Hey guys First off all Ive been a member here for quite a while but this is my first thread, so bare with me lol. I have been looking at RR's for along time now and have been going back and forth between new and used. Because, this will be my first street bike I will most likely get a used one probably an 03. However since I can afford a new one, I don't want to get an 03 and wish I had bought a new one. but at the same time I don't want to spend 8k-9k on my First street bike, especially if its not to much different from a used one. So I guess my question is, is there anything that the 06 RR's have that the 03's don't? Anything that I will wish I had a few months down the road? Id really appreciate input on this! Thanks Allot.

 

Also I have another slight dilema sp? I have always been a honda guy with dirtbikes, and I have never even considered getting a different brand street bike. However, one of my buddys works at a kawi dealership and can get me a 06 ZX636R for right above cost which is super good. I have always hated kawis though. When I was little I used to race a KX80 and I hated it, and said I would never own another kawi. However, I went in and sat on the 636 and it was actually pretty comfortable and the black one looked pretty good (I didn't like any of the other colors) I still like the looks of the RR so much more than the 636 but, I have been hearing some good things about how the 636 rides. Sorry, I know im on a CBR Forum, I proably will get flamed for talking about the Nija, but I thought I would see if I could get some input on both bikes, Thanks!

 

the 03's are a little different than the newer models. the newer ones have more power, lighter, inverted forks, etc. but the 03 isn't bad at all. what do you ride right now? you will still have fun with an 03. you can probably pick up an 04 or 05 for 6000. you won't be spending 8-9k unless you're looking for an 06. and if you're willing to spend that much you might as well wait until the 07's are out. if you don't like it when it comes out, the 06's will be cheaper for you to buy.

 

I always thought the 636 looked cool from a distance (in Kawi Green), but while setting on it, it looked cheap. I think Honda RRs and GSXR is a better quality product; Honda being at the top. I was sold on the RR by the user reviews stating how flickable the RR is over the rest. Personally I think you can't go wrong with any year RR, and as a beginner, I don't think you will notice the 9 pound difference or inverted/non-inverted forks between the 03-04 and 05-06.

 

03-04 = same
05-06 = 10pds lighter, dual fuel injector (they kill ur mpg)

 

You guys are right im sure I wouldn't notice those minor changes. The only thing is im think im going to buy from a dealer, So I don't want to get ripped on the price of a used one. Have any of you guys had any good luck with buying used from a dealer?

 

overpriced
u have to bargain with them

 

^^^ Yeah thats what ive been seeing. I think I suck at talking dealers down though lol . I almost bought an rr a while back but I could hardly talk the guy down at all, So i didn't get it. oh well ill keep trying I guess.

 

don't waste your time going to the dealer for a used bike. you'll get a better deal going private. i'd only go to the dealer for a new bike.

 

the 03 and 04's are pretty much the same but aren't exactly the same. look at the regulator/rectifier design. all RR's have dual injectors. not just the 05+

the 05/06's are slightly different also. the fairings are a little different as well as the other things i mentioned earlier. also i believe the key hole for the trunk was moved on the 05's. the 05/06's will perform better but for the original poster's skill level i'm sure an 03 will be just as good for him. i'm not sure if i would suggest getting an RR for a first bike though, but that's another topic to talk about. good luck finding a first bike.