RE: 600 for 1st bike?
 

i got the 05 600rr for my first bike. but i didn't leave the neighborhood for two weeks until i took the msf class and was completely comfortable to go on a busy street. i had been ridding dirt bikes when i was younger and hadn't riddin for a couple years when i got my bike. so i just wanted to get the feel for a heavier bike. the 600rr is a great bike in my opinion as long as you have self restraint. thats the only thing that i can recommend. take the msf class and have self restraint and the rr would be fine and you won't grow out of it for a while. good luck and ride safe.

RE: 600 for 1st bike?
 

I think you should start with what you are comfortable with. You can get hurt on a 500 just as easy as you can the RR. Taking a safety course and being a safe rider is only the begining. I think the most important thing is respecting the power these bikes have, and that goes from a 250 to 1300cc bike. Just because Cycle World tell you that it has 108hp and it will do 10's in the 1/4mile doesn't mean you have to use it all. Ride safe and enjoy. I went from a 92 FZR 1000 to the 05 600RR and I think it's a beast!!!!!!!!