hey fellas need some opinions on the 636. i'm riding my older bro's '98 YZF 600r this summer (first year riding) and over the winter/spring i'll be purchasing my own bike. i'm not really looking to move up in cc's (rode my bro's zx-9r a few times, and that **** is scary fast), the 600cc class bikes are more than enough for me.

so what are some pro's and con's with the 636? i hear it has a lot of low-end torque, which makes it more enjoyable to ride, is this true? anything tidbits of information you guys could give me would be great, i'm just looking to get some good information before i go drop several g's on a bike.

how would you compare the kawi to the other 600cc bikes? any and all opinions are appreciated.

thanks for your time,
R

 

hey dude. first off welcome to the forum. now to answer your questions.... moving up from a yzf 600 to a 636 is like night and day.... the 636 is lighter, really good torque, and very easy to lean... i have an 05 636, and i love it too death... . i've had a chance to ride almost all of the 600's to date and i really like the 636 the best.. for example, the honda 6rr nice bike but for long rides the seat become uncomfortable. the gxsr 600, another great bike. more of an aggresive type seating position... again not too good for long rides.... the triumph 650 great bike for the city and long rides, but it feels like to riding on a couch. it also feels like the power just doesn't pick up fast enough.. to me the 636 fits my riding style the best. but what it really comes down to is what you want in the bike. if you want the power with comfort then the 636 is your bike. it you want comport then the triumph 650 would be your best bet. what ever you chose post a pic. and remember gear up and ride safe......

 

It really depends on what you want to use the bike for. If you are leaning towards a street only bike for commuting and the occasional weekend ride, you may want to choose something that has good ergo's and the ability to adapt for a passenger, luggage, Etc. If you are looking for something more for the weekend canyon ride and occasional track day you could consider a more agressive riding positioned bike with better handling characteristics and a bit more power.

The 636 is a true sport bike with track ergo's and power. The power delivery is very linear (smooth) with a harder hit at the peak RPM's. Compared with the Suzuki which I felt the power was more primarily on the top similar to a two stroke. Don't get me wrong, the Suzuki had power, it wasn't as useable IMO for slow speed corners.
As Mad Kaw stated the 636 is very easy to ride and somewhat forgiving when it comes to cornering and lean angle. I found the handling equal to the R6 after some suspension adjustments.

It all comes down to what you want, what you like, and how you will use it. All of the major manufactured midsize bikes are great choices, I feel you can't go wrong. There are very few out there who can get 100% out of one of those bikes even in stock form.

As for any negatives about the 636 I'd have to say the lack of space under the seat area and the heat generated by the exhaust are my only thoughts there.

What ever you decide to do, go with your gut. After all, it's going to be your bike and you get to make the choice.

Good luck!

 

hey BANZAI, Well said......[sm=smiley32.gif]

 

I chose the 636 as my first bike. I have rode several others, but after reading the reviews and riding one, it was my choice. My only regret, not buying it sooner! It is an absolute blast to ride, handles like on rails. The seat isn't to bad, I have been on 5.5 hours rides on it with no problems. Not to mention being able to outrun other 600's and after my sprocket change keeping up with litre bikes.

 

I have an 05 636 and it is the best bike by far. I have ridden every other 600 and a couple 1000 THe GIxxer most popular bike sucks! power band is not smooth and not to mention the handling sucks it wants to stand up in turns.. My buddies spun a bearing at 6000 miles and thats not even riding it hard. The R6 is a great bike. doesnt handle quite as good and same with the honda. as for liter bikes my buddy has an 04 R1 and I am right there with him, i stayed with in a half a bike length all the way through 178. and the only mods i have is a pipe. so i def suggest the 636 over any bike. draw backs... digital tach (gone for next year) close mirrors and the debut of the steering dampner for 06

 

i've riden the Yamaha R6, Honda CBR's and Suzuki GSXR's, but i felt the 636 was the best out of all.

 

the 636 is an great bike. I have an 06 and it still has the digital tach is still there grafhky52. you might be thinking of the zx6rr.

 

I had a couple of problems with mine, but now all the probs equaled them selfs out. For a first bike, this is the one, the 05 has that wonderful seat that you dont slip into the tank at high speed or braking. Also it has some incredible gearing, its hard not to keep the front wheel down. Like all of us hear in the forum we love our kaws!!!They are great bikes, and the price is just as good! Also check out the new ninja 650 r, that bike looks pretty mean, and cheap to boot! If you have anymore questions, there are some of the best, and smartest motorcycle rides in this forum i have ever seen! so pic wisly, and stay in the kaw group, it is one great group!