I am currently considering a '05 1000rr over a kaw 636 ('06). I have driven a friends 636 and like its nimbleness. It never makes you feel like you have done something wrong. My friend is very new to riding while I am not (but I have not ridden in 10 years but rode big bikes like vmax and 750's then) and he says I should stick with the 636.

I like a nice smooth take-off when first starting out. I've read there is a lurch with the 05 1000 on take-off, is that true? If there is, is it caused by the hydraulic clutch? Also, does the hydraulic clutch feel ok or is it grabby or something?

 

Clutch feel is perfectly fine on the 1kRR -- don't know what you've read but maybe it was just a particular bike that had a problem. Mine is smooth. The hydraulic is as good or better than a traditional cable. Either bike will totally rip those old bikes you rode a new a-hole.

 

Well the '85 vmax was a handfull. It had 120 rwhp by 8k rpm and a light throttle spring. I'll never be the canyon racer I was and now just looking for something fun on the rest of the roads.

I was just looking at weight of the 600rr (july SR, 431) compared to the ' 05 1000 (July MC, 451), is the difference really only 20lbs?

 

Ya, Motorcyclist fills it up with fluids and gives you real numbers -- not those fairy land dry weight figures the manufacturers throw out there

 

20LBS can make a difference on the track, but in my opinion, not in real life riding. I've ridin' a 636 & it's great, but I love my Fireblade! The lurch forward could be a result from lack of clutch and throttle control. It's a matter of gettin' to know your machine!