[gpx_gal]

Read as would be presented by a smarmy american voice over guy with balls the size of basketballs that requires a 20 inch subwoofer to accurately reproduce his voice.

From her humbel beginings on a Kawasaki GPX-250, too the monumental undertaking of taming a ....... Well I guess you will just have to read on to find out about that one!!

These are the cronicals of our capped, umm no make that helmeted, leather clad cruisader and her adventures in to the world of big bore sports bikes. Follow our helmeted cruisader through her mission to find motorcycle dealers game enough to grant the test rides needed, as we are guided through the heart pounding, but puckering, addrenaline filled ride that is. gpx_gal's Big Bore Hunt. Inspired by arch nemisis xOOm, our hero takes to the streats of Perth to reak havok on the cages, evade volvo's and taxis. And make her mark on todays society. This is the mission of Geeee Peeee Exxxxx Gaaaallllllll!!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

x00m @ Dec 29 2003, on 07:44 PM, said:

Keep us up to date of you (ad)ventures in the big bike world. Let us know what are you opinions about particular bikes.

Starting from now I intend to bore you all with my opinions of the main sports bikes availiable in Perth ranging from 600cc - 750cc.

Sorry guys no opinions on which bike is easiest to stunt (Give me time I'll learn)

So here it goes ...

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 30 September 2004 - 03:10 PM

[gpx_gal]

DATE: 29th December 2003
VENUE: North City Motorcycles
BIKE(S):
* ?? ZXR750 60,000+ kms
* 01 GSXR 600 7,000 kms (ex track bike)

ZXR750:
"Are you confident to ride a 750?” - Hell yeah! This bike was good in a straight line and had a constant pull from the word go. This was the first big bore I have ridden since passing my test (For those who are interested I sat the test on a CB400), so I was taking it easy.

The ride position on the ZXR was nice. It was a comfortable bike to ride. The handlebars were set lower than the GSXR to give a more racey feel. This bike felt as big and heavy as it looked, and required some persuasion to round corners without going wide. Once you get used to it - it’s fine.

There is a noticeable difference in power between a 750 and 600. With the 750 there is the feeling of possible front wheel liftage. The extra power is nice and will allow room to mature.

Modifications:
* N/A

Likes:
* 750 cc
* Good low to mid range power
* Low seat height - great for a 5'6" chick!!

Dislikes:
* Heavy steering requiring significant persuasion to round corners
* Overall weight of the bike - heavy

Comparison To Similar Bikes:
Compared to a GSXR750 (discussed in later reviews), the ZXR 750 is not as responsive through the twisties. On the straight they would be evenly matched. The ZXR appears to produce the majority of its power in the mid to low rev range. The GSXR 750, on the other hand produces its power in the mid to high rev range. Weight wise they are eavenly matched. The ZXR appears to carry a majority of its weight lower to the ground, whilst the GSXR carries its weight heigher. The seat height of a GSXR is a good inch higher from the ground than a ZXR, thereby causing 5'6" chick to be standing on tippy toes whist sat astride the GSXR.

Overall:
This was a very comfortable bike, however due to the heaviness of steering I wouldn’t recommend it over a smaller lighter bike on the twisties, unless u had the body weight and experience to make a difference.



01 GSX-R 600
YUMMY!! This bike was by no means the standard for GSXR 600s, its an ex-race bike belonging to one of the guys who used to work at North City Motorcycles. The exterior of this bike was showing its age, by the looks of things the fairing and tyres were stored in a less than healthy place. The bike had obviously been dropped, but would you expect any less from a track bike? Mechanically, it was well maintained and had some performance work done. It had a custom EMS map designed for the track conditions, which probably accounted for a lack in low-end power. Due to double demerits and congested lunchtime traffic - opening it up on Hodges drive was not an option

The GSXR handlebars are not set as low as the ZXR. This allows a more upright ride position and seating options - this bike easy to move around on. Shifting your weight for a corner had much more influence on the GSXR than on the Ninja. Quick and responsive steering added to what felt a very comfortable and confident ride.

