What Happened to the 600cc Class is Heart Breaking

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My Motorcycles:
2008 Honda CBR600RR
2006 Honda RC51
2003 Honda VFR 800
2003 CBR 954RR
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2014 KTM 125 SX
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[@3thndv155]

Kawasaki is raging against the dying of the light and for that I admire them

[@LSB44446]

It's beautiful

[@christianhernandez9172]

They aren't going without a fight.

[@christianvazquez1979]

Hell yeah they are and I love it!!

[@DrBIeed]

All I’ve ever rode. They’re still letting the good times roll.

[@Nufrifin]

When you defeat all other enemies and have to face the final boss, European emission standards.

[@master_ranch_of_the_runnin7289]

You gotta admit. Kawi is the only brand that has done cool stuff in the last 10 years. Supercharged motorcycles and the zx4r. I hope they continue. Edit: (I think commenters missed the point)

[@annabanna666]

Mt 07 Mt 09 Mt 10.......superduke family .......supermotos.....yea

[@dedelabinouze5110]

Yeah they made some cool stuff (H2, ZX4R) but for the rest of their motorcycles (the categories that actually sell) they're lacking behind.

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

Also the best retros.

[@rt2255]

They started it way back with z900 the first real performance Superbike. 85 the first full on water cooled 16 valve 6 speed 600 fully wrapped in gp based fairing

[@nickolaslewis4416]

They charge so much for their retros!!!

[@rafaellastracom6411]

600's rock. Revving it out to redline is in and of itself incredibly rewarding. Losing that ability, as you would most of the time with a liter bike, really puts a damper on the whole experience.

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

For real. My '04 ZX-6RR I could rev out in the first three gears and still be at a reasonable speed. It was fun. Revving out my current '06 ZX-10R and '22 Hayabusa just in first gear is already too much for public roads. They have great midrange, so revving them out is not needed to have fun like on a 600, but hearing their engines on the upper rev range is to me half the fun I don't get to have. 😢

[@rafaellastracom6411]

@@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST Exactly. It´s the noise, it elevates everything. It is why I want nothing to do with electric bikes.

[@jordanjoestar8839]

I'm in the GSXR750 owners group and most sold their 1000 for the 750.

[@davidnorris5675]

Why I’m interested in a 400RR…. I can hear it screaming way more often

[@tomtemple69]

​@@davidnorris5675get one, zx4rr is amazing

[@deeptigyaksh6896]

The 600s are just special

[@ctclothbagco]

Probably one of the biggest reasons 600cc has gone away is emission regulations and it not being cost effective to develop the engines more. The general trend for a lot of bikes has been to increase CC, reduce the number of cylinders and reduce power to be able to meet the more and more strict emissions rules that keep coming out, to the point where like with adventure bikes they are closer to being a small car engine than a large bike engine. It's also possibly partly so that engines can be used across a range of models instead of just one specific bike to make it more versatile and it seems in the UK at least the trend is less sports bikes more adventure / touring / naked bikes

[@societyisboring]

Emissions have ruin the car and motorcycle world. It's obvious their not worried about emissions as electric cars and bikes are way worse for our planet

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

Same way the system went after the high horsepower of 1970 cars like the LS6 Chevelle, emissions. All this emissions stuff is flashing me back to 1971. My 78 corvette had 185 horsepower. 😮

[@DanteKLee]

With ZX-4R, I hope inline-4 400cc class becomes the new 600cc class. It would be possible to make them meet environmental regulations, be even more high revving, and still provide manageable power that's actually better for most riders on the road.

[@danny-gz8if]

Zx4rr

[@xsatn2082]

I REMEMBER THE 90S 400CC I4. They are fantastic even more reving potetial without loosing your licesnse, also quite punchy.

[@societyisboring]

Only inline 4 under 600 is the Hondacbr500

[@fuze729]

@@societyisboringhonda cb1 400

[@Sfekke]

@@societyisboring ZX4RR just got released, I honestly want one just for the hell of it.

[@rasmus1600]

Yamaha mostly stopepd the production of the R6 because of, as you mentioned the decrease in sales, but also that they couldn't get the bike emissions certified and it would be too expensive because of the low sales. The R6 is still in production, but as a track-only bike.

[@gwot]

The ZX6R is even lower sales, lower profit margins and Kawasaki is still putting money into it. Yamaha is just like Toyota, if they can't make a lot on it, they wont sell it.

[@Gofr5]

Thing is Kawasaki can afford to subsidize their motorcycle business with the rest of their other businesses. They are a massive company that deals in aerospace, ships, heavy equipment, defense, etc. Their motorcycling division is so small compared to the rest of their business, they can afford to take losses on it and pursue more passion projects with it; as we see with them keeping the the ZX-6R relevant, making the ZX-4R, and making and keeping the H2 line of bikes going. The other bike companies don't have the same luxury of being able to subsidize their motorcycling business as much, if at all, so they have to pick and choose their projects more carefully, and as a result, that means cutting off models that aren't selling as well.

[@rasmus1600]

@@Gofr5 Just doing a quick Google search, Kawasaki Heavy Industies is worth $4.2b as of 2023 while Yamaha Motor is $9.5b as of 2013. Idk how much have happend in a decade, but Yamaha have the extra money to put into projects. But they're more about the money than keeping the bikes alive.

