Best Used 600cc Supersport Bikes

Despite the arrival and instant sales success of the 2024 Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki bringing out an updated ZX-6R, the 600cc supersport segment still hasn’t as many new options available as it once had. Once one of the hottest and most fiercely contested classes in the motorcycle world, the industry has shifted away from these sporty, highly-strung little beasts.

Changing economic conditions in the mid-2000s led to big price hikes for Japanese bikes, which made up a good chunk of the supersport sector. Shifting fashions - including the rise of the adventure bike - haven’t helped 600cc screamers either.

Aside from the aforementioned Kawasaki and Honda plus the Yamaha YZF-R6 of 2017 (itself relegated to ‘track-only’ status in 2021 due to heightened emission rules), 600s spent over a decade improving little. 

But if you want one – and as ‘junior’ superbikes with all the affordability and real-world performance that implies, why wouldn’t you? – there are still plenty of used choices available. But what should you look for? What do they deliver, and which are the best? Here’s our experts’ choice:

1. Honda CBR600RR (2013-2018)

• Engine 599cc four Power 107bhp Torque 45ft/lb

• Weight 194kg  Seat height 820mm Price used £6,000-9,700

Before the new one arrived in 2024, this was the last incarnation of arguably the best supersports 600 of all. And this is why the 2013 CBR-RR gets our overall No. 1 ranking. The preceding 2009-on CBR was already brilliant. Perhaps not the fastest, but fast enough, comfortable and durable. The 2013 update saw a distinctive new nose (again apparently inspired by the then MotoGP RCV), lighter frame, lighter 12-spoke cast wheels, new ignition mapping and new Show Big Piston front forks.

From the saddle, those changes are barely perceptible, although they’re undoubtedly welcome. What it represents, though, is the best, most recent example of probably the best supersports of all – especially when you add in Honda’s legendary quality, durability and reliability. Until the new one arrived, Michael Dunlop still used this example to win Supersport 600 TT races. And if it’s good enough for him…

What we said: “Aside from how good the brakes are, what stood out to me during these 15 laps in slow-motion was how sharp the throttle is.”

Pros
* Further improved version of classic CBR
* Revised styling
* C-ABS brakes and BPF forks

Cons
* Often overlooked
* Lacks raw performance of some
* Among priciest

You can read our Honda CBR600RR-C (ABS) review here.

2. Triumph Daytona 675 (2006-2018)

• Engine 675cc triple Power 126bhp Torque 54lb ft

• Weight 162kg  Seat height 820mm Price used £3,500-9,000

Back when the Daytona 675 was launched in 2006, Triumph had a lot to prove. Its previous supersports efforts – the TT600, Daytona 600 and Daytona 650 – weren’t completely useless, but seemed to prove that any attempt to take on the Japanese in this part of the market was impossible. By thinking outside the box and reducing the cylinder count by a quarter, while upping the capacity by an eighth, Triumph hit upon a winning recipe that was truly surprising.

Suddenly a Triumph was a viable alternative to a mainstream Japanese sports bike – and there wasn’t even a premium to pay. In fact, it wasn’t just a rival; in many situations, the extra torque means that the Daytona 675 is simply a better bike to ride than a screaming four-cylinder 600. Despite being bigger in capacity, it actually feels physically smaller – and particularly slimmer – than some fours. Regular updates since its launch mean that, while the current bike is still clearly related to the original, it’s a notably better machine, gaining kit like ABS as well as styling changes and other technical tweaks. 

Used prices for low-mileage examples start at under £4,000 and rise to more than twice that for late, up-specced ‘R’ versions.

What we said: “Triumph has ticked nearly every box with the new Daytona. It is different from other 600's and a joy to ride.”

Pros
* Fun on track and road
* Distinctive triple character
* It’s BRITISH!

Cons
* Smaller than some
* Suspension needs firming for track
* Later 765 better

Read our Triumph Daytona 675 review here.

3. Kawasaki ZX-6R (2013-2016)

• Engine 636cc four Power 120bhp Torque 51lb ft

• Weight 192kg Seat height 815mm Price used £4,600-7,500

Kawasaki’s supersport 600 offering, the ZX-6R, may have rarely been the best, but its 2013-2016 model was probably the closest to it. Its advantages were simple. While others mostly carried over their bikes with minor tweaks, the 2013-on ZX-6R was largely new, with redesigned styling, a fresh chassis and a revamped engine that was (again) up-sized to 636cc. That 37cc advantage over its rivals is important, adding a touch of torque and flexibility that others lacked.

