[96SNAKE]

Originally posted by kiku2sleep
I wouldn’t get anything over a 600. All of the newer race replica 600s will put your balls in your throat. The best thing to do is to go to the dealership and sit on all the bikes. The second I sat on the gixxer I knew it was the one for me. I am totally satisfied with my bike. I now have about 11,000 miles one it and I haven't had any problems. Don’t be a squid, get some good gear and wear it. Take the MSF course, and I would recommend reading A Twist of the Wrist 1&2 by Keith Code. It is also a good practice to keep the rubber side down.

The dealership near me has both, the Ducati and GSXr's to choose from. Personally, I really do like the idea of the 4valve engines in the Suzuki but the racing look bothers me a little. I like the body style of the GSX but I wish it had a mono-color look instead of the "check me out racing" thing. As ridiculous as it seems, can they be professionally painted? The idea of the logos on one color works for me. I think the 600 is a little lighter than the Ducati too. Probably by about 40 lbs.

How is the torque on the 600GSXr? I hear you have to rev them and really kick the gears down to get moving but once you do, they really do move. Keep in mind, I want a bike that will be comfy enough for highway commutes.

Comfort wise, they are similar but the Ducati seems like it would better for the longer rides and twisties. My salesman said he had both and we went over the postives of each. I asked him given the same price, what would he recommmend? He said the Ducati for everything else but straight line performance. Unless I opted for the 4 valve Duc's but at 15k, I just can't justify it. 10k is my ceiling for this whole thing and if I could do it for around 9, even better.