Mid-displacement motorbike have always been the choices of some beginners. It’s lighter and more flexible than the heavy bike, but at the same time it has a good performance of power output. It also has some electronic configurations required for quasi-large displacement. Although in recent years of the motorcycle market, there are not as many large-displacement vehicles around 600cc as before, but there are still many fine products. Today we will sort out the four main motorcycles and see which one is more suitable for beginners.
The prestigious Yamaha YZF-R6
Yamaha YZF-R6 is powered by a 599cc water-cooled four-stroke DOHC4 valve parallel four-cylinder engine with a maximum horsepower of 118.4 HP / 14500 rpm and weight of 190 kg.
The R6 focuses on track driving. As the top-ranked Yamaha mid-displacement brand positioning at Orthodox 600cc sports model, it has undergone another major overhaul in 2017, technically adopting many of the technologies of the flagship R1 and maintaining the original riding posture, ultra-high-speed 599cc side-by-side four-cylinder engine and solid chassis, which is a complete racing bike according to these respects.
Nevertheless, the current R6 is equipped with a 6-segment adjustable tracking control system and 3 power modes, which can change the maximum horsepower and throttle response more mildly. Although the sitting height is unsatisfactory, it is enough for daily riding to most riders.
Engine is the core of a vehicle. When the engine speed reaches 12,000 rpm, the real power of this car can be exerted, and at 14500 rpm it will reach its peak, and the red line area is at 16,000 rpm. And the torque between 10,000-1100 will be slightly insufficient, so if you want to reduce the time, you need superb riding skills to keep the speed above this, and not lowering the speed when cornering.
Overall, this bike still requires you to have some riding skills to exert its strength. If you are a novice in the absolute sense, keep scanning. But if you already have some riding experience, it is a choice.
Easy to use Kawasaki ZX-6R
The bike is powered by a 636cc water-cooled parallel four-cylinder engine with a maximum horsepower of 126 horsepower / 13500 rpm. This year's ZX-6R has made some changes, mainly in accordance with EU standards for exhaust, followed by adjustments in appearance, and finally a slight increase in displacement by 37cc.
And this slight increase in displacement will hardly affect daily riding and will not make you feel the lack of torque. The power output is very smooth, and the engine speed is between 8000-15000 rpm, especially the transition part is easy to get started. The maximum horsepower is more flexible than the R6 because of the increased displacement.
The front fork uses SHOWA's SFF-BP inverted fork, which is very soft and shock-absorbing, but does’t indicate that its support is insufficient. On the contrary, it’s very stable when taking a corner.
If running the R6 needs some skills , then the ZX-6R can basically run the best results. ZX-6R is not a racing model from a professional perspective, but its remarkable performance fits for riders with multiple pursuits.
Stimulating Honda CBR650R
Honda CBR650R, powered by a 648cc water-cooled side-by-side four-cylinder engine, the maximum power of CBR650R is 95 horsepower / 12,000 rpm, weighing 207 kg. This Honda CBR650R engine's output is very smooth, the engine speed is responsive. The engine speed will obviously increase at 8000 rpm. Although it reaches the red line at 13,000 rpm, there are still some improvements compared to the previous generation CBR650F.
The front fork uses a new inverted shock absorption, taking into account both rigidity and softness. The steel frame is equipped with a separate handlebar. Compared to the CB650R with an integrated handlebar, the body of separate handlebar will be more stable and ensuring you twist the throttle with confidence.
Compared to the CBR650F, the target positioning of the 650R is the street, so it is easier to handle and control than the racing characteristics model like the R6.
Beginner-friendly Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki Ninja 650, powered by a 649cc water-cooled four-valve parallel two-cylinder engine with a maximum horsepower of 68 hp / 8000 rpm, weighing 193 kg. As a well-known sports model under Kawasaki, Ninja has a good reputation in the fan circle.
Although Ninja 650 has a full-enveloping fairing in appearance, which makes it like a professional racing model, the actual riding performance is quite mild. This engine has plenty of power and torque at the mid-to-low engine speed. The vibration starts to become obvious after the engine speed reaches 6000 rpm, and the power increase will be relatively limited.
Because of this feature, it makes riders feel reassuring in handling. The overall center of gravity of the steel pipe frame is relatively low. The 41mm upright front fork with multi-link rear shock absorption provides a good riding sense. In addition, the knee does not need to bend too much. Equipped with 3 sections of windshields, you will not feel tired after riding for a long time.