On the tech front, the Kawasaki was a leader, too, with Showa BPF forks, multi-mode traction control, multiple engine maps and ABS. It had all the kit most were expecting to see years ahead of its most obvious rivals. There are those who will tell you that a 600 doesn’t need traction control or ABS, but they’re wrong – this is kit that pays for itself the moment it saves you from one accident, whether brought on by idiocy, absent-mindedness, over-enthusiasm or an external factor. On the used market, 2013 models are dropping below the £6k mark, with damaged or repaired ones cheaper.

Pros
* Peak supersports performance/fun
* But easy to ride, too
* Latest electronics and cycle parts

Cons
* Peak supersports price, too
* Not the most comfortable 
* Limited practicality

4. Yamaha R6 (2008-2016)

• Engine 599cc four Power 133bhp Torque 51lb ft

• Weight 166kg Seat height 850mm Price used £5,000-8,500

While the all-new 2006 Yamaha R6 grabbed headlines with its 17,500rpm redline and more, its 2008 successor upped the ante further. It lost yet more weight and introduced ride-by-wire, which in turn enabled the increasing introduction of electronic rider aids.

The improvements ensured it was the benchmark in the class for almost decade – so much that it became the go-to bike for supersport racers not just in short circuit racing but also at the TT. Sharp, light, powerful, and nimble, it was the fastest, sportiest supersport 600 of all at the time – although many would argue Honda’s more rounded and more comfortable CBR600RR was the better road bike. If it’s the Yamaha for you, just watch out for thrashed and trashed ex-race or track day examples.

What we said: “Our undisputed king of the Supersport class for 2009.”

Pros
* Class leading performance
* Pin-sharp handling
* Racing pedigree

Cons
* Low screen and limited comfort
* Not the most practical
* Watch for ex-racers

You can read our long-distance review of the Yamaha R6 here.

5. Kawasaki ZX-6R (2019-2021)

• Engine 636cc four Power 128bhp Torque 52lb ft

• Weight 196kg Seat height 830mm Price used £8000-9000

It’s not much different to the preceding model, which is why it ranks lower, here – after all, why spend more on a newer model when the older one is just as good for less? Regardless, the sheer fact that it was updated at all at a time when most rivals were leaving the class in droves is to be commended and is desirable, and the base bike is undeniably good. 

The main changes are to its styling, some detail touches and overall gearing. Add in some top-notch electronics and chassis components, competitive performance and a classy finish and you’ve got a very strong argument for being one of the best all round used supersports 600s you can buy.

What we said: “The little ZX-6R has many strings to its bow. Most of which make it more than just a machine to go hunting apexes on track when it’s sunny.”

Pros
* Reasonable practicality for a supersports
* One of the best ZX-6Rs
* Excellent build quality

Cons
* Often overlooked
* Not as quick as some
* Not that many used examples

You can read our 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX6-R Ninja review here.

6. Honda CBR600RR (2007-2013)

• Engine 599cc four Power 118bhp Torque 49lb ft

• Weight 186kg (without fuel) Seat height 820mm Price used £3,500-6,000 

The evolution of Honda’s MotoGP-inspired CBR600RR is almost as complex as that of Yamaha’s R6, so we’ll keep things simple. The first first-generation CBR600RR launched in 2003 as a mini-RCV GP bike. You can easily find one below £3K now, bringing them into the same part of the market that’s usually occupied by an earlier generation of bikes entirely. The 2005-6 versions gained worthwhile updates including USD forks and radial calipers, and don’t cost a lot more.

But, although on the face of it, the changes to the 2007 CBR600RR over the previous model weren’t huge, they were enough to significantly raise its game. Honda has kept making small tweaks over the following years including the notable addition of optional Combined ABS in 2009 – the first on a sports bike. Early ABS versions are now in the sub-£5k range and offer a level of safety that many riders stepping up to a 600 will surely appreciate, particularly now that ABS is standard on so many smaller, less powerful bikes. Find a good one and you’ll have a classy, fast, comfortable (for a 600) and dependable bike.

What we said: “This is a completely new bike and I’ll be surprised if any of the competition will match it on the road or track in 2007.”

Pros
* Reliable and well built
* Roomier than most
* Arguably ‘peak CBR’

Cons
* Good ones now becoming rare
* A little bland for some
* Almost too easy to ride

You can read our 2007/2008 Honda CBR600RR review here.

7. Yamaha R6 (2017-2021)

• Engine 599cc four Power 116bhp Torque 45lb ft

• Weight 190kg Seat height 850mm Price used £12,000-14,000

Arguably the last of the Supersport 600s to receive a full makeover, the 2017 R6 was something of a disappointment, despite looking the part with MotoGP-inspired ‘mini R1’ styling and coming with an exquisitely fine-handling chassis plus the most sophisticated electronics yet seen in the class. There were two reasons this R6 underwhelmed: it was down on power, and it was expensive. But it’s still worthy of consideration here.

