Hello guys!
Currently, I am riding a Kawasaki Ninja 650 that is limited to 35kW. That limit will be lifted in a few weeks due to my age (23 almost 24). I am thinking of upgrading to a ZX6R 2024 or a BMW S1000RR 2020-2024. I am not entirely unfamiliar with higher-powered motorcycles, although I haven’t ridden a supersport before. I have ridden a bit on an MT-09, a Street Triple, and a Triumph Rocket 3. just swapping bikes for a bit with friends.
I will be using the bike for daily commuting and, once or twice a year, a longer road trip. My main focus is more on having fun than being comfortable.
Which of these two would you recommend? Do you guys have any other suggestions? I like the S1000RR more than the ZX6R, but I’m not sure if the powerband of a supersport is so different that it would be unwise to choose the S1000RR over the ZX6R.
I don’t think a 1000 is any more a right hand risk than a 600.
I’ve had both, and the 600 will accelerate as much as a 1000, it just won’t have the top speed.
The 1000 is much more challenging to ride safely in my experience, not because of power, but because of its weight and (usually) a higher center of mass - so they typically take more effort to maneuver/maneuver well.
Though a lot depends on the type of bike, largely the rake angle which really influences the effort required to steer, and it also affects low speed stability.
For me, going to a 1000 was about long ride comfort and 2-up riding. Two up on a 600, even the more cruiser-like bikes, just isn’t as comfortable. There’s less room, pillion footpegs are more cramped, etc. But the price paid is the effort to ride it.
It really depends on the bike. If I were OP, I’d look for the features I want and not worry about engine size so much. If it happens that what I want comes with a 1000, so be it. Just take the time to learn to ride that bike well.
Decades ago I found the top speed of my small bike (I forget, maybe a 450?). It would’ve killed me just as fast as taking my 1000 to the same speed (which I simply don’t do).