I started with a Yamaha Maxim 750 back when I was 16. My first street bike was 08 ZZR 600. Trust me if you go any less than a 600 in a few months you will regret the purchase because you want something with a little bit more spunk

 

Raphius, I was in almost the exact same situation you are in now. I had never ridden before, took my MSF and wanted a CBR. I bought a 1997 CBR600F3. I am happy I didn't start on a 250, Id already hate it... the 600 is fun. I'd say its a great starter bike. I got mine for $800 though... it has 23k miles on it and needs some TLC... it did come with a jacket, helmet, bag, gloves etc...

That black and red is beautiful... here is a link to my bike thread when I bought it.

Another thing to look at is the NADA Value of the Bike. I see 1700-2200USD for a 1998 600F3...

just my 2cents

 

damn, $800 is a steal for that bike! Thanks, that makes me feel better, I just didnt want to have something that was going to absolutely blow me away or something, heh. Do you think I should maybe try and get this guy to drop down a bit more when I go to meet him up?

 

Never hurts to try. Show him the NADA and offer 1700. He has already come do by 800 so might be a long shot, but **** ya never know. JUst hope he doesn't have any higher offers.

 

I agree with Bammer, it never hurts to try.

Definitely show him NADA and try to get him to come down lower. It depends a lot on when you see the bike in my opinion... if its in super shape, and very well maintained then its worth it...

Mine had a lot of little things wrong with it, and the guy was asking $800, I was planning on trying to get him to go lower, but he threw in the jacket, gloves, helmet, and backpack... made it worth it to me!

 

Hey man, I actually live in Grand Rapids and purchased a F3 a couple months ago. I paid $3000 for my 98 with 12,000 miles. Its in decent condition but not great. It runs smooth but the fairings arent in that good of shape. I would have jumped on that bike for 2000 if it had been on CL when i bought mine. Hit me up if you wanna go riding sometime.

 

My '95 f3 has 67000kms. motors never been touched,except regular service&cct adjuster. Has always been extremely well maintained. Iwould not be scared of any milage on one of thesewith proper care

 

I got my license late last year, and bought a 95' F3 the day after i passed the test.
So far ive driven over 5000km on it, and it may just be me being the impatient type, but anything less than 600ccm would have been a great disappointment!
The bike has a nice linear momentum-curve which means it wont suddenly blast off, leaving you hanging in the handles, its easy to maneouvre, and with the support from especially this forum, most people can handle most of the problems associated with the bike.
Just be sure not to overestimate your own abilities the first 1000-2000km, and you'll be fine.

 

Yes if it wasn't for this forum I would be f*cked when it came to maint on the bike, etc... Everyone here is a great help and I have been taught A LOT of stuff

 

thank you everyone for your input, and it has really helped me... but now I am stuck in a dilemma and I need your help again! I started a topic over in the f4 forum here: https://cbrforum.com/forum/showthrea...746#post938746
if you could check that out and respond there it would be great! Thank you!

Basically, I have another guy with a 99 f4 that I got to the same price as this f3 and I am not sure which bike is the better deal... any and all input would be GREATLY appreciated! I WANNA GET RIDING! lol

thanks again!