2007 GSX R600 Yes or No?

Sagerider · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 05:47 AM

I got a chance to pick up a 2007 GSX R600 for use as a track bike.
I have a 2002 R1 I will be trading for it, I am not real pleased with the R1.
I want a bike I can have fun with not one that is waiting for a moment to spit me off. I have a 2007 Ducati 1098 that I track and I love it.
I am thinking about the 600 as being, let's say, more user friendly? Less expensive to operate. lots of spare parts available etc.
The R1 is one hell of a bike but I do not enjoy riding it.
Would the GSX R600 be a fun bike or is it just another widow maker?

firstcherokeekid · #2 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 01:21 PM

I think you would enjoy it quite a bit. I love my gsxr750 almost as much as I love the RC. So much easier to ride and a hell of a light lighter as well.

socal · #3 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 04:03 PM

Great choice for all the reasons you stated. It is comfortable, affordable and pretty easy to maintain. Parts are always available. The GSX-R600 is easier to ride than a 1K. It is much more forgiving when getting aggressive with the throttle. The downside, of course, is that the bike has little low end torque so the rider must maintain higher RPMs Gear selection is esp important for this reason. Best of luck

duc1036 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 01:34 AM

I am running a 2006 GSXR 750 track bike after riding Ducatis for many years. The GSXR is far and away a better bike on every level. Handling, power, maintenance, costs, everything. Go for the GSXR there is plenty of racer support and a great knowledge base also since so many people and teams run them.

nero · #5 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 02:23 AM

It's everything the other guys said, but i'd think strongly about the 750 instead of the 600. Less need to downshift and far more flikable than my 1000. I should know, I own both. The 750 might just be the perfect all-around sportbike. Love that crazy power of my 1000 too.

Sagerider · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 06:05 AM

The bike I am thinking about belongs to a friend of mine that owns a bike repair shop. This bike was his personal track bike but he just does not have the time for it any more. He has it set up pretty well as far as I can tell. He claims it is putting out 106 HP on his dyno at the shop which is about the same as my 1995 916 I sold to a freind of mine last summer.
Of course the 600 will not have the torque that the 916 has on the bottom.

Staying in the sweet spot should not be too much trouble as I have a natural tendancy to be there with the R1 for what ever reason but I just don't have that delicate touch needed to handle it very well I guess.
I have had the rear step out on me quite often at exits and one of these days it is going to get away from me. I have had an issue with corner entry speed and then trying to make up for it by getting gready with the throttle coming out which is a huge mistake. After working on this issue for the past two years I think I have a much better handle on corner entry speed now. Four sessions with Keith Code's SuperBike School helped a great deal with getting this under control. I think I have three up on the rear which does not help much ether. I could put the rear back to stock and give it another go but I am just looking for something lighter and easier to toss around too.

Funny thing though is that I can ride my 1098 and get the rear loose and it never bothers me, I feel like I am in control and comfortable. The power delivery is so different with the 1098. There are tire differences too, on and on. It has been a long time since I rode the R1 but I remember after getting my first 999 the Yamaha was put on the back shelf. Every time I would take the R1 out five minutes later I was wishing I was on the 999.
I have heard more than a few riders say that the 600 and 750s are way more fun to ride at the track than the liter bikes.
I have tried to sell the R1 as is without any luck because it is track only now and it is just taking up space in my shop. I took it down to my friends shop today with all of the stock bodywork, lights etc. so he can put it all back together to sell it. I will take the proceeds and buy his 2007 GSX R600 or so the plan is laid out at this point.
Thanks Guys!

MVRC51 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 11:55 PM

I say go for it! I just picked up a '07 last Saturday and have ridden it only 350 miles but it's going to make a great track bike.

rc51eviltwin · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 09:20 PM

the gsxr600 will prolly run with if not away from the R1.
there is a ton spares all over te net for that bike and there is more every day.
even for me at 240# the 600 is still a blast at Texas' tight technical tracks.
of geometry is always key.........
i would trade it in a heart beat