[@gwot]

@@Gofr5 Honda is SIGNIFICANTLY bigger than Kawasaki as a whole. What you're saying is not wrong, but it's more like Kawasaki is willing to spend money and not make a lot. Much like how a relatively small company like Mazda who's only in the car business is willing to R&D their small sports car MX5, and develop an inline 6 from the ground up by themselves. Where Toyota, the biggest most profitable car company, teams up with Subaru and BMW to make sports cars and use BMW's inline 6, simply because they don't want to spend so much and make so little. Mitsubishi also has over 10 industries, they have a monopoly in the fishing industry banking billions a year, but yet they discontinued their Lancer Evolution.

[@Gofr5]

Hm, I could've sworn Kawi was bigger than the others. Well I stand corrected then. In that case, I guess they're the only ones really willing to subsidize their motorcycling business and take a few losses while putting out some interesting options for people, unlike the others. 🤷‍♂️

[@jordangarrick703]

I was in college during the 90's and the 600's were kings. And when Yamaha introduced the R6 in the early 2000's, dealers couldn't keep them in stock. I never would have predicted the end of the 600 class - or the popularity of 400's and below. I don't think the decline of middleweight sales has much to do with price; Kawi is selling the heck out of their 400's and those little things are pushing $10k. I'm guessing the introduction of so many rider aids on the 1000's has significantly reduced the reluctance of newer riders to buy - and ride - a liter bike. 15 or 20 years ago, nobody new to sport bike riding started out on a CBR 900 or Gixxer 1k - you either bought a 250 or a 600. Now it's common for newer riders to hop on bikes with 180+ HP....and TC/WC. But either way, there's something for everyone out there right now - all that's missing is for the return of the ZX-7R and the introduction of an R9. It's pretty remarkable that you can still buy a new bike running 10-flat in the quarter for under $20k.

[@Freemananana]

Kawasaki has a sport touring Ninja that will do 10 second 1/4 miles, get 40+ mpg, and hold two full size helmets in the detachable side cases for $12k new. I don't know how the super sports compete with it for day to day riding.

[@cyjanek7818]

I don't know if you are talking about USA or just different country, in my east EU country no one would start on 1000cc, even now. Too expensive, too dangerous. Most people don't start on 600 anyway, that's like the bike to upgrade to

[@jordangarrick703]

@@cyjanek7818 I live in the United States. And, yes, it is hard to believe anyone would start on a litre bike. But it's happening more frequently. The other part of this situation is credit; people have more access to financing than ever. It would have been very difficult to finance a brand new GSXR-1000 in the 1990's - now, it's as simple as walking into a dealership and signing your name.

[@willpark7483]

Most lads my age in UK start on 125cc 4 strokes with 13hp. It baffles me people have 600cc even 1000cc sports bikes at 16 in America 😂 I thought I was abit mad getting a 600cc Suzuki bandit as my first bike, and that’s restricted!!!!

[@byloyuripka9624]

​@@jordangarrick703you could buy a 10flat bike a decade ago for 10k if you could ride 😂

[@HugheZ33]

The Daytona 675 was an amazing option as well and still hold its own in the beauty department to this day!

[@punarbasudash4366]

And the sound

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

After riding R1 and fireblade I've found myself wanting to go back to 600s because of more range to control RPM management, which is the biggest reason 600s can smoke liter bikes in the corners. I was very big on 1000cc for so long, but I found the 600s are more fun.

[@michaelvandeborne9382]

THANK YOU! Thank you for finally explaining what I feel and try to communicate to others for so long. 4 cylinder engines are so cool, I hate it when manufacturers claim they built a brand new sports bike, but "hey, only 2 cyl, right?"

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Thank you Hero. Great video. We do get the brand new CBR600RR in Australia. However it’s now at a ridiculous price. Converting the AUD to USD it’s just over $18k! And the 1000RR-R is a whopping almost $50k AUD! Having spent several years racing in the 600 Supersports category before stepping up to the Superbike class I must say I enjoyed and have the best memories racing in the 600 cc class. Even at my home track being Phillip Island with its long straight as your corner entry and exit speeds was where you’d need to focus on more to remain competitive.

[@HeroRR]

WOW That's EXPENSIVE. Cool bike but is it really worth THAT much?! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesbanksco]

@@HeroRR I've seen the bike used go up for sale maybe once or twice since it was released which makes me think next to nobody aside from racing teams is buying them. New GSX-1000, Panigale V2 and even the S1000-RR can cost less out the door. However, we don't get the CBR1000RR base model like the US does. We only get the CBR1000RR-R SP model. Probably because it would make no sense to sell the new 600RR alongside the CBR1000RR base model when they cost almost the same!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@HeroRR For my money it’s not worth it. However, Honda do now have the 600 market all to themselves. However, my money will go to the significantly cheaper and more powerful new 636.

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

Why do you people always omit that in Australia, particularly Sydney, making 2k a week is a small feat.

[@ThermicLight]

@@user-tm9ho3bm4v - Lol what? Small feat? Most people are NOT making 8k a month in Australia. That's just so ignorant and absurd.

[@Jim-yk9zw]

I had a gixxer 1k for a long time and recently got a Hayabusa since I always wanted one. I'm honestly regretting not getting a 600 since I only just get into 3rd gear most days.

[@potatokaiyote]

Kawasaki like setting the bar high, first with the z1 and then the 2 stroke h2, followed by the gpz in top gun. Kawasaki out here making moves for years.

