Hey,

Ok, so... I'm looking at getting into a sportbike here in a few months. I'm want to defintiyl start small, (600CC), and Im going to be teaching myself. Any recommendations on bikes? I'm looking used of course...

thanks guys.

J

EDIT: Oh yeah, I've already checked out www.sprotbikes.net, and I do plan on taking a MSF class, so as not to be a absoulte threat on two wheels

 

i dont know if this is exactly what ur looking for in a bike but my bro just got one and it's an alright price for a decent bike if ur just gonna start off, cause he just bought it and is learning how to ride it.http://powersports.honda.com/motorcy...elId=CBR600RR4

 

2001-2002 CBR 600 F4i. Not the fastest 600, but reliable and a good learner bike.

 

That exatcly what Im lookign at actually. Ive heard good things about the GSXRs too, but Ive also head the Zuki doesn;t recommend them as start bikes...

 

I wouldn't go too sporty because you've got to figure that you'll drop and smash this bike at least a few times while you're learning.....get a used Katana or Kawasaki 500......an F4i or an R6 are still basically race bikes with mirrors....not good starters. Also if you can find a good 99 or 2000 SV650 they are great too.

 

Something like this would serve you well: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...481141580&rd=1

Maybe not that one specifically, but my point was, keep your eyes out at dealers and the local classifieds for starter bikes that might have a little damage (this one was certainly more than a little damage!) The great thing to remember about starter bikes is that eventually everyone wants to get rid of their starter bikes, just gotta find them and you can usually get what you need cheap.

 

I was hoping you would chime in. Ive riden, albiet on rare occasion, in the past, but the last time I rode was at least 7 years ago. And it was as GSXR750 a bit much as a first bike for me, but I had it in control the whole time. Im wanting definlty 600 or less, and Im a hefty enough dude that I think that would suit me rather well. But thanks for the idea, I'll have to look at them too.

 

yea listen to what these guys say... its the truth... i bought my first bike new GSX-R 600... i took the MSF course.. and the bike has been down twice.. (thanks god for frame sliders) i wanted a new bike.. but thats just me... if you can find a good used bike get it... im not the greatest on my bike but i do a hell of a lot better than i did 6 months ago... remember don't fear the bike but RESPECT IT!!! and have fun thats what its all about.

ps..make sure you get the proper gear too.

 

cool....well if you've ridden before then you probably don't need a starter bike then.....if you want a nice 600 I'm a big fan of the R6.....depending on how much $$$ you want to spend you can get a used 2003 with the fuel injection or an older model which is carbed but they still handle nice and light and have really good throttle response. It's my fave of the 600's. But if you're a hefty dude like me (I'm 250lbs) you might like a twin better. I've gone the inline 4 route and just don't like having to wring it's neck to get usable street power. Since I've gone back to sport twins with the new SV650 I couldn't be happier.......the torque and power is available from down low and is a much better streetbike IMHO than the more racy 600's........good thing is you can still do track days on an SV too if you want....very versatile bikes.

 

I've been thinking about getting a bike next year, and have little experience driving one or knowing what bike is what, so this thread has been somewhat informative. I take it you should look at the cc's of a bike as opposed to any hp type numbers.

Anything else you can tell me would be great as I'm a total noob to the bike world... like insurance rates. Around here you'd only get about 4-5 months ride time of a bike, so do you just insure it for that time or do they have special insurance programs where you can ride it throughout the year but at a discounted (from a 12 month rate) rate?


PS: Sorry if you feel I'm hijacking your thread, I just felt this was a good spot to post it.

 

Your about the same as me then (6', 255Lbs). Im mainly going to be riding in town, and traffic here in DC area sucks ***, so its going to hardly ever get opened up a ton (at first at least) Like I said, Ive done only rare occassional riding, and it was about 7 years ago, So Im not completely in the dark about them, but I still feel a bit hesitant, expecially on very low speed turns. Luckily Ive found some good articles and stuff on sportbikes.net, so Im hoping my learning curve wont be too horrendous.

 

Another vote for the SV650. Actually anything that has no fairings and is under 600cc will be the best, because you WILL drop it.

 

600 race bikes (for somebody who's ridden them) tend to NOT be good beginner bike in that they still produce 100whp and are quite peaky. That can be tuned out of them, but they have some qualities you'd probably want to save for a second bike.

If you still really, really, want a 4 cyl. try the FZ6. Its got a set of cams and a FI system built more towards mid-range and smoothness throughout the powerband.

My recommendation...Suzuki SV650S. Tons of mods, light, easy to ride...and I can hang with the 4 cyls. on the track.

Later,

jcnel.

 

Buy a cheap "open engine" bike. It may not look the coolest, but it's a lot easier on the mind and wallet when you dump it. Learn to ride well, then sell it for the bike you want.

 

I would agree with Loj68 on the R6 as a near race bike, but the F4i is extremly forgiving. I've put alot of miles on a friends with not a lot of experience and I loved it. My first bike was a 96 FZR600 and it was a great bike. Not the fastest or best handling, but I bought it for 2800 and it started up each time and it will keep up with my buddies F4i as long as you dont start hitting too many curves. Another good bike is a CBR600F2. Inexpensive and performs well. GSXR's are street legal race bikes. Plus chances are you will drop it at least once.