what to buy, ZX7r or ZX6r?

[Chingrish]

Hi y'all, i've just signed up to the forum and i'm planning to purchase a bike around june/july, right now im just trying to get an idea of which one i should get. I've narrowed it down to either a zx7r or a 05/06 zx6r. I know theres a huge price difference between the two but i will be getting finance if need be. I'm also half considering the 04/05 zx10r but the insurance costs might just put me off enough. So i just wanted to know the traits, advantages and disadvantages of each bike such as common faults, handling setup, engine, fuel economy, comfort, and the rest.

Just a bit of background, i've done 2 and a half years on a zx2r and 2 and a half years on an R6 and then 2 months on an R1 before it was stolen last year, so by the time i start riding again it'll be a year and a half since i last rode a bike. i'd prefer something light but im not too picky. The bike will be commuted whenever the sun shines and weekly old road'd, then throw in a couple of trackdays every six months. Also i'd want to be keeping the bike for a couple of years.

Since you guys are the kwaka experts , what do you all recommend? i'd appreciate any feed back.
Thanks

[mfzx6r]

"i'd prefer something light "

then get the zx6r the 7 is very heavy great bike but heavy by todays standards

[shadowzx9]

Nothing wrong with a ZX7R, excellent machines hamstrung by the fact theyre a bit on the chubby side

Still got one of the Best front ends ever put on a bike though, and brakes that can easily detach your retinas under hard braking

I find 6's to be a bit flighty, and 10's are not for the novice, in spite of all the 10/12 rivalry youll find on here, all of us are plainly aware that both can out accelerate a hamster on speed and can turn inside a virgin quail in the right hands, and kill you as soon as look at you the instant you disrespect either of em.

[Lone Wolf]

ZX7R's are an awesome, confidence-inspiring bike. Brilliant over bumpy surfaces, due to the stable front end. Very heavy for a sportsbike (especially a 750) and not overly powerful, but in the right hands they are an excellent performer.

[redzedx7r]

I agree with what has been said earlier 7's are confidence inspiring and great fun but if you're looking for a commuter what about a late model zx9r. They are a real world superbike for mortals, comfortable, powerful, a little lighter than the 7 but with about 20hp more and handle very nicely. Certainly more easy to ride than an R1 and more comfy than a R6.

[mrmina]

the 7r is a great bike

[Aussie Ninja]

Depends on your buying criteria, but if it's maximum performance then it'd have to be the ten.

[diesel]

plenty of ppl have said the front end on an 05 636 rivals that on the 7s. i reckon it'd be hard to go past an 05/06 636.

[Lone Wolf]

plenty of ppl have said the front end on an 05 636 rivals that on the 7s.

I'd disagree with that. They're a hell of a lot flightier

i reckon it'd be hard to go past an 05/06 636.

But I'd agree with that. They're an excellent bike and well rated

[Chingrish]

"i'd prefer something light "

then get the zx6r the 7 is very heavy great bike but heavy by todays standards

when you say heavy, are we talking "damn-i-wish-i-had-more-breakfast" heavy or just noticeable?

but if you're looking for a commuter what about a late model zx9r. They are a real world superbike for mortals, comfortable, powerful, a little lighter than the 7 but with about 20hp more and handle very nicely. Certainly more easy to ride than an R1 and more comfy than a R6.

personally i've never found the R1 hard to ride..? So the 9 is actually lighter than the 7??? i've thought about the zx9 but somehow the image of a fat touring bike never escapes my mind, i think i'll have to test ride one to get a feel.

I'd disagree with that. They're a hell of a lot flightier

i'd doubt its flightier than a 99 R6

hmmm even more undecided now with 9r thrown in...

thanks for the reply guys

[Wardy]

Buy a 9, you won't get a better all rounder. You'll enjoy zipping past all the bling gixxers and R1's on the track also!

Check the for sale section here.

[Phil]

i've thought about the zx9 but somehow the image of a fat touring bike never escapes my mind,

i tend to think of it more as the "thinking mans superbike". just ask marty (strika), he purchased one with plans to "fighter" it.

iafter riding it for a bit he's leaving it as it is cause it does everything

its certainly not heavy, about 12 kg's lighter on claimed dry weight than the 7. my 98 model with over 100K k's (106K at the time) still pumped out 131 hp on a dyno dynamics dyno - they read a bit lower than a dynojet dyno. still on the original clutch as well.

[Lone Wolf]

"i'd prefer something light "

then get the zx6r the 7 is very heavy great bike but heavy by todays standards

when you say heavy, are we talking "damn-i-wish-i-had-more-breakfast" heavy or just noticeable?

Standard dry weight for a ZX7R is 203kg. 9's are about 186-ish.

I'd disagree with that. They're a hell of a lot flightier

i'd doubt its flightier than a 99 R6

No, but they are a lot more so than a 7R

[javaman]

Sorry to ask, but what does 'fligthtier' means ? Is that when the bike won't turn quck enough ?

My 2000 zx6r turns allright (but I've never compared with any other bikes)

[matt76]

I'd go the 6.