[Eric335]

Hey all,

Ive been looking at getting a motorcycle for the longest of time. Ive been thinking of buying a bike instead of dumping money into my car (JB4, Meth, etc).

The bikes im looking at:

Honda CBR-600RR
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Yamaha R6
(As you can tell, i want to start off on about 600 cc before i step up to something very fast. im new to the bike world)


Im thinking a price range around 4,000 dollars (used obviously). Which bike would you suggest? Can i get a relatively new one in that price range? If not, what model/what year should i look at?

Thanks for all the help.

[ACZakka325i]

IN before nanny’s saying you can’t start on anything bigger than a 250...

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

IN before nanny’s saying you can’t start on anything bigger than a 250...

lol
what price could i get a nice, used 250 at? 2.5-3k? What model?

[BabyBlack]

600cc especially those one on your list is actually very FAST already...lol

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by BabyBlack

600cc especially those one on your list is actually very FAST already...lol

ohokay. i just love the way the cbr600rr sounds. heard one the other day with akrapovic exhaust and it sounded amazing...

[TK-421]

I want a Ducati 848 very badly so I'm starting on a shitty Ninja 250 I got a steal on. I'm already kinda used to it so I think it's definitely possible to start on a 600 if you aren't a total ass. Plus I know someone who tracks his 1098R who popped his cherry on an R6 and kept it til he picked up the Duc.

Wear a helmet though and make sure it's Snell certified (DOT certification = joke). I got a deal on an Arai Corsair V that will be coming in the mail to replace my junk Bell headgear.

[Razzy]

LOL good luck starting on a 600 SS bike. I'm sure you're going to have A LOT of fun being a pussy on the bike and being scared of it. That is what riding a SS bike is all about of course, not being able to use a single ounce of its potential so you can pose and be "cool"

[ACZakka325i]

Originally Posted by Razzy

LOL good luck starting on a 600 SS bike. I'm sure you're going to have A LOT of fun being a pussy on the bike and being scared of it. That is what riding a SS bike is all about of course, not being able to use a single ounce of its potential so you can pose and be "cool"

Why are you such a condecening ass all the time when offering advice on bikes? My first reply was specifically with you in mind. Then here you come and prove my point. Just because you took the long way, doesn’t make you a better rider.

To the OP, many people start on 600cc bikes, but it is at an increased risk. You have to leather-up and be extra restrained with the throttle.

I started on a 800cc Duc, which was a v-twin so a little different than a 600cc 4-cyl. But, you will be ok.

[rhouck]

How tall are you?

Especially for a new rider, being able to flat-foot a bike is a big confidence booster (and will help minimize embarrassing drops).

Sportbikes have relatively high seat heights already. IIRC, Yamaha is the highest (in all bikes for the last decade), followed by Honda, and then Kawasaki.

The newer (06+) Yamaha R6 (not the R6s, which is basically just an 05 R6) have a pretty terrible powerband for street riding. Plus they have a VERY high seat height; they would not be my first choice for a new rider. If you want Yamaha, go 03-05 R6 (or 06+ R6S); any earlier and you have to mess with carbs. You should be able to find something in the $3-4k price range at this point.

Honda redid the CBR in 07; not sure where prices are for those now though.

There is a lot to be said for buying a non-supersport bike to start, or at least buy a Ninja 250. If you are paying cash, then it is easy to buy something cheap/smaller, learn to ride, and then re-sell for likely no loss. THEN you can go buy a newer supersport.

That said, I started on a supersport bike... and was at the track and steadily improving within a few months. Plenty of people do.

Do keep in mind, as mentioned above, a modern 600 is VERY fast... and if you have never ridden before, everything will seem even faster. The danger with a supersport is that it is easy to get in over your head (e.g., get going too fast, grab too suddenly at the front brake, feel unnerved by the quick tip-in, etc.). You should buy a motorcycle because the experience is fun REGARDLESS of the bike, not just because you want to go fast

[ACZakka325i]

I would agree with the above. The Ducati Monster can be had in your budget. The base is a 600cc and is very tame compared to the japanese SS bikes. Also the less aggressive riding position and lower seat will help you.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by rhouck

How tall are you?

Especially for a new rider, being able to flat-foot a bike is a big confidence booster (and will help minimize embarrassing drops).

Sportbikes have relatively high seat heights already. IIRC, Yamaha is the highest (in all bikes for the last decade), followed by Honda, and then Kawasaki.

The newer (06+) Yamaha R6 (not the R6s, which is basically just an 05 R6) have a pretty terrible powerband for street riding. Plus they have a VERY high seat height; they would not be my first choice for a new rider. If you want Yamaha, go 03-05 R6 (or 06+ R6S); any earlier and you have to mess with carbs. You should be able to find something in the $3-4k price range at this point.

Honda redid the CBR in 07; not sure where prices are for those now though.

There is a lot to be said for buying a non-supersport bike to start, or at least buy a Ninja 250. If you are paying cash, then it is easy to buy something cheap/smaller, learn to ride, and then re-sell for likely no loss. THEN you can go buy a newer supersport.

