Some of you out there are probably wondering why this is the bike that I want. There are other bikes out there that are faster. But, in my opinion, no other bikes offer performance, comfort, and looks at the same time (Okay, maybe the Honda CBR600 F4). Chances are, with my low body weight, the ZX-6 will match some 750 cc bikes' acceleration times. And that's still leaving everything stock -- no jet kits, carb swaps, nor performance exhaust systems.
My cousin graciously let me borrow his '92 Yamaha FZR600 a couple of times. It was really light for a sportbike, but anyone over 5'6" will have to take a break every 2 hours or so because of the back strain -- the handle bars are so low, it forces the rider to crouch forward. Touring (if you can apply it to the FZR) 500 miles a day on California's Highway 1 will undoubtedly be more fun with a more neutral seating position -- unless, of course, you're a hard-core canyon carver. The ZX-6 will probably be as comfortable as any sport bike will ever get. A quick ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles would be no sweat -- not taking into account all of the bugs that'll splatter on your bike and helmet! People complain about the ZX-6 being a bit heavy. But, that's the trade-off for stability when you're leaned over with the foot pegs scratching away at the ground...
The ZX-6R, the ZX-6's more racier brother, is around 30 lbs. lighter. You can probably start racing it right when you roll it off of the showroom floor with little modifications. But, the 600 cc motor in the ZX-6R is tuned for more power at high rpm's and loses some of its low-end torque -- a feature that most commuters will miss. So, I say why not trim some fat off of the ZX-6?.. Get a high-performance light-weight 4-2-1 exhaust system from Vance & Hines, Yoshimura, or Muzzy; add something like a Stage 1 or 2 jet kit (don't wanna lose the motor's tractability); upgrade the front and rear shocks; and fit some magnesium racing wheels on it. Ta-da!.. You've got the ZX-6R's light weight AND the ZX-6's low-end torque for commuting. And don't forget!.. Manufacturers are doing wonderful things with titanium and carbon fiber these days!
Now, if only someone out there would part with their '92 or up ZX-6 for a really low price... If you're out there, let me know! I'm still waiting to see how people rate the new Honda CBR600 F4...
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