[@iand.1752]

Really glad Kawi is keeping the ZX6R alive. It’s been my favorite bike since I was a kid. I bought a 2013 ZX6R as my second bike while I was in college and I loved it. I still wish I had it BUT in January I bought one of my dream bikes, a 2006 ZX6R in matte plasma blue. It’s an amazing bike. It’s so light and flickable. It handles beautifully in the corners. It’s a shame to see the 600 class fade away. They really are fun bikes. And the last generation of R6 was a beautiful bike as well. It’s a shame Yamaha stopped making them for the street because they’re so expensive and hard to find now I can’t really justify the second-hand market prices for one, although I’d absolutely love to have one someday.

[@nikospyridis3703]

This video is literally my thoughts and emotions put into words from you, i own a Yamaha r6 from 2009 and i enjoy it more than any other bike!

[@jordanjoestar8839]

I'll tell you what happened. The GSXR750 😅 Ive owned 5 600's and the 750 is the sweet spot. Shame everyone else gave up on that! Same frame as the 600. Id love to see a 750 Honda, Kawi or Yammie!

[@danny-gz8if]

Kawasaki 750 wouldn’t make sense I think it would kill the zx6r sales but if the others made a cuttinng edge 750 it will give Kwai some good competition

[@JP-xd6fm]

@@danny-gz8if I had a used cbr 600 from 1998 (steel frame) as a first bike in 2005, then I bought a GSX-R 750 in 2006 new and it was day and night, then I tried the GSX-R 1000 @ a track days and then I understood why they go for the *power* , that was a beast and not much more heavier. But yes the sweet spot is the 750cc no doubt

[@zudosmg]

Where I live in BC, the insurance is based on CC only. Not style of bike or anything else. The way they bracket the CC's it just makes sense to buy highest CC within the Bracket to get the most out of the insurance etc. So it sort of pushes people that know to do that. So litre bikes win unless you dive in cruisers which are more expensive for higher CC's even though the power band is completely different. Such an odd way to do it.

[@GregQuillen]

So weird 600cc does ridiculous speeds and picks up front end. But 2000cc cruiser cost more haha

[@RichardArpin]

Insurance in Manitoba is ridiculous. It's public, so a monopoly, and they cover accident health issues, and because of that insurance is about $3000 a season for most sportbikes (anything over 500cc and determined to be a sportbike, even larger and older VFR's). However, dual sports like my stolen CB500X were about $1000 a season.

[@thespectator5259]

​@@RichardArpin WTF. $3000 for a season? (Is that a year?) I buy liability insurance for my 2018 R6 and it comes to $215 for the entire year. When I bought it new and it was under a lien, full coverage was like $1100 for the entire year. (I was in my mid 20s and had a clean driving record FYI) Jesus Christ, the insurance where you live is insane.

[@RichardArpin]

@@thespectator5259 That's Canadian dollars, so slightly cheaper, but it's still stupid.

[@ivecentral]

BC is public too through ICBC, and also a monopoly for basic insurance. Back when I lived in Vancouver, I had a ZX7R, which - at 748cc - put me under the 750cc limit for that insurance class price. If someone wanted to insurance a new Hornet 750, they'd be paying liter-bike insurance because of its 755cc engine - and let me tell you, that ain't cheap!

[@patrickagan1071]

I knew guys that were born a few years before me(late 80s) who turned 16 in 2004-05 and bought new 600's in the golden age of supersport

[@rt2255]

Was pn 3rd by then lol i bought 1985 600 ninja first yr of real 600 super sport bikes. 16 valvels water coold full gp style fairings 140mph top speed. In 85 itbwas alone and a god, then they kept getting better. Had 2 zx6s later faster better brakes better handling loved all 3 not one issue with any of them. 85 had 60k in 5 yrs, others bought used but both pushing 40 and 50k again not one part failure on any of the 3. Bullet proof. New one not sure have yet to see 40k plus.

[@bung0o]

Kawasaki is legit shadow boxing in the corner 😭 Great analogy, greater video

[@TomTom-gx1sm]

As an European, I think emission laws killed the 600cc class :[

[@nesto9889]

Definitely

[@johnnyhun1]

not really ... people were just dumb, they bought these RACE bikes and complained how uncomfortable they are when they were showing-off in the city

[@TomTom-gx1sm]

​@@johnnyhun1 could be a part of it but emissions has been the hammer on the nail. The DRZ400SM is a good exemple: still sold all around the world except EU. Same goes for the KLR650.

[@johnnyhun1]

​@@TomTom-gx1sm suzuki is the laziest company out there, every other brand has euro5 1000cc sport bike meanwhile Suzuki doesn't and they just removed the gsxr1000 from the eu market and produced a grandpa adventure liter bike the gsx-s1000. Also, Honda is still making 600cc i4 sport bike, the CBR650R, also Honda is probably the only japanese company that makes street-legal enduro bike in the EU market, the CRF300L. And Kawasaki is coming with the zx400RR, so the market is just changing in my opinion. By the way you can still buy Yamaha R6 but now it's not street legal, only track legal

[@TomTom-gx1sm]

​@@johnnyhun1 Did you read until the end ? KLR650 is from Kawasaki. And the R6 being sold for track use also is because of emissions standards. They "replaced" it with the R7 which is not a replacement. The market is changing because of emissions. And Suzuki did not want to hurt the GSXR1000 with a 20kg exhaust, so they killed it.