That said, I started on a supersport bike... and was at the track and steadily improving within a few months. Plenty of people do.

Do keep in mind, as mentioned above, a modern 600 is VERY fast... and if you have never ridden before, everything will seem even faster. The danger with a supersport is that it is easy to get in over your head (e.g., get going too fast, grab too suddenly at the front brake, feel unnerved by the quick tip-in, etc.). You should buy a motorcycle because the experience is fun REGARDLESS of the bike, not just because you want to go fast

5'11''

and i want a bike for the performance, the raw feel, and that damn awesome sound

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

Why are you such a condecening ass all the time when offering advice on bikes? My first reply was specifically with you in mind. Then here you come and prove my point. Just because you took the long way, doesn’t make you a better rider.

To the OP, many people start on 600cc bikes, but it is at an increased risk. You have to leather-up and be extra restrained with the throttle.

I started on a 800cc Duc, which was a v-twin so a little different than a 600cc 4-cyl. But, you will be ok.

How nice of you. Im not being condicending you ignorant tool. It is fact that that a new rider has a better chance of surviving and learning much quicker on a smaller and more user friendly bike.

I don't gove a flying fuck what you started on. Nor should anyone else. He can easily get a smaller displacement bike and still have it retain it's value. The Pro's outweigh the con's exponentially. This should be his first bike not his last. Next time keep your personal bullshit out of it.

PS: notice how i didn't say he needs to start on a 250?

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by Eric335

5'11''

and i want a bike for the performance, the raw feel, and that damn awesome sound

You have time for that. Take your time and learn gradually and it will pay off. Trust me. Buy a smaller displacement bike, learn and ride on a daily basis.

A lot of these people talk about "respecting the throttle", they fail to mention about everything else. The ergonomics, the brakes, the speed, acceleration, seat height, and the list goes on. Your chances of survival and enjoyment are much better if you start on the right first bike.

Which is most deffinetly NOT a SS bike.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by Razzy

You have time for that. Take your time and learn gradually and it will pay off. Trust me. Buy a smaller displacement bike, learn and ride on a daily basis.

A lot of these people talk about "respecting the throttle", they fail to mention about everything else. The ergonomics, the brakes, the speed, acceleration, seat height, and the list goes on. Your chances of survival and enjoyment are much better if you start on the right first bike.

Which is most deffinetly NOT a SS bike.

what would be a good bike? A ninja 250r? It has the styling of the bikes i love with a smaller displacement engine.

What would be your suggestion? i agree about finding a smaller displacement bike. i feel like the 600 is a good upgrade once ive mastered handling a smaller engine.

Also, what bike is your avatar?

[TK-421]

250r right here

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by TK-421

250r right here

how do you like it? new/used? how much?

thanks

[Diavel Tom]

Find a used Ninja 250.

Begin developing your skills.....you will know when you are ready for more cc's.

Aslo, you will discover if motorcycling is going to be a long term activity for you or not. If not, sell the bike for little loss if any.

However, I have plenty of friends that started on 600 sportbikes with no issues. They just took it easy at first.

If you are intent on getting a 600, I would suggest a 08 to current Ninja ZX6.....great power-band for a 600 which makes it decent for urban duty.

Check out Cycletrader.com

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by Eric335

what would be a good bike? A ninja 250r? It has the styling of the bikes i love with a smaller displacement engine.

What would be your suggestion? i agree about finding a smaller displacement bike. i feel like the 600 is a good upgrade once ive mastered handling a smaller engine.

Also, what bike is your avatar?

Theres the newer Ninja 250's, a GS500 or even a Ninja 650R.

The best and the cheapest to start no would be the 250. My current bike is a heavily modded 2009 ZX6R. Do yourself a favour Start on a smaller displacement. The 250's for example are great because they are very forgiving, affordable, and so flickable and agile. They also look great.

[1GhostRider]

Sell you my 2008 CBR 600RR with only 2700 miles fully custom. $8500obo, KBB IS 7K for a 6000 mile stock one. I have over 12,000 in it.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...7657659&type=3

[abisson]

Originally Posted by Razzy

How nice of you. Im not being condicending you ignorant tool. It is fact that that a new rider has a better chance of surviving and learning much quicker on a smaller and more user friendly bike.

I don't gove a flying fuck what you started on. Nor should anyone else. He can easily get a smaller displacement bike and still have it retain it's value. The Pro's outweigh the con's exponentially. This should be his first bike not his last. Next time keep your personal bullshit out of it.

PS: notice how i didn't say he needs to start on a 250?

You clearly skipped the Respect lesson at school didn't you? I am not surprised you ride a bike with a "Monster" decal on it...

[michaelthepsycho]

Either a ZX-6R or a CBR 600. The R6 has very aggressive ergos like people mentioned.

[Razzy]

Originally Posted by abisson

You clearly skipped the Respect lesson at school didn't you? I am not surprised you ride a bike with a "Monster" decal on it...

Did you read the post my reply was to? Cleary you have no idea what you are taking about. If you are implying i put the decal on you have no clue.