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Hi all.
thought that I’d update everyone on how I got on today… for those who arent aware, I’ve sold my trusty aged ninja to help finance my desire of a new toy!!!.. and typically the weather has improved.
Well this morning I had an appointment to test ride a demo CBR600RR(05) machine (piccy below).
OK.. so how did I find it???
Engine: – The power winds up very progressively from 5krpm all the way through a growl like a tiger about 9k to a scream that’ll thrill at 13k. The power is a little misleading as you dont realise what the engine is pulling, probably due to the increse being so gradual. If you’re expecting a kick to the kidneys you’ll be dissapointed, but if you want gradual and smooth then its a joy.
Breaks: – WOWWWWW….. talk about sharp! Two finger breaking and you’re lifting the rear wheel!
Suspension: – I found the setup to be too firm for me. There’s plenty of adjustment so with time and alot of tinkering I suppose this can be resolved. I did find it a bit skittish when pushing it round fast corners, but then I’m not 15 stone (hardly!), but plenty of grip and pretty sturdy on roundabouts.. which is handy in Peterborough!
Riding position: – this I found the most alien. When I first sat on the bike I really didnt feel part of the machine. Compared to my old ninja it felt like I was plonked on the top and about to topple off, but once rolling that feeling soon dissapeared. The first ten minutes I spent trying to get comfortable. Either too much weight on my wrists or my lower back ached.. eventually found a compromise.
Clutch lever needs a position adjuster.. my hand was having to stretch too much.Overall impression: – Stirdy, solid machine that you’d expect from Honda. Good engine with plenty of OOMPH.. but no thrill. Ideal for a weekend warrior that’ll maybe do 100 miles a month (tops), but for me, I found that it didnt light my blue touch paper. I think it’ll be the new ZX636R instead. Thanks Honda for the trial.
Route: – Heading South/West out of Peterborough on the A605 to Oundle. A427 from Oundle to Corby, then A43 to Stamford. B1443 past Burghley House, through Helpston joining the A15 north of Peterborough and back into the city. Total 55 miles, mix of fast A roads, windy A & B roads, short spell dual carriage, some speed controlled villages and open countryside.
Excellent mate. Your “Oomph but no thrill” analogy sums it up pretty well as a few friends have said this. I’d also be interested to hear how the 636 compares.
Nice one,pity you didnt take it on a track then it all comes together,the bike is a little missile and the hard set-up is due to it being an out and out race thorough bred.They do look nice though.
Well, I’ll give you all a brief on the 636 in a fortnight as I take delivery of my new baby on the 5th. Deposit is paid and I’m bubbling. Shame I’m out of the country all next week (typical), so whats the betting that the weather will turn and winter hits on or abouts the 3rd Oct????
Pics will be provided of my new baby as soon as poss.
quote:
Originally posted by GSF K1Well, I’ll give you all a brief on the 636 in a fortnight as I take delivery of my new baby on the 5th. Deposit is paid and I’m bubbling. Shame I’m out of the country all next week (typical), so whats the betting that the weather will turn and winter hits on or abouts the 3rd Oct????
Pics will be provided of my new baby as soon as poss.
Blimey looks like you are a real Kwack man now. Good machine the 636, look forward to hearing how you get on with it. Did you get it from DK??
I did indeed buy from DK. Pretty good service on the sales side (as it should be.. they want MY money afterall).
Funnily enough, I wanted a black 636, and no-where in the SE of England has any.. only green. In DK he has about 30 in black and titanium.. turns out he’s not been advertising those colours on his web-site or in MCN.. lets see if he changes that as I told him he’ll soon get shot of them if he did!
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