Just by a simple look, it might be difficult to tell the difference between a 600 cc and a 1000 cc sports bike to the untrained eye. The only visible difference is the badges on the fairings stating 600 cc and 1000 cc. I’d always wondered what the distinctions were between a 600 cc sports bike and a 1000 cc sports bike before my first ride on both.
The Most Significant Differences Between 600 and 1000cc Sports Bikes
There are additional obvious (and not-so-obvious) distinctions between 600 cc and 1000 cc sports bikes other from pricing. Except perhaps if you are novice, it is easy to believe that a 1000 cc is always better than a 600 cc. But it’s a little more complicated than that, and for some, making the decision may be challenging.
This is a challenge that is affecting many people and it is high time we shed some light for both experts and novice riders. It is for this reason we have listed down a few major distinctions between the two bikes to simplify things for you.
Power
The power disparity between a 600cc sports bike and a liter motorcycle is clear. A 600 appears to be fairly similar to a 1000. It is already fast enough to get you into severe trouble. Therefore it’s easy to believe the difference in power can’t be that significant. Guess one more! The four Japanese superbikes considered the most common have a 70 percent increase in power on average (from 115 hp to 196 hp).
Take a look at the Suzukis to see how different some 600s are from their 1000 cc big siblings. A GSX-R600 produces 104 horsepower, but a GSX-R1000R produces 199.2!
Then there’s the fact that a 600 and a 1000 weigh nearly the same (6 percent difference on average). Yet the litre bike’s engine is 400 cc (67 percent) larger, resulting in 78 percent more torque on average. And, as we’ll see later, this is critical.
Where is the torque delivered?
These motorcycles were created with one goal in mind: to travel quickly across a race course. That is how the ergonomics have been put up and how they have been geared. Even though a 600 cc motorcycle is far too fast for the road when driven high in the rev band where maximum power is supplied, it is dead at 4000 rpm.
Before a 600 starts to wake up, the engine must be rotating at least at 7000 RPM. This means more gear changes in traffic and on the highway to keep the bike moving.
On a litre bike, however, regardless of engine speed, there is always enough torque. You’re off when you open the throttle to 4000 rpm in any gear. Some riders enjoy this. They claim that they are too lazy to shift gears frequently and simply want to be able to twist the throttle to drop traffic as needed (or desired). On a 1000 cc sports bike, you’ll be traveling way too fast at 7 000 rpm.
The power’s usability
If you’ve never ridden a sports bike before, the internet forums can be deceiving. Some riders believe that a 600 cc motorcycle is too slow low in the rpm range. At the same time, a 1000 cc motorcycle is more comfortable because of the low down torque. The truth is that both have more than enough power for any legal pace. However, the 1000 will require some caution.
The difference between the two is most noticeable on the track. In a straight line, the 1000 cc will always beat the 600 cc. That isn’t to say that a 600cc sports bike will always lose to a 1000cc motorcycle. When accelerating out of a turn on a 600 cc sports bike, inexperienced riders will be able to lay down the power more consistently.
Speed in the corners
When you watch pro riders on a racing track, you’ll notice that a 600 turns faster than a litre bike. By driving in faster and rolling on maximum power early, a 600 will carry greater speed throughout the turn. On a 1000, the rider will accelerate out strong by cutting more speed before the corner, turning in sharper, and using the mountain of torque.
On a 1000 cc, amateurs are generally slower around a bend owing to holding back. We then have to compensate on the straight, squandering power.
Dimensions and weight
Some larger riders suggest upgrading to a 1000cc motorcycle simply because it is more comfortable. I’m 6 feet tall and have a very average build, so the Honda CBR 600 RR was ideal for me. While the difference isn’t significant, the 1000 cc Fireblade required me to reach a little higher over the tank.
The average 600 cc sports bike weighs 424 pounds, whereas the 1000 cc sports bike weighs roughly 24 pounds more. That’s only 6% extra, which is little in comparison to the 400 cc increase (and an average power jump of 81 hp).
The 600s are more enjoyable.
I can’t speak with authority about track use (which is where these bikes shine). However, on the road, the CBR 600 RR was a lot more enjoyable than the 1000 cc Fireblade. To keep up the pace through a mountain pass, the 600cc must be revved up higher and gearshifts are required. It’s more entertaining than merely turning the throttle in any gear to move the 1000.
600cc versus 1000cc Sports Bikes Specifications
With the exception of BMW’s S 1000 RR, none of the manufacturers publish power and torque data on their websites. It’s no surprise given that the BMW S 1000 RR outperforms all Japanese competitors in terms of power and weight by a significant margin! I’ve never tested a motorcycle that I enjoyed as much as the S 1000 RR.
Conclusion
According to many people who have tested the two bikes, many have favored the 600CC over the 1000CC bikes. However, the final decision always lies with the buyer. Always go for what’s best for you.
