Suzuki Gixxers Just For Track? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Novaz3 · 09-01-2005, 11:05 PM

If sports bikes are only made for racing then why are they put on the road? Try to understand what I am asking before you blast me. I was looking for a new bike in the sports bike realm but ppl keep telling me the Honda CBR, Gixxer and Ninja are for the track not the road but I was looking for an overall all around comfortable sports bike.

stevie c · 09-01-2005, 11:11 PM

All sportsbikes are fine on the road, if you sat a proper motoGP bike next to a street legal/straight out the crate road bike you can see loads of differences.

When people say they are just for the track I have personally found its because sportsbikes just aren't to their taste.

90% of the people I ride with are on sportsbikes, we can't all be wrong!

I am not saying that they are for everybody, in the right hands these bikes are awesome on the track or on the road. They aren't beginners bikes but they are fine for road use. Comfort wise, I have never had a problem, and a good example of this is Gixxerdale, he goes massive distances on his Gixer thou.

**inspiron** · 09-02-2005, 02:14 AM

Supersports bikes like the Gixxer are NOT comfortable. If you are looking for a comfortable ride (without going for a cruiser), look at the SV650 or the Katana. Or if you want it a bit more sporty, the SV650S.

MY OPINION

Riding a tank-humper is just not comfortable. And since your head is lower, your view of traffic is restricted, and other vehicles have more chance of overlooking you. I prefer to sit more upright, where I can look over most small cars, or through the windows of a minivan that may be in front of me. Riding with my chin on the tank just leads to neck strain (in my case).

P-Low · 09-02-2005, 09:25 AM

comfort is in the eye of the beholder... my svs is very comfortable! and i have no problem seeing in traffic. and i do beleive my seat height is heigher then a cruisers so other people seein me is not a problem especially with the reflective material i wear...

viper94bite · 09-02-2005, 09:38 AM

i was just thinking that. even though on a sport bike your position is lower the seat heights are higher so it evens out.

JES883 · 09-02-2005, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viper94bite

i was just thinking that. even though on a sport bike your position is lower the seat heights are higher so it evens out.

+1
And no matter what, I'm still higher on the gixxer than when in the cage.

jsvickers · 09-02-2005, 11:47 AM

Typically when people here point out that super-sport bikes are built for the track and not the streets, they are telling it to some newbie who has zero experience on a bike and thinks a GXR-600 is a nice, safe, beginner's bike just because it's 600cc.

If you have plenty of riding experience, buy what you want. If you are new to motorcycles, then buy something that isn't going to spin out from under you if you give it a little too much gas in a turn... http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9685

**Clint** · 09-02-2005, 02:08 PM

Good to have you back, Novaz. Who else would ask such an honest, insightful question?

The answer is that you cannot possibly use the potential of a sportbike on the street without being completely foolish. The ergonomics are designed for that unusable performance, and are therefore unecessary.

There's no good reason to ride a race prep bike on the street other than to look the part, unless you really like it better than any other bike. Most people who ride 600 supersports wouldn't consider anything else for fear of being labelled "uncool", so they don't know what bike is most appropriate for them.

JES883 · 09-02-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Good to have you back, Novaz. Who else would ask such an honest, insightful question?

The answer is that you cannot possibly use the potential of a sportbike on the street without being completely foolish. The ergonomics are designed for that unusable performance, and are therefore unecessary.

There's no good reason to ride a race prep bike on the street other than to look the part, unless you really like it better than any other bike. Most people who ride 600 supersports wouldn't consider anything else for fear of being labelled "uncool", so they don't know what bike is most appropriate for them.

I'm not so sure I agree with you on this. I bought a GSX-R600 because I wanted to take advantage of cutting edge technology. I wanted it because it was so drastically different from my HD 883 Sportster. I wanted it to experience something new, yet still fit within the realm of my one true passion - riding motorcycles.

I continue to ride it because of the technology. Because it's not my Sportster (I like the gixxer better). Nobody understands why I prefer the gixxer over the sporty, except those who have ridden sportbikes. My next bike? It'll be another sportbike. A GSX-R1000 or an R1. Do I NEED this on the street? Nope. Do I want it for all of the above reasons? Yep.

But, I will take you post literally, because you worded it so well. To your statement of "you cannot possibly use the potential of a sportbike on the street without being completely foolish" you may be right, but knowing it's there seems to make a big difference to me. Yes, I have a 600 because I fit into the "unless you really like it better than any other bike" category. I don't fit into the "Most people who ride 600 supersports wouldn't consider anything else" category either, as described by me above.

