My M600

[NewMon]

I did a track day recently. I was really pleased with the photos that the professionals took. I realised I had almost no pictures of the bike and even fewer of it being ridden.

So here is my (almost) standard M600:


I have a few more if anyone is interested..

Very nice makes my old 600 look very tatty.

[Headhunter]

Refreshing to see a well looked after stock version.

[Wasta]

Looks good, how was it on track? I've never done one.

[utopia]

Originally Posted by NewMon

I have a few more if anyone is interested..

Post 'em up. We like piccies.


I did my first (and as yet, only) track day last year at Mallory.
The grin lasted for weeks.
The only problem I found with the bike is that the std footrests are a bit low and my feet were in constant danger of touching down, leading to the potential for unplanned, mid-corner gear changes if I wasn't up on my toes.
As you can see from NewMon's pic, the std cans give the same problem, though my hi-termis were ok.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that any amount of engine thrashing had virtually no effect on fuel consumption, with the usual 50+mpg still being achieved.
And the desmo valve gear kept everything tidy if I missed a gear and over-revved.

[NewMon]

The track day was excellent. I have done Cadwell and Mallory before but not Donington. The track is superb - lovely and flowing. It was a bit of a baptism of fire to go out in the intermediate group and learn the track on the 3 sighting laps - but a lot of fun! Utopia is right about the footrests - I had a lot of 'foot down' moments. It's no sportsbike but I'll put some more pics up that show some decent lean. After my last session, I had a massive grin on and it comes back whenever I think about it.

Only problems I had were a couple of false neutrals (me being lazy on downshifts).

In a sea of GSX-Rs and R1s, the monster was nearly the best looking bike there. I say nearly because there was a Desmosedici hanging around.

If you haven't done one, I can fully recommend a track day - no concerns about traffic, no junctions, go as fast as you like, super grip, big smiles and lots of other bike nuts to talk to. Heaven.

[NewMon]

Some more pics...

[Zimbo]

Very nice pics Pete, the bike looks immaculate!

[utopia]

The second pic, on the left hander, is cool.

Bike looks very tidy.
Headers could do with at least a good wire brushing though.

I notice that you've removed the little plastic pods.
Watch out for water getting in the (now exposed) reg/rec connectors.
Keep 'em well greased, if you ever ride in the rain.
Alternatively, with a bit of faffing around its just possible to relocate them behind the coils, under the tank. The carb breathers can be positioned there too (if you take a large drill to the battery tray), which would eliminate your film cannister (which I spy, zip-tied to your frame, if my eyes don't deceive me).

I also spotted a G-tec sticker. Do you use them ? I was thinking that they would be a good local bet for any work that I may need to farm out at some stage...any recommendations ? They sound decent on the phone.

[NewMon]

Hi Zimbo. If only it were...

Utopia, well spotted - the film canister hack has been fine for a no. of years now. Although one appears broken now so I may look into your suggestion - thanks. The connectors seem to have 'reappeared' after the recent service - I don't remember them being as exposed before.

I'm afraid I will never be cleaning the exhausts! I spray of MucOff and a bit of a polish with a chamois is all I can be bothered with. Longer term, I need to get the engine re-painted - it is really getting bad now. If I strip it down, Id like to get the frame powder coated as well. It's a bit daunting though.

I used G-Tec for the first time this year - I would say they are very good but no cheaper than a regular dealer (i.e. not cheap). Very nice guys and great service though.

[utopia]

No, have a go at the pipes.
As a quick job, you just need to attack them with a wire brush in a leccy drill. The std finish isn't highly polished anyway, so you wont be doing any damage, and they'll look way better.
Subsequent polishing is optional, and takes a lot longer, but wire brushing will get you 90% of the way there.
At least, do them if your taking them off to repaint the motor later.

Or not, if you prefer.

'Thumbs up' to see another standard M600! They're some brilliantly taken photos, always love to look at something that i have, albiet the 'Dark' version.
BTW, i've copied and pasted these pics from a thread of mine to show the difference a bit of wire brushing/scotch wheel etc can make.

Originally Posted by urbanfireblade

Here's one, alot better than the horrid rusty colour.

Cool!!!! I just noticed yours is a late model M600 too, 2001???

[NewMon]

Originally Posted by urbanfireblade

BTW, i've copied and pasted these pics from a thread of mine to show the difference a bit of wire brushing/scotch wheel etc can make.

Originally Posted by utopia

No, have a go at the pipes.
As a quick job, you just need to attack them with a wire brush in a leccy drill.

Ok, ok, already! I'll go and buy an attachment for my drill this weekend. Honest.

Originally Posted by urbanfireblade

Cool!!!! I just noticed yours is a late model M600 too, 2001???

Yep. It is indeed. You are obviously a man of taste sir.

Aye! Mine's an '01 Dark, i spotted your rear calliper is above swing-arm and different lowers on the front forks only the late M600's have. I'm slowly becoming a M600 noob

Lovely bike and fantastic photos. If they were mine they would be printed on canvas and stuck on the wall.
Glad you enjoyed the trackday looking forward to doing one on my Stock M800!


Lee