Been looking at the new 600's and have to say http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/applause.gif, they are going to be a great package for racing. I was going to get a used 01-03 600 race prepped, but now I'm wondering if I should wait until the 04 comes out to see how much of a difference there is. I guess my ? is, do you guys think the new 04 600 (or 750 for that matter) offer distinct advantages that are worth having from a road race standpoint. I don't want to have to tear apart a new bike for racing, but I want one of those new bikes!!! They are SWEET http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just to add a bit, there has been other bikes that after a redesign offer more than a previous model that has been prepped. So say I buy a 01 600 with brake upgrades, suspension mods, and little goodies, could the new 04 600 be comparible to a 600 as just mentioned. Then I would still upgrade brake lines/pads, revalve suspension, etc. and have a even better package. Yeah, it would cost more, but that's a never ending battle.

I don't want to sound like a fool, just appreciate opinions from experience veterans and this particular area in the forum is where I've found the most of those. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Well, you can always prep the shit out of a used bike. If you're going to plan on winning supersport classes then a new bike will give you a leg up since you are getting advancements that are not class-legal to older bikes (because they come from the factory now). Just depends on how much money you have to drop on a racebike, and what your goals are with it.

The new 04 600 has much better forks so your suspension will be better right off the bat. I believe they are also using the new rear shock like the ones on the 03 1K which is considerable better too. I would say get the new one. You can take those plastics off and sell them for at least $1000 which will pay for your race plastics and some extras!
The engine is going to have a good deal more oomph than this years and the geometry has chnaged making it steeer better - I vote get a new one!
-SHane

IMHO I would say get an 01-03 prepped bike, especially if you are in your first or second year racing. Sure the 04 bike might be a little better, but you will prob go just as fast on the old one until you start going really fast. Any money saved can be spent on more tracktime, and that is what will really make you faster! As a Novice, it is more rider than bike. Try to get some undurance racing in... tracktime...tracktime...tracktime.. then get the new up-to-date bike.

If you have already raced a couple years or are racing Expert, and you want to run some Nationals, then you might benefit from the 04. You can easliy be competitive in Regional Supersport/Superstock on an 01-03.

Good luck... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif