Hi, I have been riding a Ninja 250 for about a month and just passed 5000 miles. My longest 1 day trip was 800 miles halfway down through California. These trips involve using boring freeways to go from county to county hitting the twisties. I recently rode a co-worker's F4i (his first bike) around his neighborhood (only went to 80 on a desolate straight and no major twisties, playing it conservatively) and found it to be nothing like I expected - I was expecting "accidental hamfist wheelies" and whatnot; I followed the popular "don't start on a 600 sportbike" advice (still good advice, imo, although now I'm wondering if I would have been better off with the F4i off the bat, or if the 250 time is just paying off.) The tank structure on the F4i was a bit weird on the knees, also being a heavier bike than I'm used to it doesn't 'flick' as easily.
Anyway, it felt like when I switched from my 16-year-old Toyota wagon to a modern sport sedan in terms of stability and that sense of 'solid feel' and smooth power.
Now I am thinking about getting a used recent-model 600RR. From what I've researched, the main differences are a few HP (single digit?), seat comfort and body posture in favor of the F4i, insurance, and aesthetics. I prefer the look of the 600RR - when I see it, it makes me excited to ride even more. Is there anything else seriously different between the two that I should be aware of, in terms of powerband, handling, and predictability?
What's the longest ride you've done on your 600RR? Am I switching too soon to the 600 class?
Anyway, it felt like when I switched from my 16-year-old Toyota wagon to a modern sport sedan in terms of stability and that sense of 'solid feel' and smooth power.
Now I am thinking about getting a used recent-model 600RR. From what I've researched, the main differences are a few HP (single digit?), seat comfort and body posture in favor of the F4i, insurance, and aesthetics. I prefer the look of the 600RR - when I see it, it makes me excited to ride even more. Is there anything else seriously different between the two that I should be aware of, in terms of powerband, handling, and predictability?
What's the longest ride you've done on your 600RR? Am I switching too soon to the 600 class?