14-04-15, 08:43 AM
I had a Bandit 12, then FZS 600, then a FZS1000 and am now back on an FZS 600. Big engines spoil you, even if they bring a lot of extra weight to the party.
Logically, the 600 should be all you need as a road bike, providing you work it through the gearbox and keep her on the boil. It can after all do about twice the UK speed limit if properly caned.
The 1000 with its 45+ extra ponies doesn't need anywhere near the same enthusiasm & effort to get it moving at warp speed, and that extra grunt is very, very addictive. But it's heavier, taller & has a longer wheelbase. It adds up to slower handling & a slightly higher Centre-Of-Gravity which at 5'8" I occasionally struggled with.
I find myself gunning the 600 to get to 80mph, whereas I found myself cruising on the 1000 at around the same speed, then deciding to gun it. When I fitted a 46t rear sprocket on the 1000 I found myself accidently speeding almost everywhere... if you have little self-control you could amass point very easily on the bigger bike.
If you add a passenger and luggage the 600 becomes less attractive, whereas the 1000 shrugs it off.
The 1000 guzzles 25% more fuel but gives 50% more power, but the running costs are not hugely different eg I could get nearly 6k from a ST rear tyre.
I'm currently trying to resist the lure of another 1000 but both bikes make great machines as long-termers
Logically, the 600 should be all you need as a road bike, providing you work it through the gearbox and keep her on the boil. It can after all do about twice the UK speed limit if properly caned.
The 1000 with its 45+ extra ponies doesn't need anywhere near the same enthusiasm & effort to get it moving at warp speed, and that extra grunt is very, very addictive. But it's heavier, taller & has a longer wheelbase. It adds up to slower handling & a slightly higher Centre-Of-Gravity which at 5'8" I occasionally struggled with.
I find myself gunning the 600 to get to 80mph, whereas I found myself cruising on the 1000 at around the same speed, then deciding to gun it. When I fitted a 46t rear sprocket on the 1000 I found myself accidently speeding almost everywhere... if you have little self-control you could amass point very easily on the bigger bike.
If you add a passenger and luggage the 600 becomes less attractive, whereas the 1000 shrugs it off.
The 1000 guzzles 25% more fuel but gives 50% more power, but the running costs are not hugely different eg I could get nearly 6k from a ST rear tyre.
I'm currently trying to resist the lure of another 1000 but both bikes make great machines as long-termers