Kawasaki ZX-6R (2009-2012)

Bought it after arriving back in the UK 20 months ago after having a er6f in Australia.Set my heart on a 07 cbr 600,but stumbled on a zx6r 09 at millenium in warrington for the same price as a 07 cbr.After riding on boring Australian roads the ZX is a revelation still to find its limits.Good seating position for a sports,powerfull engine,brilliant brakes,the engine revs like a prostituite begging to be abused more,the brakes wipe off speed with no dive,the slipper clutch lets you knock it down gear like kicking a politician on the head repeatedly.Bad thing lost a bit of paint on the mirror stems,but did take it on the motorway with salt on the road one day,the paint hasnt got any worse though.In genneral a good fast bike which will be in front on a sunday thrash,never regretted not buying the cbr,as this one howls like a virgin on wedding night.

Bought a new 2010 model as a step up after 4 years with my first bike - an SV650S. Thought I was going to go for a more sensible upright position (ER6) but turns out I actually prefer a sportier riding position. I did have reservations about buying a 'proper sportsbike' for 250 miles a week commuting (half of it in London traffic). But my worries disappeared in the first few days. It's comfortable (max ride has been 1.5 hours so far), gives me better wind protection on the motorway, brakes are brilliant, and I've found I can actually manoeuvre at slow speeds better than on my old bike. (Seems that I've still got my feet firmly on the pegs filtering through stationary traffic when the scooter riders are dragging their feet along the ground.) Absolutely fine in the rain, my other worry that the throttle would be too ‘twitchy’ for commuting was completely wrong too. I can’t compare to other 4 cylinder supersport bikes as I haven’t ridden any, but to me the performance is brilliant. When I find that rare bit of open road it actually recaptures the buzz I felt when I first passed my test. The same goes for handling – I’m not saying I’m fast around the bends but I’m definitely leaning over further than I ever did on my SV and it feels rock solid and capable of a hell of a lot more than I am. My only negative is that the mirrors are not as good as my K2 SV650S, but I’ve yet to find any other bike with mirrors that are. This makes me more vigilant about life-savers anyway so not all bad. My recommendation – buy one!

I would say this is the best 600 I have ever had and probably the best around at the moment (2011). Fairly comfy allrounder takes a while to get used to. Engine sounds and goes like crazy. A mad machine.

Had mine a year now, and still love it. Can do it all, and is still pretty comfy. No faults at all.

Forgot to say that despite smaller turning circle than my er6 it's as docile and as practical for commuting.And then as bastard mad as you want the rest of the time. Will know how good the finish is after it's first winter!

Forgot to say that despite smaller turning circle than my er6 it's as docile and as practical for commuting.And then as bastard mad as you want the rest of the time. Will know how good the finish is after it's first winter!

This is my second bike after an er6n which i loved. It is the natural progression i wanted. I can only review this bike in isolation as haven't ridden any other sports 600s. I got the black. I like the angular look and back to back with the previous model it looks more modern. The induction roar(?) is addictive and so whatever bike i get next has to sound as good. The forks are as everyone raves. Pull hard on the brakes and very little dip which i like. Comfort and economy are not fantastic but that's what i expected and i didn't buy this bike for that. Acceleration is awesome. Exhaust is a bit fugly but i guess Kawa assumes most people will change the exhaust? Price was £6900 for this years plate ('10) and 0% finance - rude not to.

the bike rules at 600cc