Now, to Novaz3's question: why are they on the road? Because people will buy them and money can be made.

nhoel · 09-02-2005, 03:37 PM

Each bike has it's own purpose... Cruisers are meant for easy riding/learning... However, for my next bike in 2 years... I'll be getting the Hayabusa!!! They do better on hiways to my opinion because of the aerodynamic design. Plus on making turns and cornering... the mufflers are designed in it so you can lean it lower to the ground than you could with a cruiser (mufflers are sometimes under your seat). It's easier to be one with the bike on a sportbike than in a cruiser. Moving past 65 on a cruiser makes you act like a big sail on it...

Dizzle · 09-02-2005, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhoel

Each bike has it's own purpose... Cruisers are meant for easy riding/learning... However, for my next bike in 2 years... I'll be getting the Hayabusa!!! They do better on hiways to my opinion because of the aerodynamic design. Plus on making turns and cornering... the mufflers are designed in it so you can lean it lower to the ground than you could with a cruiser (mufflers are sometimes under your seat). It's easier to be one with the bike on a sportbike than in a cruiser. Moving past 65 on a cruiser makes you act like a big sail on it...

Plus turns and cornering eh? Interesting....there happens to be 3 busa's in my little town along with a few gixxers and then there's me on my SVS and we hit it pretty good down some twisty country roads and naturally the gixxers are leading most days and then there's me usually with in a bike length but the busas aren't really close- ever. Don't get me wrong they're not blown away but from what I've seen they're for **** in the twisties, granted when we plane out on a straight I'm chillin in the back and the busa's a nothing but a spec on the horizon in front of me. And I wouldn't say its really the riders 2 of them have been hitting it hard for years on these bikes and 1 is a former superbike instructor from cali that just moved here.........hmm don't get it, I've never cared enough to ask maybe they're being cautious or they are worthless in the twisties.........anybody else have some input??

**87gsxrnut** · 09-03-2005, 12:30 AM

Quote:

And I wouldn't say its really the riders 2 of them have been hitting it hard for years on these bikes and 1 is a former superbike instructor from cali that just moved here.........hmm don't get it, I've never cared enough to ask maybe they're being cautious or they are worthless in the twisties.........anybody else have some input??

Yeah. Most racers/ex-racers I know including myself don't give a crap about pushing it on the street.

- Nut

Dizzle · 09-03-2005, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

Yeah. Most racers/ex-racers I know including myself don't give a crap about pushing it on the street.

- Nut

so what would you say about the "busas being great in the twisties" comment are they really? I've always just thought of them as a drag only casket bike

stevie c · 09-03-2005, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

....The answer is that you cannot possibly use the potential of a sportbike on the street without being completely foolish. The ergonomics are designed for that unusable performance, and are therefore unecessary.

There's no good reason to ride a race prep bike on the street other than to look the part, unless you really like it better than any other bike. Most people who ride 600 supersports wouldn't consider anything else for fear of being labelled "uncool", so they don't know what bike is most appropriate for them.

Got to disagree mate, I don't ride a Gixer 600 because I think I would be talked about or looked down on if I had anything else. I ride it because I like the way it looks/sounds/performs (even if I don't use it 100%).

I have friends on SV's/Bandits etc., and none of them are labelled 'uncool'.
We are all bikers, there is no class difference in my group of friends.

**87gsxrnut** · 09-03-2005, 11:01 AM

A 'Busa set up correctly can handle just about anything the street can offer.

- Nut

**Clint** · 09-03-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JES883

I don't fit into the "Most people who ride 600 supersports wouldn't consider anything else" category either, as described by me above.

Actually that's exactly where you fit. You admit not needing the performance that the 600 offers, yet you won't consider a more street-friendly bike and still plan on buying a bike that's even more in excess. That's exactly what I meant.

For the record, I really like the 600s. I hope to own one as a second bike one day. Knowing Novaz as I do, I knew that his question was intended to stir the pot regarding new riders and superbikes. My response was directed mostly at him.

**Uncle Bob** · 09-03-2005, 05:38 PM

The question is why are they put on the road not why do people ride/buy them.

Answer is simple, it's legal and profitable for the bike companies.

Despite my conservative and safety oriented position here, I have no problem with them being sold and ridden by people on the street. They're overkill for most riders but then so are most SUV's and sportscars.

But I wish there was a way to make sure only experienced riders could ride them because they surely aren't the best learning tools for anybody who has never ridden.

Dizzle · 09-03-2005, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

They're overkill for most riders but then so are most SUV's and sportscars.

+1 Acutally you could say they're overkill for any rider (from a legal stand point) considering the mph capabilities are well beyond our speed limits. But so can everything street legal out there, but the "R"s can just get there a hell of a lot quicker

Novaz3 · 09-06-2005, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

For the record, I really like the 600s. I hope to own one as a second bike one day. Knowing Novaz as I do, I knew that his question was intended to stir the pot regarding new riders and superbikes. My response was directed mostly at him.

