Muse back!
March 25, 2006 / Saturday
My R1/R6 Obsession Returns
I've been enamored with the new Kawasaki 650R since I saw one at Femmoto last year. Bluepoof said they had one at Grand Prix, so we went this afternoon to check it out.
The verdict: Eh, it's okay.
Only okay, you ask? Yup, only okay. No 650R for me.
I took the opportunity to sit on a bunch of other sportbikes while I was there, though, most notably the 2005 R1 and R6. I was surprised to find that they fit me very well.
Very, VERY well, actually. They were light, the handlebars weren't ridiculously low like on the 636 (I loved the bike on the track, but didn't want one for regular riding), and I could almost get both feet down flat.
Not to mention, the Raven color scheme is very, VERY hot (the Flames scheme doesn't suck either). I've drooled over R1s and R6s since well before I could ride, but now I'm past drooling. I'm hugging. Yes, I hugged the R1 at the dealership. I couldn't help myself.
I must have one.
March 25, 2006 05:55 PM | Motorcycle
Comments
"I could almost get both feet down flat." != "they fit me very well. Very, VERY well, actually."
Posted by: Anonymous at March 27, 2006 11:27 AM
Not *just* 'cause of that ...
That barrier's just a bit lower now, that's all.
No pun intended. ;)
Posted by: Viv at March 27, 2006 11:32 AM
>"I could almost get both feet down flat." != "they fit me very well. Very, VERY well, actually."
Piffle. Total ==. Not all riders have huge inseams. ;)
Posted by: carolyn at March 27, 2006 01:19 PM
what, no pics?
Posted by: andrea at March 27, 2006 02:27 PM
Here's the 2005 R1. The R6 is slightly less hot, but pretty damned close.
http://www.sanjoseyamaha.com/2005/sport/05_mcy_R1_blk_4_4759.jpg
Posted by: Viv at March 27, 2006 02:30 PM
Here's the 2006 R6S. Mmm ... want.
http://www.sanjoseyamaha.com/2006/sportbikes/r6s_action.jpg
Posted by: Viv at March 27, 2006 02:34 PM
Oof! Grand Prix evil! Grand Prix evil! I can't speak one way or another to their sales, but their parts department sucks. I've purchased from 'em 4 times now and all 4 times were annoying. Incorrect bar end, wrong chain tool (enh, 520, 525, whatever it takes, right?), did not stock SV650 chain or sprockets (wtf - you dont stock the OEM chain and sprockets for your dealer's most popular bike?!), and one "Oh, wait, we didn't actually get ALL the parts you ordered".
Big thumbs down from me!
That said, the R1/R6 do have a pretty high drool-factor :) I was seriously looking at the R1 before I wussed out and got the Duc.
Posted by: Chris Weiss at March 27, 2006 08:42 PM
"wussed out and got the Duc" ... ha!
I stop to admire that Duc every time I happen upon it in the lot. :)
Posted by: Viv at March 27, 2006 09:31 PM
Our last two bikes have been from Grand Prix -- decent sales department there.
Have you found a parts dept *anywhere* in the Bay Area that stocks anything anymore (serious question, not being a smartass)? I can't remember the last time I could just walk into a dealership and walk out with the part I wanted. I do almost all of my parts acquisition online now. Sigh.
Posted by: carolyn at March 27, 2006 10:01 PM
not of the bike! of you! on the bike!
Posted by: andrea at March 28, 2006 11:50 AM
Oh. But why would you want to see that? I would just detract from the bike. Mmm ... pretty bike.
Posted by: Viv at March 28, 2006 12:36 PM
Point take on the parts department thing. I've had the best luck at Road Rider & Cycle Gear, although neither of them actually had an SV chain in stock either.
Posted by: Chris Weiss at March 30, 2006 06:16 PM