By having to re-engineer its screaming 599cc four to meet the latest 2017 Euro4 noise and emissions regulations (Euro5 would later force it to become a track-only model), power and torque figures were actually down compared to the preceding model, although this could be improved with the addition of an aftermarket pipe and power commander. 

On top of that, when launched, at just under £11K, it was pricey. But there are compensations. This model of R6 looks fabulous, handles beautifully, has fantastic brakes and is rare – but be prepared to shell out on buying it in the first place and uprating its performance.

What we said: “An R6-inspired renaissance in the supersport class for the 2020s? Why the hell not…”

Pros
* Updated M1 styling
* Improved electronics and cycle parts
* Fabulous handling

Cons
* Detuned performance
* Pricey
* Limited practicality

Read our Yamaha YZF-R6 review here.

8. Suzuki GSX-R600 (2011-2018) 

• Engine 599cc four Power 126bhp Torque 51lb ft 
• Weight 187kg Seat height 810mm Price used £4,800-8,000

After the somewhat stodgy and sensible 2008-2010 GSX-R600, the 2011, virtually all-new L1 version was a return to form for Suzuki – and also the Japanese firm’s last and most recent incarnation of its supersports screamer before the model was dropped (in Europe at least) in 2018. The result is therefore the best and newest GSX-R600 you can buy. 

Lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, it also came with Showa Big Piston forks and Brembo Monobloc brakes for the first time. Though maybe not quite as powerful and fast as its then rivals, the GSX-R600 was nevertheless an impressive, polished and classy all-rounder. There were also a number of special edition versions worth looking out for, including a MotoGP special edition in 2014, a TYCO limited edition the same year and a 30th Anniversary edition the following year. 

What we said: “The whole bike is just easier and more fun to ride on the limit.”

Pros
* Amazing front end
* Super-planted mid-turn
* Inspires confidence

Cons
* Very track orientated
* Lacks class and character of some rivals
* A bit anonymous

Link to review here.

Read our 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 review here.

9. Suzuki GSX-R600 (2006-2007)

• Engine 599cc four Power 111bhp Torque 50lb ft

• Weight 161kg Seat height 810mm Price used £3000-4500

It might be approaching 20 years ago now, but 2006 was the last time we saw really significant, completely new 600cc machines from multiple manufacturers. It was also the moment the class gave up its ‘all-rounder’ tag to become out-and-out track bikes. So, while those machines were the best yet, they were also partially authors of their own demise. The financial crash two years later helped seal the deal. 

Of the new-for-06 bikes, the GSX-R600 was notable; new engine, new frame and new styling that still stands as probably the best-looking of all the GSX-R generations thanks to its titchy exhaust and tight packaging. The massive spec included radial brakes, a slipper clutch (back when they were still rare) and a screamer of an engine. Yes, it was quickly outclassed by the 2007 R6 and CBR600RR, but the K6/7 GSX-R600 sounds wicked, goes like stink, rides beautifully and is great value.

What we said: “The GSX-R600 is a beautiful animal with pin-sharp brakes and handling plus a glorious engine.”

Pros
* Sharp handling
* Extra midrange
* Definitive Gixxer six!

Cons
* Some vibes
* Build quality not the best
* Now likely to be tired

Read our Suzuki GSX-R600 review here.

10. MV Agusta F3 675 (2012-2021)

• Engine 675cc triple Power 128bhp Torque 45lb ft
• Weight 173kg Seat height 805mm Price used £6,750-9,000

That ‘Italian exotic’ feeling is amplified a notch on an MV Agusta and if we allowed ourselves to include the F3 800 in this list it might rise a position or two. As it is, we’re sticking to the 675cc version and that brings some issues. Early bikes were plagued with throttle response problems, although updated maps can help sort that, and the price of entry is still high – around £7,000 is still the lowest an F3 goes at.

There are some massive pros to the MV, though; the lovely three-cylinder engine, the fabulous styling and – perhaps most importantly – the technology. Here’s one of the few bikes in this class that’s really worthy of this decade, including traction control and multiple engine modes. More recent versions also get ABS and a quickshifter. Our advice would be to get the latest you can afford: faults have been ironed out, you get ABS brakes etc. But then again, if you’re going that far, why not splash out and opt for the brawnier 800cc version?

Pros
* Exquisite Italian style
* Triple character
* Pin sharp handling

Cons
* Cramped and uncomfortable
* Demanding to ride
* Pricey – and 800 is better

Read our MV Agusta F3 675 review here.

Top 10 600 supersports | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison