commuting with a 600?

[str8t six]

ive been considering getting a cbr 600 and was wondering how well these bikes are for commuting. ill be traveling around 65mph on backroads so really there is no traffic, but the drive will be about 30miles in the morning.

so what is your experience with this?

[choneofakind]

you'll be fine. You'll have fun. You'll just have to get good at holding your weight with your back, abs, and knees on the tank instead of your wrists

[alex.s]

you can commute on anything. even *gasp* your own feet. there are many many better choices for commuting though.

[str8t six]

i understand that, i was considering the 09 ninja 650 for a more upright position, but my heart is set on getting a white 07-09 cbr600rr and wanted to know if i should consider otherwise.

[gogoKawi]

It's fine. I commute on my ZX6r all the time.

[gitoy]

josh, i have a white/silver 07 cbr and a 250...i take the 250 on a 30 mile freeway commute one way...the reason i take the 250 is for economy...

but i also take the cbr and i have no problem with the riding position...if it was all backroads i would be taking it all the time and to hell with the mileage...i could go for hours on backroads because i am constantly shifting my body so there is no numb butt...and when you get there you feel so good...

30 backroad miles is a piece of cake...dew eet...

[saxnbass]

It's so hard to find those 07 white CBRs; at least it is down here.

[alex.s]

why do you want a cbr

[thurt88]

Do it, but I'd keep the 250 too. You will ride it more than you think, especially when your other is an SS.

[Liist]

600 on the back roads are so much fun, and I say buy it. If it was city commuting, then you're probably better off with the Ninjette.

[adouglas]

No experience here, but some thoughts since I've been thinking about what the next bike will be.

ergos: I've put rearset adjusters and clip-ons on my Ninjette and I like the ergos better than stock. The whole "upright seating position" is, to me, a red herring. I don't find it more comfortable… I find it LESS comfortable, but that's a thread in itself. Also, I use an Axio tank bag when I commute, and rest my chest on it fairly often on the highway. This helps on long rides.

real-world practicality: I'm of a certain age and basically have one more chance to really enjoy a nice bike before the ol' body gets too stiff and the reflexes get too slow. So I'm thinking of going for a SS, since I've never had one.

Therein lies the caveat. This is all a mental exercise and not based on real-world experience. But the logic is sound.

There's a good case to be made that for a road bike, torque matters more than raw horsepower. Torque is what gives you the kick in the pants when you need to point-and-shoot in traffic. Torque is what you FEEL. Horsepower is great, but seriously… even if you flog the posted speed limit, sanity and common sense should be keeping your velocity down to sub-warp speeds.

600s make their torque and horsepower up high in the rev range. Realistically, on the street you don't go there much. Sure, we've all got those "how fast will it go" highway blast stories. But HONESTLY, does that happen very much on the street? I think not. What you really need is a bike that'll get from 45 to 75 RIGHT NOW when you ask it to… and change direction and stop just as fast. That means a lot of torque and low weight.

Using this as a premise, a near-ideal commuter bike to my mind is the Suzuki SV650S. Gobs of torque, enough horsepower to keep anyone entertained on the street if they're honest with themselves, and not massively heavy. It's also got ergos not unlike a sportbike (clip-ons). Unfortunately, they're a) discontinued, b) good enough but not all that sophisticated in the suspension department and c) styled kind of conservatively (personal taste thing).

The Ninja 650R with alterations to make it more like a sportbike (bars, mostly, maybe rearsets also) is an option, but the new one is HEAVY. Really heavy.

This leads me to the bike I'm thinking of getting next time: a GSXR750. It makes a lot of torque and plenty of power in the rev range where we live on the street (quite comparable in the midrange to the SV650, actually), is almost as small and almost as light as the Ninjette, has great suspension and a lot of power available should I want it.

Hope this helps.

[adouglas]

Here are dyno charts for a 600, the SV650, and the GSXR750.

It's been said that a bike like the SV650 is a great all-around commuter/street bike for the reasons outlined above.

Don't pay attention to peak numbers or the year of the bike… this is just to illustrate the qualitative differences between a 600 and other bikes. Pay attention to what's happening where you spend most of your time… in the midrange. See how the 600 has to get up to 8K rpm before it breaks 40 ft-lbs of torque? The SV gets into that neighborhood way down around 4.5 to 5k. The 750 even sooner.

The chart scaling is different for these graphs, but if you look closely you'll see that the SV650 and the GSXR are in the same ballpark both torque and horsepower-wise in the rev ranges that are common in traffic. The 600 trails markedly. At 7000 rpm, the "commuter bike" SV650 makes more horsepower and more torque than the CBR. Once above 8K, of course, all bets are off. But we're talking about commuting, not the track.

[str8t six]

Originally Posted by gitoy

josh, i have a white/silver 07 cbr and a 250...i take the 250 on a 30 mile freeway commute one way...the reason i take the 250 is for economy...

but i also take the cbr and i have no problem with the riding position...if it was all backroads i would be taking it all the time and to hell with the mileage...i could go for hours on backroads because i am constantly shifting my body so there is no numb butt...and when you get there you feel so good...

30 backroad miles is a piece of cake...dew eet...

speaking of economy, what do you get with the CBR?

Originally Posted by saxnbass

It's so hard to find those 07 white CBRs; at least it is down here.

yeah they are pretty rare, there are only a couple up here for sale

Originally Posted by alex.s

why do you want a cbr

ive just always wanted one, i got the 250 just to see if i liked motorcycle riding and riding 30 mins with it pegging around 10K isnt very fun at 6am in the morning when i travel to work. plus i just love the sound of an I4

Originally Posted by thurt88

Do it, but I'd keep the 250 too. You will ride it more than you think, especially when your other is an SS.

i would, but i dont have the room for it.


a.douglas, i know a SV or ninja would probably be best, but 90% of my drive is at 60mph or higher.

[cbdallas]

I very nearly bought the bike below ('08 SV650S) before deciding on my 650R. I loved the way it looked, drooled over the way it sounded (throaty, rumbling exhaust courtesy of Two Brothers) and really enjoyed all the low-end torque. I just wasn't comfortable on it due to my back issues. But for someone who enjoys this riding position (very reminiscent of a ZX6-R, in my opinion), this would be a fantastic commuter bike. No need to rev it much, as the power comes on really early - a characteristic of the perfect commuter & city bike. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a CBR / ZX6-R either....you can just ride it like the guys around here ride theirs.....riding at street speeds in the lower gears so they're always spinning 10,000 rpms. Speaking for myself, I prefer a bike that has the good looks of a sport bike, but doesn't require being kept boiling to make power for point & shoot riding. So...if you like this riding position, see if you can find a good used one of these and at least give it a test spin. Nothing wrong with having options!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by str8t six

a.douglas, i know a SV or ninja would probably be best, but 90% of my drive is at 60mph or higher.

Most of my commute is at 60 or higher too. I ride my ninjette hard and she likes it.

Think about it. Our weeny little bikes can crank along at 70+ all day long. I rode from Connecticut to Indianapolis for the USGP a couple of years ago and the 250 didn't break a sweat. It revved really high, sure, but it's built for that.

Maintaining 60-70 mph cruising speeds does not require a lot of horsepower.

Check those dyno charts… the SV650 makes MORE torque and MORE horsepower than a 600 at real-world midrange revs, where it matters. In other words… if you get stuck behind the mommy bus at 40 mph one day and need to pass, an SV650 will probably beat the 600 to the punch (more torque more horsepower there). The 600 would continue to accelerate strongly, of course, and leave the SV in the dust but that's not the point. You needed to pass a minivan, not reach 120 mph on a straight.

You did say you don't want to ride around at high rpm all day. A 600 has to be revved high to make a lot of power. That's the nature of the beast.

However, if the CBR600 is what you're after, then yeah, you can commute on it. Just providing a different perspective.

[Broc]

I may be a little bias but......I chose this bike because it will do everything you stated above.....except get good gas mileage lol

Torque for days yet it does not stop slowing down the faster you go. Bring it on Mr. 600 SS

Seriously though it is very comfortable, handles awesome, cheap insurance, cheaper than a new 600 SS, & has all the power you will ever want. It does need a windshield though! The wind blasts do keep me from speeding.

Maybe you should look in this category of bikes? FZ1, Z1000, CB1000R, etc.....

[thisisbenji]

It'll be much more comfortable than commuting on one of these bad boys.


Crux by Benji Reynolds, on Flickr

[cbdallas]

Max torque @ 480 rpms.

[str8t six]

i hear ya on the 650 but they just dont look near as good. maybe its the undertail exhaust that gets me!

naked bikes are not for me, i like the looks of some street fighters, but i would not own one.

and there is no way im riding a bycle to work

[thisisbenji]

Due to the fact that I broke my ninjette last night I'm going to be riding my bicycle to work today. Bummer.

[Xoulrath]

Originally Posted by gogoKawi

It's fine. I commute on my ZX6r all the time.

As did I and I never had any issues with doing so. Most of my 30 mile commute to school was typical four-lane divided highways and I still managed to enjoy my rides to class. You are going to be doing backroads? The SS (or even an SM) is a no-brainer commuter choice.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Most of my commute is at 60 or higher too.

<hijack>
$#*()@&%@!!!!

I got a speeding ticket on my way to work this morning. Was in my cage, though.

</hijack>

[gt_turbo]

Originally Posted by str8t six

i understand that, i was considering the 09 ninja 650 for a more upright position, but my heart is set on getting a white 07-09 cbr600rr and wanted to know if i should consider otherwise.

do it! i've ridden an 08 CBR600 and to me it feels pretty damn good ergonomics wise and ofcourse power wise.

