Anyways, my previous bike was the Ninja 500R. I bought that bike for the fuel economy but quickly learned that this bike was not best suited for traffic on the interstate. While it was capable of interstate speeds, it lacked the HP to get out of hairy situations near exit and on ramps. Three weeks ago, I traded it in for the new ZZR600 and I am absolutely in love.

The ZZR600 is a Cadillac compared to the Ninja 500. I haven't ridden many motorcycles but for someone who wants fuel economy, safety, low insurance rates, and good looks, I cannot imagine a better bike than the ZZR600.

You will find hardcore racers out there who will critique the ZZR600 and how it can't beat a Busa but who cares? I don't want to win any races. I have the perfect bike and I didn't have to go deep into debt because of it.

As for beginners, I don't believe this is a beginner's bike. A Ninja 500 is a beginner's bike. The ZZR600 has sensitive throttle response that isn't good for a beginner and considering that, there is 95 HP to boot; this may be too much bike for someone who has never ridden. That is my opinion and not everyone will agree. I can say that even after riding my old 500 for 6,500 miles, I was a bit intimidated when I started on the ZZR600.

I now have 1100 miles on my new bike (out of break-in constraints) and am excited to get the bike out of traffic and see what it can really do. But so far, this bike has been very quick in close traffic situations.

One last thing for anyone considering this bike - This is a sport bike. It is the exact bike as the 2002 ZX-6r. Fortunately, insurance classifies the zzr600 as a sport-touring bike and my insurance is low.