[@jamesd2128]

I've got a 1999 CBR 600, had it since new, still find it a perfect combo of power, handling, and civility, very glad I still have it.

[@FuzedBox]

I wish I still had my '00 ZX6R. Most comfortable, usable 600 I ever had. I bought it from a repo-man with 70mi on it, and when I sold it in 2014, I had 94,000mi on it! 94,000. How many people put those kind of miles on a sport bike? Wish I still had it, but it was falling apart at the seams and more expensive to repair than it was worth. Currently have a '21 ZX6R. I love it, but it's not the same.

[@levylovits]

I just got a f3 super good bike and fun to rev out

[@V8Thrasher88]

Dude!! I have been debating on the F3. I own a road glide and v rod, but I dearly miss my kawasaki zx10r, and want another sport bike. I don’t want a liter bike, and have been looking at the F3 since it’s a triple. How do you like it compared to a traditional 600cc? How would you compare it to a liter bike (if you’ve owned/ridden one)?

[@levylovits]

@@V8Thrasher88 i cant compare it to anything else other than a honda shadow 750 twin. I dont think the f3 is a triple im pretty sure its a 4 banger. The bike has plenty of power and it likes any rev range. The suspension is pretty good. The front has no compression adjustment and the rear doesnt have high and low compression adjustment just comp. When i got it the suspension was stiff no sag. That said i got it up to 135mph on the tac so about 120+. From 100 to 125 it was amazing. Smooth planted like they say on rails. But past that the bike strted to vibrate a little too harsh. Could be the road could be the tires the worn out oil in the suspension idk. Maybe all. Ive been adjusting since and i got it nice and balance more suspension tuning to get me more confident on the bike. Now i could get to 100 and feel nice go over anything and not loose focus. But i havent felt confident to push it pass 115. I feel the vibrations again but sooner and not enough room to gallop. So far ive made its softer but now im making it stiffer again lol. I love the bike so far ive spent 1800 to buy it. 64 for title transfer. The guy before me paid for registration so that was good. I changed the petcock, when i bought it it wasnt leaking. Ive changed the brake fluid in each resouvar. The back was getting gunky aswell as the front. Still need to bleed. I need a new rotor in the back as well as pads. Added water in the coolant. Cleaned the chain. Theres a wire in the starter switch assebly that gets unsoldered. You know if your head light stops working. I had to resolder that twice. And i still need to clean that assebly its all gunky and the start button doesnt push back. Ive had it for about 2 weeks and i still havent checked the oil. Tune up coming in soon. It starts easy without choke. I think the bike is jetted because im getting 100 miles to the tank. It has power and no backfire. Rarely a pop. 4 gal tank. I think ill take it in to see how its running and fuel wise. Im running it at 7 to 10k on the freeway for about 30 mins in the morning no traffic. Less and longer for the way back commuter. You could tell that the bike was dropped. Right side scratched and different clip on. These bikes are something special when running right. I have a 95 but everyone says the 97 98 f3 are better. Better head flow and different ram. The f4i are even better yet. I think if you want the best 600 get a 636 or f4i. But if you want a raw, no assist power house of a bike get a 90s 600 or even a 750. These honda bikes were engineered to take nasty abuse in the middle of summer mid day in the desert. And turn on the next day like nothing happened. They say these bike get over 100k miles and im willing to see. I dont have much to compare it to but i think its a lot of bike for "little" money. It had less than 15k when i bought it. The cluster could have been swapped. Im all over the place. Defently get the chance to ride one if not own one.

[@ToaRahkshi]

The most realistic thing, IMO, is for Honda to wake the hell up and finally sell their updated version of the 600rr outside of Japan. Unlike Suzuki, they actually *MADE* a new 600 bike; they just gotta sell it to us 😭 You hit the nail on the head. The price is so damn separate between liter bikes and 600's, any corporate numbers guy should see the writing on the wall and take advantage of it! Come on Honda!!!

[@teosaksida6543]

And they did EXACTLY that!

[@ToaRahkshi]

@@teosaksida6543 To everywhere except t he U.S for some asinine reason (*Cries in American*)

[@teosaksida6543]

@@ToaRahkshi oh yeah forgot about it. As a European, I'm fucking delighted. Always was a big fan of the CBR600RR and when I saw the news, I was ecstatic.

[@GageGrimm96]

just picked up my fz6r a few months ago, rebuilding it as we speak due to a small crash, but I am seriously upset the r6 is no longer produced, i give parallel twins about a 10 year span in the limelight before serious 600s come back in style. parallel twins will never fully die, or come out of popularity due to how useful they are for the average rider, but 600s will always have the sound and style that ignited so many of us to hop on 2 wheels since the 80s. theres a reason theyve had almost a 40 year run as some of the most popular motorcycles produced

[@tokyorick79]

I most definitely understand and feel your frustration with some of these manufacturers with the demise of the 600 segment.

[@Jackal9405]

It's the buyers who are not interested. They(manufacturers) would make 600 if there was a market for them.

[@A1621994S]

I just bought a new 636 and I love it, long live the 600.

[@chadrichards8930]

Same!

