Swap for r6??

Buddy of mine has just offered to swap my cat for his r6, I'm not sure what to do??

He hasn't passed his test yet but bought a 2001 r6 ready for when he does. Now he's had a play on it and realised it's a bit small and uncomfortable for him as he's 6ft4 and all legs but after sitting on my cat thinks that will be better so offered a trade.

From a financial stand point it's a win win for me but I'm not really fussed about that I'm just wondering if it's really a better bike or not?
I've heard the power is not as usable on them and obviously they aren't as practical?? Has anyone owned both? What would you do?

The other thing that bothers me slightly is the fact that when I go to local bike meets I'm the only thundercat there where as the r6's are 2 a penny?

Thunderstu has gone from a cat to an r6, hes very happy with it. Im in the same situation as your mate,  6ft 4 so need a bigger bike. stupidly happy with my tcat anyway so even if i was shorter i couldnt see myself selling

As an all round-a-bike, the cat is hard to beat from that ere for what is does, with a 600 engine.

If you want more of a cutting edge within the handling, have the status of having a 'R' bike from Yamaha and the kudos, then take the move. The Cat is quicker 0-100. The Cat has better wind protection and probably a better tourer. 

Is the R6 in equal condition as your Cat? 

Just a few things to think about but is there a chance of a test ride to put your decision mind at rest? 

I'm 6, 3 and not had a bike with better weather protection, than the Cat since.

Check ordinary stuff too, are tyres, chains/sprockets/brakes all in a comparable state to your Cat.

What are the relative mileages

Basically R6 is more focussed, lighter and in extreme very slightly quicker

Thundercat has 90% of the sporting capability and is way more practical

R6 is cooler and has more kudos as it has the 'R' moniker

The milage is lower on the r6 but only by a few thousand. Conditions are similar, both have scratches and marks.
My cat has more mods, I've done the levers, mirrors, exhaust etc But all that is by the by I'm more torn as to whether the r6 is a better bike to from the sounds of what you've all said so far it's not?
I'm not worried about the R badge appeal to be honest. Like I said I like the fact I'm the only one on a thundercat compared to the 20+ r6's that roll up.
The only thing that is still swaying me is the fact it's 5 years newer and has more modern tech like digital dash and fuel injection (I think) plus the twin headlights in my opnion make it look prettier than the cat

But then the cat is my first big bike and I've got an emotional investment in it too so that doesn't help haha

Personally the cat is the better bike, but i no longer have mine, had a few test rides on the r6 and decided cat was better and more comfy for what I needed, I commute and put just under 50,000 miles on her in 4 years,  and then ended up buying an fz600 fazer to replace her, but I do miss the cat

Why not have a go on it and see what you think? It's easy to have an emotional attachment but remember, the bike doesn't have any attachment to you! It sounds like a no-brainer from a completely rational perspective, but you have to be happy with the outcome. Don't let how your mate might feel sway your decision either.

What about running costs? Insurance, parts, tyres etc.
Only new to the cat but as an all rounder I think it's hard to beat.
BUT like most have said, get on it and see

I looked into insurance and it was nearly double what I pay for the thundercat!!

I saw him earlier and said I'm not interested anyway. I can't let go of the cat just yet and from everything I've seen and heard the r6 isn't better for my purposes.

Thanks for your input though guys, looks like I'm sticking around a bit longer :-)

Why dont you do the swap, if you cant get on with it sell and buy another cat and put the change in your back pocket or use it to "mod up" your new cat.