The 10 Best 600cc Motorcycles

600cc motorcycles are best classified as luxury bikes as they have all the latest technology fitted to assist the rider. They’re also very powerful, meaning they’re attractive to those that have a need for speed. But to pick the right one, you need to know which are the best 600cc motorcycles.

The 10 best 600cc motorcycles are:

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Triumph Trident 660
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Aprilia Tuono 660
Suzuki V-Storm 650
Honda CBR600RR
Suzuki GSX-R600
Yamaha YZF-R6 GYTR

Whether you want an adventure bike, a tourer, or a racer, there is something for everyone on this list. There are also a few all-rounders whose versatility makes them suitable for all. Keep reading as we look at diverse 600cc bikes and rate their advantages so that you can get value for money.

Who Should Buy A 600cc Motorcycle?

The right buyer for a 600cc motorcycle is someone that prioritizes power and comfort. These bikes are marketed as sports bikes and tourers. They can be used for commuting, although they offer a bit more power and weight than you’d typically expect of a commuter bike.

They have plenty of power even at low rpm, and enough speed for you and a pillion rider to travel on most roads comfortably. Price-conscious buyers are better off sticking to their 250cc and 350cc bikes as they are more value for money.

Weekend riders who want to upgrade their smaller-engine bikes to a bigger one will find that these bikes are an ideal transition point between a 350cc and possibly a 1000cc bike in the near future.

What To Look For In A 600cc Motorcycle

Comfort Factor

If you are going to take a friend along, then the bike’s seating and comfort level may be your first priority. These bikes are generally built to be fairly comfortable to ride even at higher speeds.

Speed & Power

If speed is important, then usually the more powerful bikes are the ones to go for. Most 600cc motorcycles out there are very capable in the speed department.

Bike Extras

You may also want to consider the tech on the bike, from the instrument displays to things like ABS and other performance features. These generally drive the price up, but you may find some to be essential for your riding needs.

How Fast Are 600cc Motorcycles?

The typical top speed of a 600cc motorcycle is about 130 mph (210 kph), but this figure may vary with a number of conditions. The two big factors that affect the top speed of a bike are weight and aerodynamic drag, with the bike and road condition also having an effect.

Unless your bike is perfectly maintained and you have ideal riding conditions, expect the top speed to be within 10% of what the manufacturer specifies, and if you have a pillion rider as well the top speed is going to be a lot less. If there is a strong headwind, your top speed is going to drop even more.

1. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is available in five colors with varying price tags, and it’s one of the most reasonably priced bikes in this list. The Royal Enfield brand is known for its reliability and durability all over the world, so you can be sure that this bike is a safe choice.

Its retro looks with dome headlight are going to appeal to many, but it falls short in top speed and power compared to the others. This bike has one of the most ergonomic full seats with thick padding to keep the rider and pillion passenger comfortable on a long trip. Equipped with front and rear disc brakes with ABS, and a slipper clutch to move through its six gears, the bike is sold as a cafe racer.

This motorcycle offers exceptional value for money. In the areas that count, Royal Enfield has put together the right combination of features to make it one of the best 600cc motorcycles on the market.

PROS:

Outstanding value for money
Both wheels have disc brakes with ABS
Full range of LCD instruments

CONS:

Spoked wheels
Not as powerful as the other 600cc bikes
Halogen headlight and tail light bulb

2. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

If power and top speed aren’t as important to you, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is another great all-rounder that can be used by sports riders and weekend riders. Launched in 2018, the Interceptor 650 is another bike from Royal Enfield in the low-price range.

Most of its specifications are identical to the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, but it looks a lot different. If you like the Continental 650’s price but not its looks, then this one might appeal to you.

PROS:

Outstanding value for money
Both wheels have disc brakes with ABS
Excellent fuel economy

CONS:

Spoked wheels
Not as powerful as the other 600cc bikes
Halogen headlight and tail light bulb

3. Triumph Trident 660

The Triumph Trident 660 is priced very competitively considering some of its features. One of the few bikes that use a ride-by-wire throttle for precise throttling and switchable traction control, it also has a Showa inverted front fork and Nissin braking system. Disc brakes with ABS on both wheels are standard and it has all-LED lighting.

The My Triumph Connectivity System can be used to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so that you can get visual turn-by-turn navigational aid from Google displayed on the TFT display. Other rider electronics include two riding modes (Road and Rain), allowing the bike to adjust its throttle and traction control for maximum rider safety.

PROS:

Reasonable price
My Triumph Connectivity system
Comfortable twin seat for the rider and pillion rider

CONS:

Suspension is not adjustable
Retro dome headlight

4. Kawasaki Vulcan S

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is marketed as a sports cruiser. Sold with a removable pillion seat and an adjustable single seat so that you can optimize your riding position, this bike has a few unique features, such as the dark-tinted wind deflector above the headlight and dual throttle valves for each cylinder to ensure a smooth linear response.

There are two more versions: the Vulcan S ABS version and the Vulcan S Cafe version, and both are available in two colors. An economical riding indicator is fitted to the instrument panel to optimize fuel economy. Note that this is a heavy bike, weighing in at 496 lbs (225 kg), but it has the power to match its weight.

PROS:

Completely adjustable seat, footpegs, and handlebar
Adjustable rear suspension preload
Comfortable seat for the rider

CONS:

ABS version costs extra
Small pillion seat
Heavy bike

5. Kawasaki Ninja 650

Coming from the legendary Ninja series, the bike lives up to expectations with all the features that a sports bike enthusiast could ask for. Dual ABS, an Economical Riding Indicator, an Assist and Slipper clutch, and Dual Throttle Valves are included on this motorcycle.

