really have to rev those things, just taking off---I guess it doesn't help that I'm 245 pounds. They do handle great though, mid-corner adjustments are a breeze.

are all about torque aren't they.  Five years ago I would have been looking for your crack pipe if you ever suggested I'd being looking at a 600.  Now the ZZR is whispering to me.  I'm gonna have to find a 600 something to ride before I decide cause I would miss the torque.   I always liked the 9R except it's bit wide through the knees.  Looking like the ZZR's big brother certainly helps.

[2DFlyer]

We have a 06 ZZR and it dynoed at 100hp even,we've dynoed many 636's and the best was about 109(bone stock). And the ZX6J doesn't weight 10% more than the 6R/6RR just a few pounds difference.According to Motorcyclist the 636 does a 10.89 1/4 mile compared to the ZX6J @10.92, so not much difference.And the J model has one of the better mid range.I like the ZZR on the open road,but since installing the Corsa III's it rocks in the corners.jmho

My biggest grins always come from on ramps - 5 to 75 in a couple of heart beats and then back off to posted plus 5.  I'm just gonna have to ride a 600 to see what kind of kick in the pants they deliver.  I may find that I need a liter bike or I may find that life at 10K+ RPM is okay on the street - so long as I only plan on using 3 gears  
 
45 years old I am.  Do you suppose I'll ever get over this and just pick up a nice Electrglide to retire on?

[MK96xj]

2DFlyer,
 
I am 37 and on my 06 ZZR. I love the thing. It will rip, just wind it up.
It is comforatble enough for long days. I bought it in NJ and rode it home to Asheville that Saturday ~750mls. I could still walk after getting off. I could have never done that on my ex-Harley.
It is currently my daily ride as i sold the truck shortly after getting it. I have had it since August and still wake up looking forward to getting on it.
 
When i was looking to buy i looked a the BMW K1200s a Busa and a Triumph Sprint ST. All much bigger bikes. (With about 28years of riding on many bikes) The K12S scared me. It is a nice bike but hughly powerful. The Busa was like riding a bull. The Sprint was very nice but the heat it generated was rediculous. It did not help that i test rode it in 104* heat in Kansas City. I would probably welcome the heat now riding in the high 20's and 30's. The Honda F4i is the closest equivalent but more money. For the price you can beat the ZZR. I hate saying that cause it makes it sound like a cheap bitch but its not. It was $4k less than the Sprint.
 
The ZZR has a nice fit and has plenty of get up. It also feels unlike the others, that i am riding it and not the other way around. If Kawi offered a set of hard bags for this bike i think it would be a sucessful idea.
 
The only mods/additions i have are a Held tankbag, and acc outlet for the RD and GPS, throttle lock for those long HWY days, a tail trunk (currently broken).
I do not plan on performance mods as it is quick enough as is. Even though it is in my nature to mod every viehicle i own, as i get older common sense has taken over and the cost to increase in performance do not calculate. (this is usually the case in most of the car applications as well) I would rather spend the money on gear.
 
Mike

[2DFlyer]

2DFlyer,
 
I am 37 and on my 06 ZZR. I love the thing. It will rip, just wind it up.
It is comforatble enough for long days. I bought it in NJ and rode it home to Asheville that Saturday ~750mls. I could still walk after getting off. I could have never done that on my ex-Harley.
It is currently my daily ride as i sold the truck shortly after getting it. I have had it since August and still wake up looking forward to getting on it.
 
When i was looking to buy i looked a the BMW K1200s a Busa and a Triumph Sprint ST. All much bigger bikes. (With about 28years of riding on many bikes) The K12S scared me. It is a nice bike but hughly powerful. The Busa was like riding a bull. The Sprint was very nice but the heat it generated was rediculous. It did not help that i test rode it in 104* heat in Kansas City. I would probably welcome the heat now riding in the high 20's and 30's. The Honda F4i is the closest equivalent but more money. For the price you can beat the ZZR. I hate saying that cause it makes it sound like a cheap bitch but its not. It was $4k less than the Sprint.
 
The ZZR has a nice fit and has plenty of get up. It also feels unlike the others, that i am riding it and not the other way around. If Kawi offered a set of hard bags for this bike i think it would be a sucessful idea.
 
The only mods/additions i have are a Held tankbag, and acc outlet for the RD and GPS, throttle lock for those long HWY days, a tail trunk (currently broken).
I do not plan on performance mods as it is quick enough as is. Even though it is in my nature to mod every viehicle i own, as i get older common sense has taken over and the cost to increase in performance do not calculate. (this is usually the case in most of the car applications as well) I would rather spend the money on gear.
 
Mike

  Thanks.  Useful impressions.  The bike is not cheap - just great value.  I like carbs, analog gauges, and no frills.  I'm stuck on the liter bike performance but I've got no desire to put 150+ hp under my butt.  Don't need it, don't want to be tempted by it.  The only thing bigger than a liter I'd consider is a B12, ZRX1200R, or maybe a XX but I keep on coming back to this ZZR.  I like the way the it sits and love the looks.  Just gotta sell what I have...

[pinkiewerewolf]

I researched both bikes for about a year. (the ZZR 600 & 1200) I ended up falling into a great deal on a 12, and I think it'll be great for long distance runs, but... I always think about the 600. In reality the 600 is a fun, reliable, lightweight, inexpensive, (it has been in production long enough to pay for the tooling years ago) do it all kind of streetbike.
I went from Harleys, to a Vulcan and the 12. I wouldn't mind a 600 in the stable, and it would probably get ridden more than the other two combined.