[@TooFarWest1]

I rented a bunch of bikes last year on Twisted Road, from 2021 Aprilia V4 Tuono 1100RR, to the 2001 Triumph Street Triple 765cc, 2006 Yamaha R6, 2001 ZX6-R, and owned a 2002 Ducati ST4S (996cc model), and have ridden a slew of cruisers. For me, the in-line 600s are the most fun. All the power you need and light to load in a truck. I've yet to ride any Suzuki GSX-R but am eager as hell to get my hands on a GSX-R 600 or 750.

[@NudaMan]

Were these 2021’s? because aprilia didn’t make Tuonos until 2002-2005

[@TooFarWest1]

@@NudaMan That's a typo: 2021 V4 Touno 1100RR I meant.

[@da_garage383]

I've always been a big fan of Honda motorcycles but as I do more research on the Japanese big 4, I realize Kawasaki has always been a leader. They're on the cutting edge, always innovating - since their beginning. I'm becoming a Kawasaki fan boy!

[@SemteVruchte]

He really is a Kawasaki fan by now ;)

[@mofatjippyfransisco713]

Had older middleweights, and newer middleweights ( Sold my newest R6 ) ....but the one that blew me away at the time was buying my brand new 1987 Honda Hurricane 600...sure I was a lot younger then...but being able to smoke my buddies on their brand new Ninja 900's in the canyons...and be off the bike waiting for them at the cafe already were some of the best memories ever. She was even black and red, the faster one of course 😂 The other one besides my baby Hurricane that was a generational leap was my 1999 Yamaha R1, it was basically a 600 on steroids at that time...never forget that first big twist of the throttle...how it came up SO easily.....those 2 bikes were awesome. Had better since, but in their time they were warriors.

[@ArcanePath360]

I'm noticing a lot that things haven't improved in tech since 2018. Not just bikes. Many things seem to be going backwards and getting worse.

[@angeljoy5234]

blame the stricter emissions standards

[@ktkace]

You-re not alone. I rather a sub 160KG (the lower the merrier , moto3 mikes are 89KG so the tech is already there)100hp(or near bike) than a 200kg fatass with 200hp that isnt b-road (read: REAL WORLD) usable

[@ArcanePath360]

@@angeljoy5234 Actually I was speaking about tech in general, and I believe much of the reason is because of China. Other countries spend millions on R&D to develop their products, and then China just reverse engineer it and make the same thing cheaper, not being bothered by copyright laws, then the west tend to buy these because they are so much cheaper. This has left the original innovators to wonder why they bother. The 3D printer market has been especially hit since there's been nothing new on the market since about 2018. Covid also helped shut a lot of businesses down, or at least downsize massively and made the problem worse. Then there's inflation and recession causing the market to not invest and tighten their belts. It's all been a bit of a shit show the last few years. Even cutting edge companies like NVidia are now putting out sub standard new graphics cards and the companies making them are cutting corners and they are breaking down. As for bikes, I bought a Kymco during this time (a T-max knock off) and I've never seen so many corners cut on quality. While on the surface it looked premium, my God it had problems. Ended up getting rid and getting a 2014 BMW R1200RT, which has only had 1 minor update since all that time, lol. The bodywork is still the exact same design, it's basically just the screen they changed. That's 9 years of hardly any innovation. Between 1990 and 2000 my God there were a lot of advancements. It kind of feels like we're hit a dead end and I'm wondering just how much it has to do with kids getting dumber with schools only teaching woke BS and nothing of value anymore.

[@ahppa]

Sure if you only follow stagnating industries

[@Ehal256]

​​@@ArcanePath360raphics cards and CPUs are much faster than the best available in 2018. Same with CPUs. Combustion engines and motor vehicles are already highly developed, and more regulated in terms of emissions, so it is harder to improve them. Plenty of old companies never innovated either, they just didn't survive and you don't remember them as a result.

[@MrThecyrille34]

i ride a 2001 yamaha r6 and i love how you have to tame it to go fast i love beeing able to fix it without a computer (carbed bike) and i like how it handles for a 22 year old bike and i love how unfiltered it is compared to modern bike with all the electronics.

[@peterthanasse1321]

When most of the 600cc Sportbikes are blacklisted/decilned in Ontario or, if accepted, the rates are over $300/month for an experience rider (higher for new riders) and the base cost of a 600ccc is getting close to $15k CDN new (before dealer fees and tax), and used bikes are overcharging like mad, then you can completely understand why the 600cc sportbike category has beeb disappearing for years. Cheers!

[@nickgiesler3141]

You need to find a better insurance company, or you have points on your license, or you're not over the age of 25, or you don't have a full M class license, or a mix of the aforementioned. I live in Ontario and I insure my 2003 R1 for $1300 a year. My R6 was only $100 cheaper and I still have it.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Great vid man! I gotta say. I went from a 600 to an R7 and I really don’t miss my 600. The R7 has way more usable power and it so fun for street riding. Taking it to the track in 2 weeks so that part remains to be seen

[@PerciusLive]

The R7 has a lot more torque in lower rpms but it lacks the power in the high end which is where the high gear acceleration of the R6 beats it

[@RealdoseofTruth]

2022 MT 10 here. I've owned an 07 R1 back when I was much younger. For me the naked super sport bikes are much better now.

[@marcoblo2489]

Kawasaki is the GOAT for releasing the ZX4RR

[@twotone3471]

Euro Emissions happened, and the manufacturers did the same thing they did to the 300cc class of bikes, they just added displacement to counter the lack of power per cc that the emissions mandated to be sold today.