LOL well you know me rowdy, oh by the way congrats on the baby

**Clint** · 09-06-2005, 11:32 PM

Thanks bud. He's our little hero.

09-01-2005, 11:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Novaz3 Clunked into first gear Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Woodmore, Maryland Posts: 239	Suzuki Gixxers Just For Track? If sports bikes are only made for racing then why are they put on the road? Try to understand what I am asking before you blast me. I was looking for a new bike in the sports bike realm but ppl keep telling me the Honda CBR, Gixxer and Ninja are for the track not the road but I was looking for an overall all around comfortable sports bike. __________________ The dangers not shooting for the moon or stars and not acheiving, the danger is shooting to low and acheiving.

09-01-2005, 11:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
stevie c Sit speling cheker Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: GSX-R 600 K1 Location: Northants,UK Posts: 1,631	All sportsbikes are fine on the road, if you sat a proper motoGP bike next to a street legal/straight out the crate road bike you can see loads of differences. When people say they are just for the track I have personally found its because sportsbikes just aren't to their taste. 90% of the people I ride with are on sportsbikes, we can't all be wrong! I am not saying that they are for everybody, in the right hands these bikes are awesome on the track or on the road. They aren't beginners bikes but they are fine for road use. Comfort wise, I have never had a problem, and a good example of this is Gixxerdale, he goes massive distances on his Gixer thou. __________________ Stevie C '02 Gixer 600 K1,Yellow and Black (fastest colour!), always beats red ones!! Why put off until tomorrow what you can get someone else to do for you today. Last edited by stevie c; 09-02-2005 at 07:54 AM.

09-02-2005, 02:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,070	Supersports bikes like the Gixxer are NOT comfortable. If you are looking for a comfortable ride (without going for a cruiser), look at the SV650 or the Katana. Or if you want it a bit more sporty, the SV650S. MY OPINION Riding a tank-humper is just not comfortable. And since your head is lower, your view of traffic is restricted, and other vehicles have more chance of overlooking you. I prefer to sit more upright, where I can look over most small cars, or through the windows of a minivan that may be in front of me. Riding with my chin on the tank just leads to neck strain (in my case). __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

09-02-2005, 09:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
P-Low Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Sv650s Location: Vegas, Nellis AFB Posts: 86	comfort is in the eye of the beholder... my svs is very comfortable! and i have no problem seeing in traffic. and i do beleive my seat height is heigher then a cruisers so other people seein me is not a problem especially with the reflective material i wear... __________________ ®ide hard † ®ide safe

09-02-2005, 09:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
viper94bite Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Location: omaha, ne Posts: 1,792	i was just thinking that. even though on a sport bike your position is lower the seat heights are higher so it evens out. __________________ *yippee*

09-02-2005, 11:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
jsvickers Ditch Magnet Joined: Jun 2004 Bike: 2004 Katana 750 Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Posts: 162	Typically when people here point out that super-sport bikes are built for the track and not the streets, they are telling it to some newbie who has zero experience on a bike and thinks a GXR-600 is a nice, safe, beginner's bike just because it's 600cc. If you have plenty of riding experience, buy what you want. If you are new to motorcycles, then buy something that isn't going to spin out from under you if you give it a little too much gas in a turn... http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9685

09-02-2005, 03:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
nhoel Wants Better Weather Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: 2005 C50T Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 662	Each bike has it's own purpose... Cruisers are meant for easy riding/learning... However, for my next bike in 2 years... I'll be getting the Hayabusa!!! They do better on hiways to my opinion because of the aerodynamic design. Plus on making turns and cornering... the mufflers are designed in it so you can lean it lower to the ground than you could with a cruiser (mufflers are sometimes under your seat). It's easier to be one with the bike on a sportbike than in a cruiser. Moving past 65 on a cruiser makes you act like a big sail on it... __________________ Cash Only!!!

09-03-2005, 11:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
87gsxrnut Ho Dog Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 867-5309 Location: Terror Lake Posts: 4,224	A 'Busa set up correctly can handle just about anything the street can offer. - Nut __________________ Person or person's unknown.

09-03-2005, 05:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	The question is why are they put on the road not why do people ride/buy them. Answer is simple, it's legal and profitable for the bike companies. Despite my conservative and safety oriented position here, I have no problem with them being sold and ridden by people on the street. They're overkill for most riders but then so are most SUV's and sportscars. But I wish there was a way to make sure only experienced riders could ride them because they surely aren't the best learning tools for anybody who has never ridden. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

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