[Kevin2109]

I commute on my 636 daily, over 8000 miles on it at this point in 5 months. Sure It kinda hurts your back but you get used to it honestly, shes my ride or die bitch

Originally Posted by adouglas

<hijack>
$#*()@&%@!!!!

I got a speeding ticket on my way to work this morning. Was in my cage, though.

</hijack>

Cool Story Bro

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by str8t six

ive just always wanted one, i got the 250 just to see if i liked motorcycle riding and riding 30 mins with it pegging around 10K isnt very fun at 6am in the morning when i travel to work. plus i just love the sound of an I4

so... you don't know why you want a cbr? i think WOT on the ninja is fun. maybe you're doing it wrong?

[Reswob]

Depends. To me, the riding position of the 250 is one of the worst qualities. Either fully upright like a standard, or fully leaned over like a SS would be fine, but the 250's halfway-in-between position is very uncomfortable to me long distance.

(of course you're only talking 30 miles. in such a short distance it really doesn't make any difference)

[str8t six]

I think WOT is fun on the ninja too, I do it on almost every shift!!

[blink]

funner commuting on my gixxer, can just kick up speed very quickly since there are no places to do 100+, so just use acceleration for some fun

[Alex]

Originally Posted by adouglas

<hijack>
$#*()@&%@!!!!

I got a speeding ticket on my way to work this morning. Was in my cage, though.

</hijack>

You hooligan!

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by str8t six

a.douglas, i know a SV or ninja would probably be best, but 90% of my drive is at 60mph or higher.

Ah see thats a big problem then. The 250 can only go 100mph and the 650 can only go 130mph

Originally Posted by str8t six

i hear ya on the 650 but they just dont look near as good. maybe its the undertail exhaust that gets me!

Then get this

[str8t six]

lol somedays ill need to go 160mph incase im late for work



not srs

[Jiggles]

If you want to get a 600, or a 1000 or whatever, then get it. But don't throw out bullshit reasons like "I want to go faster than 60mph" in order to justify it. You want a leaned over posture, great, you love the sound of an i4, awesome, a 650 won't be fast enough, wrong. A 650 is capable of more than you will ever be able to handle on the street

[wardie]

If you like the CBR600 but not always the aggressive riding position switch the bars out to Heli Bars. I did this on my Busa and it made a world of difference on distance runs. I managed about 17,000 miles in a year traveling on the Busa and the Heli Bars made the difference.

I tested a 2012 650 Ninja at Daytona and really ,really loved the bike. Good ergos, good styling and handling and the acceleration and top end was very good for a twin! I believe this bike could be a do all..track bike, street bike, corner carver and medium distance tourer but with some mods like seat, shield and throttlemeister could be a distance bike too. Just sayin' Wardie

[Countersteer]

I just completed a year and a half of commuting 250 miles a week on a 2006 GSXR600. I loved it! I just sold it and bought a 2008 lime green 250R. I am now in the process of modifying it to closely emulate a supersport riding position. The bottom line though is to go with what works for you.

[Zombiphone]

Wow.

I don't really understand what this thread is supposed to be. You were obviously completely set on the bike you wanted coming in and had no honest interest in even considering anything else, so... what? You just want everyone to justify your decision for you with a big thumbs up and a "good choice, champ!"? Obviously it's possible to commute on a supersport. Obviously you're aware that there are a number of much better choices for a commuter bike for a number of reasons already detailed in this thread. But as all of your replies have just been "Yeah, but I want a 600rr," you also obviously had no interest or intention or getting anything else as your next bike, so why even ask? If you want one, get one. You don't need our permission.

Also, LOL at the 650 and over 60mph comment. It's so ironic when people on this forum of all places ask about getting a bigger bike then start trying to make up reasons why nothing but a supersport will be adequate

[Xoulrath]

Originally Posted by Zombiphone

Also, LOL at the 650 and over 60mph comment. It's so ironic when people on this forum of all places ask about getting a bigger bike then start trying to make up reasons why nothing but a supersport will be adequate

But if he doesn't get a 600, then he can't hit 100 mph in 10 seconds. Because obviously that is extemely important in a commuting situation.

[backinthesaddleagain]

round trip commute for me is 40 miles of backroads, lots of fun on the cbr. nice midrange pull. i also hear everyone who has an sv650 loves it.

[str8t six]

i didnt think people were going to whine and complain for asking a dang question.

[GreenNinja]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

If you want to get a 600, or a 1000 or whatever, then get it. But don't throw out bullshit reasons like "I want to go faster than 60mph" in order to justify it. You want a leaned over posture, great, you love the sound of an i4, awesome, a 650 won't be fast enough, wrong. A 650 is capable of more than you will ever be able to handle on the street

Your "bullshit reasons" had me laughing pretty hard. You hit the nail on the head though. I've traveled at 85 mph on the 250 before and I don't recall hitting 10k rpm. I THINK I was only at 9200 or so. I also had my front sprocket changed to 15T.

[menikmati]

I think Tiff and Sean pretty much summed up this entire thread.