[@thomasanderson7454]

Thanks for making this video! it is very informative and well done! Road racing (Club level Expert) in the late 90s through 2008_ in my limited experience, I really enjoyed racing the 600s over the 1000s, corner speeds were just as high if not a bit higher on entry through the apex, the lap times were a bit slower but they were just more fun for me. There is no argument that the big bikes pull much harder off the apex but before traction control that was limited by the tires. As a heavier rider at 210 lbs there were some real advantages to the big bikes. At my best on a specific track I was turning :1min 18 sec on a superbike on slicks while during the same time frame I could turn a 1min 22 second lap on a 600. on the street I do prefer the liter bikes just because of the usable power under 7k rpm. Not to sound like an old man, but I do prefer my HD bagger on the street over my Panagale V4. For me, I'm not racing anymore so its more fun to go fast on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike. Ride safe!

[@blazenamber9176]

The prices have gotten way out of control with these bikes. And yes , Kawasaki is my favorite brand right now.

[@zixxer_bro]

Wasnt really a fan of kawi before but picked up a 2024 zx6r jyst because they are the only company that makes a 600 that really feels modern

[@l2xv674]

Got a cbr650r as my first bike, still does 95HP (100HP With akra exhaust) does 240kp/h, has 4 cylinders an is more comfortable then a 600rr. I love it

[@skillbopster]

It's alot slower than the old 600 though.

[@l2xv674]

@@skillbopster i get like 255 on my cbr 650r (so like 240 real speed) which is from the videos i saw about 20-30 kh/h slower and thats not really much considering you wont ride top speed for long anyway on either bike

[@FatSn8ke]

Speaking of the last of a kind, I have to pay tribute to Honda CBR650R. It is the last 4-cylinder sport bike of its class. If you want a decent-power sport bike that you could daily while enjoying the 14,000rpm engine roar, CBR650R is probably your only choice to this day.

[@ZratP]

I agree, I have one in Blue Jeans color and it's also a very beautiful bike with its bronze accents on the engine. I find the bike being extremely versatile. It's a tame and safe Inline 4 at low rpm perfect for streets. But if you want to tap in the power, rev over 7k and you then can enjoy the sound beauty of 12-14k rpm. I am not a fan of the low rpm super torquey twins from the competitors in that range.

[@jasmine-fo6sc]

We need a r9 with a cp3 engine that’s geared taller and higher redline. That’s all I want Yamaha!

[@cfltitan]

You forget to mention another huge factor, at least to me, it’s the insurance costs. Even as a seasoned rider in his 40’s the insurance of a liter bike would be well over the payment of the bike. Crazy expensive to insure.

[@superkai6483]

I have a new gen Triumph Street Triple RS alongside my little Honda grom. I’ve always loved the look of the CBR600RR and contemplating whether to get one 😅

[@McNibbler]

Love my CBR600F4i. Hope Honda gives love to their 600 line again

[@nickgibbas999]

I do think Yamaha should do an R9 if they’re just gonna put the twin in a race bike. Triple would be much more engaging and exciting kinda like the 4s

[@ItsAGundam]

I'm glad I kept my R6. Yamaha has now reduced them to track only orders. I'd say the Japanese brands are suffering due to the recession. Sadly, Suzuki destroyed most of their motogp bikes to avoid taxes on having them.

[@edbashline]

I own a 2023 zx6r. Ive had a 600cc bike for close to 3 decades (5 total) now and find them to be perfect for street and track. Ive noticed I am in an ever growing minority. Ive rode kawi for 30 years and wont stop so long as they make horses as they have had. Big ups Kawi, keep up the fight.

[@bve7397]

Kawasaki isn't only saving the 600 market, they are also trying to revive 400 4 cyl bikes. Absolutely love what they are doing, now its just up to the consumer to see wether they will appreciate the smaller bikes again :) I think having a 1k is litterly overkill, most people won't even get close to its full potential and just lose their license by speeding straights. Btw.. crazy how you americans think a 600 is 'adequete', here in europe we start on MUCH MUCH slower bikes, a 600 is pretty fast here.

[@phantom2488]

i use to have an 08 r6 raven edition and just started looking into getting a new bike and dang i didnt realize they stop making 600s what a bummer i always find them more fun

[@nickolaslewis4416]

The fact that they are selling at 2013 bike for 12-13k is exactly why we consumers stopped buying them. Back in the late 90,s - 2010’s, this class of motorcycle saw an update every TWO years! I remember buying a 2007 ZX6R BRAND NEW for just $7k!!! (I should’ve kept that bike). Now, it’s just a blatant rip off and most of us have decided to pass on them vs having our wallets fleeced.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

7k in 2007 is basically 12k now lol inflation wise. Just saying.

[@nickolaslewis4416]

@@englishsteel-nz6im That’s funny cause I also distinctly remember the competitors selling their 600’s for $10k. So by your logic, they were selling 600’s for $15k? That would make even modern 1000cc bikes a deal. Just sayin. The bikes have gotten too expensive

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@nickolaslewis4416 learn economics lol

[@nickolaslewis4416]

@@englishsteel-nz6im Lol you sitting here on the internet throwing out made up numbers is hardly economics guy.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@nickolaslewis4416 are you going money is not worth much less than 2007? Something that was 10k in 07 dollars give or take is almost double now and that's partially why people are amazed at certain prices of stuff and yes certain bikes are a deal in today's dollar value. Brand new gsxr750 for what 12.5k now is like it being 7 in 07.

