Just got the 600Fi, terrific bike. I've been riding, off and on, since '74..enduros, 500 and 750 street bikes from the early 80's. Bought a '95 ninja ex500 early this year to try out the sport bike thing, really liked that little guy, thus the upgrade to the 600fi..the real difference, beyond the...
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Just got the 600Fi, terrific bike. I've been riding, off and on, since '74..enduros, 500 and 750 street bikes from the early 80's. Bought a '95 ninja ex500 early this year to try out the sport bike thing, really liked that little guy, thus the upgrade to the 600fi..the real difference, beyond the obvious power difference, is the handling of the 600. The tight turning radius and the way you can really feel the handlebars turn in corners is very, very different from the bikes with the longer (?) wheelbase, or rake, or angle of forks, or whatever the technical term is. you're insane if you buy a 600 sport for your first bike! These are real life racing machines...you are just an inexperienced throttle twist, or panic squeeze on the front brake lever from going down, and going down hard! You will fight the tight steering and you will likely sit too upright. It's unnatural to stick your face right behing the little windshield when you first start riding. Yet, this is a review, ain't it? I adore this bike. I'm stunned by the advances in motorcycles, particularly sport bikes. My new (to me) 2002 600fi reminds me of skiing. I was zipping down the highway last night and it felt like I was riding a dart or an arrow. I was laying on the tank, my knees in the little concaves on the side of the tank, the balls of my feet on the pegs and I could steer the damn thing just by pressing down with my big toe!! Unreal. I have no idea how to set the gizmos for the suspension, or what optimum tire pressure is yet, should be fun to tinker to my style. I fight the stupid thing a little too much on tight city corners, it just does not lean the same way as the ninja, but when I have nailed a few good corners, it was quite thrilling. I have GOT to get a pair of riding pants, there's no doubt I'll dump this thing!
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