I used to own one of these for a few years before I totalled it (and broke my collar bone in the process
), it's an M or N reg, steel framed cbr:
I rode around on a R6
for a few years before taking a break from bikes.
I'm now back as a biker via a 03 Fazer 600 for the last couple of months
So how do they compare?
For me it all comes down to your position on the bike - on a cbr it's a lot less sit up and beg and a more racy position (nothing like an old school GSXR where it felt like you where steering using the front wheel axle) but it is different. The Fazer feels like your perched up looking down on all the over vehicles. I think this has an effect on how I perceived the cbr and how I feel about the Fazer - the cbr feels like it wants to go faster, that it feels like it handles better too. On the Fazer it just feels right to use more of the torque of the engine and be in more of a touring mode.
Thats not to say you can't ride the Fazer like a loon but, to me, it doesn't feel as though that's what it's all about.
I don't know the power outputs or the percieved wisdom on the differences between the two bikes but I'd say the cbr beats the Fazer on most counts. The only four things that the Fazer does better are:
- tank range (I easlily get more than 260 miles ot a tank) - this I need,
- mpg 55-60mpg regardless of how I ride the bike .. this I like,
- the engine feels like it has much more torque .. this I like too,
- the front brakes are great - I don't remember exactly how good the brakes were on the my cbr but I don't remember them being as good as the Fazers.
I really like the Fazer but I loved the cbr .. and would probably kill to own another R6!
But that's me - I need my practical tank range (commute is very long) but I also love sporty bikes so I've had to compromise .. other people will obviously have their own views .. these are just mine.
Go with your heart is my best advice.