[@RudeXII]

I'm so happy I picked up my 2021 ZX6R when I did. I managed to get one that still has the analog tachometer cause I can't stand TFT displays on motorcycles. It feels unnatural to see the revs climb on one when you rev it out

[@AtlasAer]

This video has convinced me to never trade or sell my GSXR 750, not a 600 but the in-line 4 is a dying breed.

[@brettbarker8444]

I thought the 600s and liability/bad rap were going to get the liter bikes gone. I couldn’t believe it when I heard that Yamaha was going to discontinue the R6. I have a 2017 and it’s beautiful. The technology upgrades are really nice as well. Of course it’s the same motor as the previous generation, but as long as it’s finely tuned I think it’s perfect for a 600cc motorcycle. They owned the Moto America SuperSport class (still the benchmark) and I was hoping it would spur on the other manufacturers to update their bikes leading to a manufacturer war. Instead everyone quit and Yamaha gave us the R7. Not the inline four we always wanted but the V-twin we never asked for.

[@leewoolley1622]

In Australia this started a long time ago with the 250-600cc class going to low reving boring twins both v and parallel we where blessed with grey imports from Japan before this such as cbr 250 rr and zx2r inlinline fours reving beyond 15000 rpm then the 600cc followed but there are still plenty of cheap second hand 600cc sport bikes on the market over here so it’s only a concern if you want to buy brand new

[@zylynlamis9285]

Its very ironic that kawasaki started the first 600cc class sports bike then all of manufacturers tried to compete with kawi then in the end kawi is the last standing manufacturer to make a 600cc sportsbike. Kawi will be the first and the last 600cc standing sports bike of its class.

[@davek8386]

The R6 is still for sale but only as a track bike. The road bike isn't available anymore because of emission regulations.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

I had a cbr600fx - for a year, in parallel with my zx9r. For a very short time, the 600 saw more action. But the flat spot at 5k meant that bike was a bad choice for road riding. Overtakes needed much more prep and judgement. By contrast, the 9 was effortlessly muscular with such luxuriant midrange torque. Suffice to say the 600 went. And it's never been missed. Not once.

[@alexstewart2247]

I've got a 96 zzr600 and a 99 zx9r and I prefer riding the 600 all day long! More satisfying having to hunt for the power all the time and being able to use the whole rev range on the road rather than the 9 which gives you warp speed in every gear lol

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

@@alexstewart2247 I had two cb500s one after the other, and got sick of that.

[@soidog154]

I have a triumph daytona 600 shame you didnt have this bike in your mix a fantastic bike to ride

[@LastMountainMotorsports]

I would love a 600 super sport. Unfortunately where I’m from insurance prices have killed them for most riders. They’re around $350 per month to ensure compared to $150 for a cruiser. Add a payment on that and it’s out of reach for most

[@Mwhitehouse99]

I’m loving every mile on my ‘23 cbr600rr

[@JRotten]

How about Kawi bringing back the 4 cylinder 400RR. Can't wait to mount that screamer.

[@DiYoute]

I owned a 2008 Honda CBR was one of my favorite bikes… best looking model in my opinion

[@LTxFartNugget]

Love my 636! You can actually ring it out.. most of the technical roads the liter bikes lag with their 190s.. I love the flickability of the 180

[@byloyuripka9624]

youre rolling with twits who cant ride then 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Thunderbolt22A10]

I’m a huge Suzuki fanboy and I’m sad that Suzuki stopped the Katana line and neglected the GSXR 600

[@joshlewis5065]

I have a 2011 Daytona and my gf has a 2016 R6 and I love those bikes. They are so much easier to handle.

[@kaushikkr1090]

If we could also include Daytona 675 in this list🥺 they were so good 😢

[@alexduey7868]

You could just buy and street RS put clip on on it if you want to low riding position.

[@kaushikkr1090]

@@alexduey7868 yes but still it was a good bike overall especially the 675R

[@boolacalaca]

Sorry your heart breaks. I'm enjoying the inline triple on my Triumph Tiger Sport 660. Japan isn't the only maker of 600's.

[@nicozimmermann8672]

I was at a test event where a lot of manufacturer gave bikes to the average joe to test ride. From all of those Kawasaki was killing it with the line up they presented. Not only the ZH2 (which is an absolute beast of a bike) but also the Z900 RS and the 600cc bikes they got just left all the other makers in the dust. They are absolutely amazing.

[@MRSMI13Y90]

The look they had on the 2008 plus the exhaust placement is iconic

[@JP-xd6fm]

In 2006 I got a brand new GXR-750, it was the best bike for the money at that time. 150hp/150kg and under 10K€

[@x-105strikefreedom]

Kudos for Kawasaki for keeping the 600 err 636 alive (600 is still available in Japan), after all they are credited for "inventing the 600 class".

[@CurrentlyBlazed]

My first bike was a KLX300 Supermoto. Bought it in 2021. Im looking at buying a ninja 400 next year. Pretty excited to buy it too Edit: Tempted to get the 400RR, small bore 4cyl???! Sooo cool

[@JohnSmith-tz7iy]

What's wrong with a parallel twin bike compared to the other kind?