In 2020, the Ninja 650 was upgraded with a color TFT screen that connects to a smartphone via the Kawasaki Rideology app on Bluetooth. This gives you access to information such as ride time, fuel remaining, and distance covered on your smartphone.

PROS:

Slipper clutch
Nissin braking system
Twin LED headlights

CONS:

High price
ABS costs more
Suspension is non-adjustable

6. Aprilia Tuono 660

The Aprilia Tuono 660 is available in Concept Black, Iridium Gray, and Acid Gold. The bike is sold in two versions, the Tuono 660 and the Tuono 660 Factory. There is a slight difference in the color schemes, as the Tuono 660 has aluminum alloy wheels with red rims, is dual color, and is fitted with the latest electronics to assist the rider.

Both versions have excellent looks, although the Tuono 660 Factory appears sleeker. It has electronic cruise control with five riding modes in addition to traction control, wheelie control, and ABS. The bike is designed to appeal to sports bike enthusiasts and racers.

PROS:

Priced a bit high
Ride-by-wire throttle
Comfortable seat for the rider

CONS:

Small seat for the pillion rider
Quickshifter is optional and costs extra

7. Suzuki V-Storm 650

The Suzuki V-Storm 650 has all the features you would expect in a bike at this price. It has dual ABS, an Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist, and Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System. It’s only available in one color (black with a brilliant pearl white tank and white strips on its front cowl), but this bike has excellent looks.

Sold as an adventure bike, a padded single-piece seat for both the rider and a passenger provides comfort on long journeys. Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels, gear selected, engine speed, and the throttle position to change the engine speed if it detects that a wheel is spinning, which is a big plus in the bike’s favor.

The Advanced Traction Control has two preset modes. Preset mode 2 is ideal for icy or wet and slippery roads where tire grip is reduced. In addition, the Suzuki Easy Start System allows the rider to start the bike by pressing the start button without pulling the clutch lever.

PROS:

Exceptional looks
Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System
Comfortable seat for the rider and pillion passenger

CONS:

Priced a bit high
Only one color is available
Heavy bike

8. Honda CBR600RR

This is an excellent 600cc motorcycle from one of the best brands in the business. A Honda Electronic Steering Damper is fitted that monitors bike speed and adjusts the steering damping to provide a smoother and safer ride. The front wheel has an inverted fork that uses the Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) for better suspension performance on bumpy roads.

A Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) system with 40mm throttle added to high-performance Denso fuel injectors provide smooth throttle response with fuel efficiency. 12-spoke cast aluminum wheels claim to improve handling, and Honda has added combined ABS to divide the braking force over both wheels by measuring the pressure you put on the brake lever and pedal.

It then uses only the front or rear brake, or both, depending on the situation. Both front and rear suspensions have long travel to assure a smooth ride on the bumpiest road. The bike is available in only one color: red. The pillion rider has adequate seating space but this could have been better cushioned.

PROS:

Combined ABS
Honda Electronic Steering Damper
Comfortable seat for the rider

CONS:

Very high price
ABS version costs extra
Only one color is available

9. Suzuki GSX-R600

The Suzuki GSX-R600 is a bike with a hefty price tag that might be worth it going by the features it offers. Except for an analog tachometer, the tripmeter, fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, coolant temperature, and gear position indicator have digital readouts from an LCD screen above the headlight.

An electronically controlled steering damper continuously adjusts the damping force as the speed of the bike changes, while the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector adjusts the engine’s power output to match the riding conditions. Titanium alloy engine valves are used that reduce power losses at high rpm. The Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve uses eight fuel injectors to improve smoothness in acceleration.

The stainless-steel exhaust system is fitted with a titanium muffler and a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning valve that improves throttle response and increases torque. Overall, it’s an ideal bike for those that prioritize power and aesthetics.

PROS:

Outstanding looks
Electronically controlled steering damper
Adjustable footpegs and gear shift lever

CONS:

Very high price
Small seat for the pillion passenger
Retro dome headlight

10. Yamaha YZF-R6 GYTR

Priced out of reach for most, the Yamaha YZF-R6 GYTR is sold as a pure racing bike. This fully faired bike is a single-seater with the best mechanical specs that you could ask for in a 600cc motorcycle. It is marked as the successor to the popular supersport Yamaha YZF-R6 whose production has ceased, and this one has been available since April 2022.

Since this bike is meant for the track only and considering its price, it is doubtful that many would be interested, but we have included it for the few who just have a need for speed!

PROS:

Incredible power
Great looking bike
Ideal for racing

CONS:

Very expensive
Not suitable for most riders

Are 600cc Bikes Good For Beginners?

600cc bikes are not good for beginners, and they are more suitable for those who have been riding for a few years. They are ideal as a second or even a third bike for the rider to progress to, after you have learned the nuances of riding on a lighter, less powerful bike.

It is too easy to open the throttle and go all out, which makes excessive power very dangerous for beginners. 600cc bikes are also heavier, which can work to your advantage or against you. On the road or on a dirt track, the heavy weight works to keep traction and stability, but if it slips, it is going to need a lot of muscle to pick it up again!

Is A 600cc Motorcycle A Superbike?

A 600cc motorcycle is not usually classified as a Superbike. Enthusiasts generally refer to bikes with engines of 1000cc or more as Superbikes, although the term is loosely used to refer to any high performance motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

600cc bikes are great for use as sports bikes or as tourers to carry two people with luggage on a long trip. Many may not consider them luxury motorcycles, but they are outfitted with some of the latest technology that can improve the riding experience, and this means they’re often quite expensive too.