When talking about a Suzuki GSXR one cannot ignore the rumble – even through a standard pipe, it was grrrrrreat!

Modifications:
* Race height foot pegs
* Power commander
* BMC air filter

Likes:
* Light and responsive steering
* The GSXR rumble
* This bike was easy to move around on

Dislikes:
* Seat height - higher than the ninja
* Lack of power under 4,000 revs

Comparison To Similar Bikes:
Compared you your average stock GSXR 600 this race example proved the difference in handling that may be afforded by correct suspension settings. By tweaking the suspension, a bike which feels as though it needs to be muscled round a courner turns into one that tips and falls in beautifully. It is always worth asking the seller about the previous rider and whether they had the suspension changed - it may just make the difference between feeling good on the bike you love and feeling great!

Overall:
The 600cc was’t too intimidating as power delivery was smooth and predictable. Obviously, this bike was set up for the track and not your average road conditions. If you were to give this bike a fistful, it would definitely take off. However, to get the most out of this bike you would have to keep it in the upper rev range. Unless this is your day to day riding style, I could imagine this becomming annoying.

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 30 September 2004 - 03:41 PM

[AIP]

Quote

Overall:
The 600cc wasnt too intimidating

what was wrong with it then? a guy at work owns a gixxer 600 01 model and it hauls ass. Jumping from ya GPX to a 750, especially given your build would be pretty nuts. my opinion only

[gpx_gal]

I should finish the write up

I was expecting a 600cc to be more powerful. The increase in power was significant, but not to the point of being uncomfortable - it was very smooth. Like a 250 you would have to give it some stick to get it up and moving. Whilst the 750 was more inclined to just go from the moment you twist the grip.

Perhaps my perception of fast is due to most my riding buddies owning gixxer 1000s, R1s, Blades etc.

Though having said that, I am sure I will be more inclined to crack the throttle and see what it does. Sports bike + big bore, takes a little getting used too

AIP @ Dec 30 2003, on 01:45 PM, said:

from ya GPX to a 750, especially given your build would be pretty nuts. my opinion only

Haha, nuts would have been jumping straight onto the gixxer thou a few bikes down in the yard. But your right in a way, my body weight didnt infulence the path of the 750 much at all

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 30 December 2003 - 03:43 PM

[x913]

yeah i would recommend the 600 also provided that it hasn't been tortured due to the fact that it's an ex race bike. gixxer's on the whole are better than ninja's anyhoo. my 2bob

[x00m]

When I first started looking for a bigger bikes I noticed also that 600's are not that much more powerful (or wildly powerfull as I expected) than 250's, that was until I actually twisted the throttle open on the straight road. Trust me 600s are plenty fast for someone getting of 250. Having said that, now I'm actually thinking that 750 or bigger bikes would be easier to ride (if you can control your right wrist) and would make riding smoother coz' you wouldn't have to change gears as much due to more torque.

Quote

This bike felt as big and heavy as it looked, and required some persuasion to round corners without going wide

You do not realise how flickable 250 are until you ride a bigger bike. After a longer test ride on (now) my Kawasaki I almost stacked on Bandit coz I tried to push it into the corner like the Kwaka and the Bandit just dropped. I would like to thank my reflexes once again for not crashing.

[moocow]

Hey gpx_gal, from my experience looking at zxr's don't rule out the 600 just cos you rode a 750. In terms of the riding pos theres a huge diff. For me the 600 was best.

[gpx_gal]

DATE: 17th January 2004
VENUE: Causeway Honda
BIKE(S):
* 02 CBR600 F4i 48,700 kms

02 CBR600 F4i:
I must admit I was disappointed in this bike. The F4i is nowhere near as aggressive as the CBR600RR in looks and seating position, but I expected pseudo sports bike handling. I was mistaken. The F4i is an OK bike, semi upright seating position, smooth gearbox, and predictable power. Round a corner, it needs persuasion. (I ran wide exery time) A little more body mass and experience would help to make positive steering changes. It reminded me of riding a gpx and how you needed to actively and consciously lean yourself with the bike, rather than the more subconscious movements experianced on true sports bikes. This bike will tip in nicely when you get your technique right, but compared to other sports bikes in the same price range - why make things harder then they should be? Personal opinion only.