[@balkaransamra4995]

Had a deposit on R7 but changed my mind and purchased a gsxr600 2022 instead just for the screaming inline 4 and not regretting it at all

[@Artyom64824]

so ZX-6R 2023 I am blessed to be able to ride that and it is my first bike, and... I really want to make more money so I can take it to the track more. Yeah I need to write a awesome review for Kawasaki because I am fan and so damn gratefully, truly. Awesome video HeroRR!! by the way, I was totally going to get a CBR600 but things ended up differently.

[@christopherandrade7785]

And then kawasaki blessed us w the zx4rr, that’s in my wishlist, ripping that little thing has to be fun

[@ZhuSeth]

Cbr600rr got discontinued in the Jpn/Oceania market

[@TheYoungSuccess]

LONG LIVE THE 600’s Love my 2017 Ninja 636

[@rajeshgolder8002]

Zx 25R, Zx 4R, Zx 6R......... Salute to Kawasaki for Keeping them alive

[@EdwinDover]

Biggest problem in sales for Kawasaki is their color scheme. Some people love it, but I'd argue the majority like me hate it to the point it isn't even a consideration. Yamaha is still making the r6 but it is track only so kinda .... 😅

[@soldier09r]

I’ve been out of the rocket game since I jumped ship to cruisers in 2017…this is crazy to hear! I’m into performance baggers now and love it but considering getting a rocket 🚀 as a second bike! This is crazy.

[@Mr...N0body]

I'm just now getting into bikes.(I'm 15 years old) I just got a little 10hp moped to practice throttle control and slow turning. But when I have enough money I'm gonna go up to a zx6r. I feel like with the low power mode and little experience I have I'll be able to control it without dying lol

[@codystout3215]

i have a 23 zx6r, its really well balanced and is fun where i ride. Plenty of speed to do whatever in the streets, besides beat liter bikes on the interstates, but if you're riding a supersport on the interstate you're already doing it wrong.

[@adadadatt]

Good video but I feel like you should have talked about the CBR650R. It's still an inline four, at least

[@alexduey7868]

It’s not a super sport it makes almost 40 hP less then the cbr600rr in-line 4 built for the road gs the track. None of the bikes he listed are meant for anything but the track.

[@TrashedRedPanda]

The 600rr doesn't make 140hp. The 650 makes about 100hp compared to the 120ish of the 600rr.

[@Bloodmystic]

As the owner of a 2003 Honda CBR600 F4i it's very disappointing to see modern sports bikes being so underwhelming, most dudes today buy a an MT or a Z and think they have a rocket between their legs when in fact get smoked by 20 year + machines, the sports bike is sadly a dead market, I really hope the electric bikes get better miles and lower weight cause it will be our only hope soon.

[@Mattia.1973]

Had 600rr 2007 and a Zx6 2009 but none of the 2 can compare with the best in class, the Daytona. Best meddle class bike ever

[@PhoniiczZ]

Kawasaki producing inline 4 new 250s and 400s, love them.

[@rankin1289]

I had a yellow cbr f4 back in the early 2000s. It was an outstanding bike. But the rc51 was the dream!

[@paxcorpuse]

I rarely write comments, but this video deserves it. I have been riding motorcycles for over 10 years and I have to agree with you 100%. Back when I started out with a 125 then a Ninja 300 and then a Honda CBR 600RR PC37 I always wanted a 1000 but now I have to say that a 600 is so much better for country road riding than a 1000. In Germany I tried to import the new CBR (only for the racetrack) no chance. and the current R6 with the GYTR package is almost as expensive as an R1 (2000 € cheaper), unfortunately it's no longer worth buying. And with my current R6 Rj11 (although I'm not a particularly fast rider) I'm still faster on the track than 50% of 1000cc riders. Too many people underestimate the potential of a 600 and 99% (including me) can't really start with a 1000 any more than going faster on the straights. Finally I bought the new BMW S1000rr because in the 600 range there is unfortunately too little renewal but I hope that they will be back in fashion in 5-10 years.

[@imhaydenmelrose]

How has your BMW S1000rr been? I've been eyeing one myself.

[@master_ranch_of_the_runnin7289]

Im never getting rid of my gsxr 600. Too much blood, sweat, and skin went into that bike.

[@BluuSkyz]

I’m leaving the country and had to sell my 09cbr600.. I bought it all stock with 2400 miles on it. Sad day because I knew I’d probably not see another in-line 4 screamer in its condition.

[@thesuavearmadillo]

Just thought I’d share that Yamaha still makes the R6 but only as a race bike that’s not street legal so you can still buy one to this day. There’s a 2023 sitting in my local dealership all blacked out no lights or mirrors brand new from the factory.

[@Trevorbailey-i7s]

I jus got a new cbr650r with akrapovic sounds awsome. Would have loved it if the new 600rr was available here but atleast i stil got the inline 4 sound

[@lowkeyhim556]

Hope kawi keeps the 600 for stunt riding 🙏

[@powamoto]

Bro, I’ve been saying this is crazy only thing as a miss my ZX 7R😮

[@Daf0ck1]

In EU you cant buy any 600-750 cc super sports mean the RR - R6 - Gixers 600-750 or Zx6R. In 2015 ended at EU in USA and ASIA they are available sad...

[@finbeats]

0:15 how humble of you 🤣🤣