News Article Sept 18, 2002 (d)

Rideamotorcycle.com is the newest motorcycle Internet web site, one that takes a totally fresh approach to catering to the street-oriented two-wheeled enthusiast. Rideamotorcycle.com is focused on 3 groups; the established street motorcycle rider, new motorcyclists, or those who do not currently ride motorcycles but are curious about learning to do so. Rideamotorcycle.com LLC Editor at Large: Bill Heald Webmaster: Mark Lesselyoung Publisher: Dean Adams 600 Class Battle Heats Up Exotic Features New for '03 Models By Evan Williams There was a time when 600 class bikes were low-end models, aimed at beginners and the budget-conscious. They were utilitarian, penned with a broad design initiative, and had many components straight from the standard parts bin. That time has long since passed, with 2003 marking a new high water mark for the 600 class with new models from Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki that break new ground.

Consumers benefit from the manufacturers' focus. These days fuel injection abounds, along with racing-inspired handling. These 600s are serious machines and not intended for the faint of heart.

Yamaha's 2003 R6 now weighs in at 357 pounds dry after Yamaha gave their venerable steed a "90 percent" rework. The styling is reminiscent of the R1 and the model is now fuel injected. Yamaha claims 123 horsepower for their latest generation 600. A new frame is said to be 50 percent stronger than the previous version and the swingarm is 10 millimeters longer.

Honda has a new version of their 600 that will be sold alongside the CBR600F4I next year. It is called the CBR600RR and is marketed as drawing plenty of cues from the RC211V MotoGP bike, including styling. Mechanically, a new, more compact engine allowed Honda engineers to move the mill to a theoretically more advantageous spot a revised frame. A dual-injector fuel injection system is also new for '03.

Kawasaki has two new 600s -- the ZX-6R which now displaces 636cc and the racy ZX-6RR. The ZX-6R has a revamped engine with more displacement than any other 600 class bike and is now fuel injected. Radial brakes and a reworked headlight area are also worthy of note.

The ZX6RR is a Supersport racer's dream, with a class-first slipper clutch and adjustable swingarm pivot coming standard. A new frame complements a short-stroke engine with fuel injection. A race kit is also available.