Height wise this bike wasn't too bad. The fairing was not cut to fit as snug as other bikes. It felt a little wierd and angular to me - it reminded me of the R6 fairing wise, discussed in later posts. Seat wise, the F4i was much more comfortable. I wasnt able to stand flat foot on this bike, however it wasnt a case of tippy toes either. This bike was slightly higher than an R6, but less than a GSXR600/750

Modifications:
* N/A

Likes:
* Smooth gear box.

Dislikes:
* Heavy steering requiring persuasion to round corners
* Semi upright position placed more weight on the wrists than more aggressive sports bikes

Comparison To Similar Bikes:
The CBR600RR and the CBR600F4i are very different bikes. The F4i, unlike the RR required more effort to steer. Being a more race ready bike, the RR sported a taller seat height (the tallest out of the bikes I have reviewed in this thread), and it felt as though I was purched on top of the bike, rather than being sat in the bike. The F4i sits somewhere between these two points of view - I felt I was sat more in the bike compared to an RR, but more on top of the bike than a GSXR. The F4i, despite originating from the well raced F4 appears to be aimed towards the sports touring market, rather than the true sports bike market. If you dont want a full on touring bike or sports bike, then the F4i well be your bike of choice.

Overall:
Erm pass. Personally, sports bikes are more comfortable and have lighter, more responsive steering. But if you want to sit more upright and cruise around town or to and from work, then this is still a very nice bike.



DATE: 17th January 2004
VENUE: Motorcycle City
BIKES(S):
* 01 GSXR600 ?? kms
* 02 GSXR750 45,000 kms

01 GSXR 600:
Eeeek. Finding a representative 600 GSXR is not easy. I had to really take it easy with this bike as the fork seals were leaking. Great This bike is significantly different to the ex-race 600 trialled in the previous post. Like the F4i, I felt the need to push this bike round a corner. The steering was not as light as the 02 GSXR750.

Looking back at the ex race 600 - its amazing the difference suspension set up can make to a bike's handling. The higher pegs on the race bike helped, but the devil on my shoulder made me want to hang off the bike round corners

Unlike the race ready 600, this bike had a little more go in the lower rev range. AIP the difference between ur mates gixxer and the ex race must have been the re-mapped - that bike was tuned to take off at high revs. The standard gixxer takes off a little lower in the rev range and gives the feeling of more instant power.

Modifications:
N/A

Likes:
* Comfy ride position and sculpted fairing

Dislikes:
* Heavy steering

Overall:
If you buy one, spend some time adjusting the suspension so it becomes more responsive. The early GSXR600s are nice bikes, however, comparitively, the 750 appears to be an easier bike to ride - perhaps the extra weight carried towards the top of the bike helps it tip into courners.


02 GSXR 750:
MMMMMM 750. I must admit there is something special about the GSXR, whether it is the unique styling or the noise it makes when ticking over - something speaks to me. Steering the 02 GSXR is easier than the 01 GSXR, both of which are easier than the 02 CBR600 F4i.

Hopping straight from the 600 onto the 750, definitely gave the feeling of power. One annoying thing was keeping the bike up in the hight rev range around the streets - anyone feel like riding round in first?

Like the F4i the GSXR is a quality sculpted bike, very comfortable no matter your height. Stereotypically the GSXR is a tall person's bike as it is slightly longer in the tank than other bikes, and forces you to keep a majority of your upper body over the front forks - mmm race position!

Modifications:
N/A

Likes:
* Responsive handling
* Stable
* Smooth power delivery
* Comfortable seating positions

Dislikes:
* Keeping the revs up, or shift down to first when putting through the streets.

Overall:
Very nice bike, heavier than a 636, but has great potential.



DATE: 17th January 2004
VENUE: Rick Gill Honda
BIKE(S):
* 01 GSXR 750

Apparently, Suzuki has changed the GSXR frame between 01 and 02, thus explaining the differnt handling. In my opinon get the 02, unless you play with the suspension, so as to achive a greater response from stearing changes.
Not much difference here to the feeling between the 01 GSXR 750 and 01 GSXR 600.

Modifications:
N/A

Likes:
* Comfy ride position and sculpted fairing

Dislikes:
* Heavy steering

Overall:
If you buy one, spend some time adjusting the suspension so it becomes more responsive



DATE: 17th January 2004
VENUE: Kawasaki Northside
BIKE(S):
* 03 ZXR636 Demo ?? kms

03 ZXR636
WOW! YUM! Mmm mmmm. What can I say? This bike is amazing. People have always told me that in the quest for a larger bike - I will never find one that is so easily thrown into a corner as my 250. Ladies and gentlemen - I have found such a bike. The 636 is not only comfortable it capable of being tossed around as easily as a 250! In hind sight, this may not necessarily be a good thing

Keeping to the speed limit is not easy on this baby, especially if you are having a short blatt down Scarborough Beach Road. High speed, low speed this bike sticks to the road surface like no other. When creeping along behind cars in the car park, this bike nearly keeps itself up, no twitching, nothing! No matter what gear you were in, this bike pulled constant and never struggled.

On the downside, this is a tall bike - apparently, it has the tallest kwasaki seat hight yet. One bug bear for someone my height, once this bike starts tipping over there is no way you can pull it up without help - just don't have the height to shift my body weight to leaver it up. No fairing touched the ground thanks to the dude who helped me pick it up!

Modifications:
* N/A

Likes:
* Handling
* Seating position
* Minimal weight on wrist area

Dislikes:
* Engine noises
* Limited colour scheme:
* All green or all black in 2003
* All blue for 2004

Overall:
If you can put up with the engine noise go for it!! This bike rocks!! Nuff said!

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 30 September 2004 - 05:09 PM

[cod]

keep 'em coming gpx_gal

[flightcrank]

yeah nice reviews, try a r6

[Spike]

Hey Jo.

If ya like the 03 636 you'll LURVE the 03 R1......Feels Allmost identical to the 636 but WAAAAYYYY more tourque......hehehe MUCHOS MUCHOS FUN

[flightcrank]

well what do you expect its a r1 the kwaki equvilant is a zx10r i think noot the 636

[x00m]

Yeah but Spike look what did you do to your R1.
They seem to have a need to flip or slide down the road for no apparent reason

[AIP]

sounds like his bikes act the way some of my previous cages felt the need to act

[gpx_gal]

x00m, on Jan 3 2004, 09:44 PM, said:

You do not realise how flickable 250 are until you ride a bigger bike. After a longer test ride on (now) my Kawasaki I almost stacked on Bandit coz I tried to push it into the corner like the Kwaka and the Bandit just dropped. I would like to thank my reflexes once again for not crashing.

Yup just been there done that... eeeek!

[bennyboy13]

these are great gpx gal i think we need to get greg to stick these permanently in tech or somethin when you've finished your mission of testing bikes out(hopefully never)
have you tried a gsx750f i'm thinkin of it as my next bike... i know it's not as sporty as it's 'R' name sake but would do me fine...

[boz au]

Quote

gsx750f

Also about $5000 cheaper new ($17k for 'R' vs. 12k for 'f'). One of the ex-across riders (one of the matt's - not sure of his handle on this forum) tried that, a vfr800, and the triumph sprint st. He wanted a sports touring. Settled on the ST - it was about $2k more than the gsxf, but as he said it would not leave him wanting in 2-3 years time. The vfr he disliked - didn't have the same power/torque, and was just 'technical' with things like the vtec engine and linked brakes (it is also $2k more than the triumph). The only downside to his choice was that it was a triumph.

[Ashes]

Agree with Bennyboy. Reviews like this would be good on the tech board. Suggest the serious reviews from members are edited out and saved. There are probably a few on this board who will be upgrading in the next 12 months as licences permit. Keep the reviews coming.

[Greg]

I'll edit this lot together less the penut gallery commentry when Miss GPX has finished, or at least sais she has finished

[gpx_gal]

<BLUSHES BIG TIME> WOW guys. Thanks!!

<plans trip to midland > ... mmmm more test riding

[AIP]

GSX750F in my opinion is the most suitable big bore for everyday commuting and weekend thrashing thru the twisties and also long touring rides. it accomodates everything

[bennyboy13]

that's what i was thinkin...

[x913]

i agree with that to a degree, but so does the Sprint..... there both kinda ugle though

[gpx_gal]

Forgive me for I have sinned. It has be months since my last test ride. But I'll try to make up for it with a few more reports

DATE: ??
VENUE: North City Motorcycles
BIKE(S):
* 04 R6 16kms (demo)

R6:
Apparently the R6 had undergone a few changes since 2003. Noteably, they have upgraded the ECU map to make up for an apparent flat spot in the lower rev range. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a 2003 model to compare it to, as they were sold out, or dealers were no willing to demo their last one.

Out of all the bikes I have test ridden the R6 was the only one low and skinny enough to allow me to touch the ground. The size of the bike was one of the first things you notice when you sit on it. Like the other 04 bikes the R6 was light and skinny. This is quite encoraging for someone who had just stepped of a 250.

To ride the R6 was very smooth. It tipped in nicely round corners, not as effortless as the 04 636, but its was very predictable and stable - more stable than the 636. The position of the footpegs definately lend themselves to moving your bottom around the seat .

One thing annoyed me about the R6, THE SEAT. If you have ever ridden an RGV or Aprillia RS250 you will know what I am talking about. For someone of my stature I also found the shape of the fairing to be uncomfortable, much like the 02 CBR600 F4i I had test rode earlier.

Modifications:
* N/A

Likes:
* The position of the footpegs, it made it easy to hang off the bike
* Good low to mid range power
* Low seat height - great for a 5'6" chick!!

Dislikes:
* Seat *ouch*

Overall:
If you can put up with a numb bum and the shape of the fairing the 04 R6 would be a definate contender. Not to mention the silver and black flame paintwork is pretty spiffy.


DATE: ??
VENUE: Rick Gill Honda
BIKE(S):
* 04 CBR600RR less than 1000kms (demo)

CBR600RR:
Who would have thought finding a demo CBR600RR would be sooooo hard? It took me over a month and a lot of calling around to find a demo. Low and behold Rick Gill was the only person to come up with one. Now this is a tall bike! This bike is somewhere between the height of a GSXR750 and a GSXR1000, for a girl of my height this spelt super tippy toe action. The main thing that struck me about this bike, was the fact that you sat on it. Very much like you do with a GPX or ZZR, compared to a RGV or ZX2R.

The amount of media hype surrounding this bike is second to none. Once you got over the seating position the CBR was very responsive. It felt as though it had the manuverability of a 636 mixed with the predictibility and stability of an R6 (both 2004 models). Mixed with the ever so sexy undertail exhaust I can see why there are so many CBRs riding around today.

Off the mark the CBR was quick. It felt quicker than the 636, who in turn was faster than the R6. The breaks were very good and the bike was able to stop almost as quick as it accelerated (despite the fact that the fact that they have rescently been recalled due to issues with their rear break, see here for more details), which is a very good thing when you forget there is a cop on Main Street with a radar gun As with the CBR600 F4i the CBR600RR has a very sweet gear box, changing gear was a such a pleasure, however, Main Street does not permit the number of gear changes I would have like to have made in the upward direction

Modifications:
* N/A

Likes:
* Smooth gear box.
* Good low to mid range power
* Looks great
* Very well balanced with responsive steering

Dislikes:
* Seat height
* Feeling as though you are sat "on" the bike not "in" the bike

Overall:
Its easy to see why so many people have purchased this bike, aside from the fact that Rossi was riding for Honda at the time and it has the cutest stock tail pipes ever fitted to a 600. It was very easy to ride, the power did not feel threatening in any way - a VERY nice bike if you like to sit "on" it and have the leg lenght to put up with the seat height. It deserves every piece of media hype it gets.

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 08 September 2004 - 12:29 AM

[gpx_gal]

DATE: ??
VENUE: Causeway Motorcycles
BIKE(S):
* 2000 GSXR750 26,000kms

GSXR750:
There is something about the GSXR that keeps calling me back the the saddle, and this particular bike was no exception. If you were to refer to my earlier comments on the 2001 and 2002 GSXR750 I refered to them as being harder to steer than the other 2004 bikes I was comparing to. This is not entirely fair as 2003/04 marked a significant push to reduce the size and wieght of sportbikes and wring as much power from their engines as possible. Reading through reviews by motorcycle daily and sport rider the 2000 GSXR marked a turning point, this bike rocks! I can see why this bike is compared to the CBR929RR and ZX9R it is fast! Not as fast as the 2002, but oh my!

The more I ride the GSXR range, the more appant the effect of suspension settings become. For some reason the 2000 model I rode today felt much easier to steer than the 2001 and 2002 models I had test rode previously. This is something to watch for, just because one bike from a particular year doesnt feel that great, dont discount trying another!

The thing that strikes me looking back is the stability of the GSXR, as soon as I hopped on this bike there was a feeling of harmony and balance about the bike despite it weighing in at a tad over 200kgs with a full tank of feul!! This particular bike tipped into corners like a dream, the position of the footpegs allow for some spirited riding positions. However, if you were to make a habbit of hanging off the bike a nice pair or rear sets would be a lovely addition.

The front end on this bike is rock solid, unlike the 2004 636, which felt somewhat jittery and would have a steering damper fitted before it left the show room floor!

Did I mention the GSXR 750 was fast??!?! Oh my! This little beasty would have no problems keeping up with the litre bikes up to the speed limmit ( no one here would willingly exceed the speed limit? would they?? ) Whatever speed you are doing, the GSXR exhibits an excellent smooth response from the throttle. Mind you if you crack it, expect some serious acceleration!

Modifications:
* Titanium Yoshimura Tri Oval Slip On

Likes:
* The overal harmonious balance of the bike
* Good low to mid range power
* Excellent throttle response
* Rock solid front suspension

Dislikes:
* Seat heigh
* This is a BIG bike

Overall:
Lets say I put my money where my mouth is and signed the dotted line for this one. As far as bang for your buck the GSXR gives you a well rounded, fast, stable bike, which is always a pleasure to ride. It is a BIG bike, however you dont notice its weight at speed, just when you are attempting the wheel it round the carpark! Compared to the 2004 bikes it requires a little more effort to ride, but its level of comfort and stability is second to none.

[flightcrank]

WOW these reviews are really good and helps give us a picture on what we might want to try out when we upgrade.

you ride alot of bikes ! be sure to keep the reviews coming if u ride any more

[Greg]

Awww WHAT, it had better not look like this one gpx_gal, its minnnnnnneeeeeeeeee Congrats on the purchase.

My 2000 GSXR750

[gpx_gal]

greg_across_96, on Sep 8 2004, 08:28 PM, said:

Awww WHAT, it had better not look like this one gpx_gal, its minnnnnnneeeeeeeeee   Congrats on the purchase. 

Why thankyou. Actually its pretty similar These bikes rock!!
Did I describe it ok in the write up?

Clicky Clicky

This post has been edited by gpx_gal: 09 September 2004 - 12:19 AM

[groberts03]

Quote

Why thankyou. Actually its pretty similar  These bikes rock!!
Did I describe it ok in the write up?

GPX GAL mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Greg]

Exactly the same except for the pipe and screen gpx_gal. Good choice