Honda CBR600rr or Kawasaki 636

[saxnbass]

Yes, another one of these threads.

So the bike I had is probably going to get totalled by my insurance, meaning I will be in the market for a new bike. yay

The two I really have my eye on are the Honda CBR600rr (2007+) and the Kawasaki ZX6r 636 (2005-2006). If I could find a Daytona 675 for a similar price around here, I'd consider it too, but they are 1) hard to find and 2) more expensive when you can find one.

So, I've sat on both before and they both felt just fine and comfortable for me to sit on. I haven't ridden either one before though.



636 in either green or blue: I like the green just a smidge more than blue, but it's so hard to find matching gear in green; there's plenty of blue gear around.






My preference of CBR is the 07 White one, they're hard to find but I have located about 3 in the state:


I'd do a lot for a Leyla, but there is only one for sale in the state and the guy wants $10,000 for it; ridiculous




Obviously the CBR would be newer by a few years no matter what, since I'd only want the 07+ model, and the Kawi I'm looking at the 05/06. This shouldn't make much of a difference though right? Since they're both reliable and good motors and bikes.

Lastly, how much does it cost, on average, to have a sportbike repainted? Say if I find a slamming deal on a good 08 CBR in red, and want to repaint it a Leyla inspired scheme.

[rexmitchell]

For 10k you can buy a brand new CBR 600. I got my r1 brand new for just a little more than that. Have you looked at the newer models if you are trying to spend that much?

[saxnbass]

I'm not looking to spend 10K, like I said, that guy wants a ridiculous amount for his Leyla edition. Most of them are in the $7k range.

[rexmitchell]

I guess it comes down to what you want. Painting isn't always that cheap, you might be able to find an entire set of new fairings for cheaper depending on the gas tank and if it has a cover.

[sirgilbert357]

I'd go with the 636 all day long. Way more desirable engine. Better midrange and I also personally just like the looks better. If you're spending 7k on a 636 though, you are spending way too much, unless its literally showroom new with less than 1k miles. Thats the only way I'd give 7k for an 05/06 636...

[fastfossil]

Really these are two GREAT bikes...a lot of personal opinion comes into play here...I'd pick the Honda. I find it a bit more nimble and easier to live with for a "commuter". Just more civilized....again, if you like less civilized, then it might not be your flavor...

[saxnbass]

Well, I made my choice and love it.


I'll give you a hint on what I went with:

[Wild Bill]

I didnt see the option for an R6 on your poll. Nice looking bike tho

[saxnbass]

I'm confused about your R6 comment...

[Wild Bill]

Oh I just have an R6 so I think the bike is better then a cbr and you should have picked that. But Im just fooling around.

[zmago]

The Honda is a beautiful bike, but be careful on it (Jeez, I'm starting to sound like my mother!)

[Biker Dash]

I think I would have chosen the Kawasaki, only because I already own a Honda and a Yamaha.
Now, if you had included the VTR-1000, there would be NO question what I would have picked.
Have fun with the new CBR, and keep the knee scraping (at the track... on the street, be more sensable lol)

[Intensifinity]

Glad you went with the 600rr. It is one of the most comfortable and smoothest rides when it comes to a sports bike in my opinion. That is a gorgeous bike! Enjoy riding it!

[please HELP]

Great looking bike! I'm sure you would have been satisfied with either one but I would have made the same decision.

[//Hannibal//]

Both Honda CBR600rr or Kawasaki 636 are excellent choices. (They are a Steal) When it comes to excellent choices though you cannot go wrong with Overkills Wolf Pack that comes out on the 7th of August (Also a steal).

[ChipperJones]

Go honda!

[Ruberg03]

Cbr 600rr all the way!!! Love it!! Worth the money!!!

[saxnbass]

Just going to point out that I've had my bike for over a year now... :P

[legitek]

I would go with the CBR, no doubt

[saxnbass]

[jrswanson1]

Originally Posted by saxnbass

Just going to point out that I've had my bike for over a year now... :P

So how is it? Any regrets? Just curious.

[saxnbass]

No regrets at all. The more I test ride other bikes (friends, bike week, demo trucks rolling through town, etc.) the more I love my bike and the happier I am with my decision. The biggest thing I love about my bike that I can't find in any similar bike is the low and midrange power; I love the way my power band is.