Hmm, why do you like the 05 better? The 06 has a slipper clutch and fly by wire throttle. Are there any drawbacks to the sipper clutch? I do like the older headlights better

 

Nothing wrong with a slipper clutch at all...all sportbikes should have them. The fly by wire may be hit or miss I guess just like on cars. Some people say they are "distant" or feel artificial...not sure now that will pan out on a bike that is pretty sensitive to small throttle inputs as it is. There are some smoking deals on new bikes out there right now. I've been seeing ZX10's for $8999 out the door, ZX6's for $8699, CBR1000's for ~$10500 OTD, etc. It's a good time to buy a new bike that's for sure but it's mostly due to the fact that nearly all the major brands have all new bikes for 06 so they are trying to get rid of the old. Whatever you buy you probably won't be disappointed. Good luck with your decision.

 

Another pointless internet argument underway...

 

doesn't look like an argument to me...seems to have a valid point to me and some others!

I really don't like the 06 pipe and the fly by wire just isn't as raw as I'd like the experience. It's really not a big deal...either would be a ball to ride.

 

Not sure if you still want to ride the street, but if not, I'd highly recommend finding an ex-racebike instead. Any late-model SS600 will do fine, or even a GSXR750.

If you still want to ride street, also look into the Triumph Daytona 675 and Kawi ZX-6R...the extra midrange will make them much more usable on the street.

As to the suggestion of the RC51 for a track bike, that's a lousy suggestion. I had a totally tricked out SP2, and my near-stock R6 was much better on the track. The RC is too heavy in the tight stuff, though it does look and sound great.

 

I never had a totally tricked out SP2 dude but a WSB championship tells me it's a pretty good suggestion.

 

RC51 is a sweet bike, but not for me. It looks like going with 600 is probably good idea for the track, so I'll start looking. I guess I'll have to get used to shifting all the times, and reving up to 15,000. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll post pics when I pick one up.

 

It's not a lousy suggestion at all. It just depends on the size of the tracks he'll be on.

I think big V-twins are easy and fun on the track, teach great right wrist management without the frightening highside/lowside potential of an inline four literbike, have excellent balance and stability, and pull much harder off apexes than a 600 with much less shifting at inconvenient times, all despite their inherent weight difference.


A 600 will not light up the rear at the wrong time like a literbike will for a newbie, but 600's take a LOT of attention and skill to ride on a track at a fast pace, especially large tracks. Keep that in mind if you plan to be competitive.

For your decision, it makes a big difference if you'll be running at a smaller or larger track.

 

Exactly!
We're on the same page.

Good luck on your purchase Amit!!!

 

ummm, gsxr 1000? light like a 600, handles like a 600, with the power of a 1000. stock suspension is good enough for track days.
but personally after riding 1000s I won't go back to 600s. just my 2 cents