Hello, I'm new to the forum and am extremely hoping to get a CBR600RR in June. I'm hoping that you guys can help me with some of the financial questions that I have...

I'm really hoping to get an 03 RR which is in my budget. I know I can save money by buying from a private owner, but they would probably expect all the money up front. I have about $4k and I plan on getting all the safety features (even a lojack, Long Beach isn't the safest neighborhood). I have no credit history, so would I totally get screwed over at a dealership? Should I wait until I have all the money saved up?

Also, what kind of insurance should I sign up for? My budget isn't too big for insurance, but I'd like to be covered. My record is *almost* clean (one ticket). And is there a certain company that does motorcycle riders well?

Finally.. I know you guys don't wanna hear this (seeing as how this is a CBR forum) but I've heard that Honda bikes tend to have more problems down the road. Is that true and if so should it affect my decision?

If you guys could answer any of my questions, that'd be awesome. I hope to become a regular in this forum when I get my CBR!

 

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

First, is this going to be your first bike? And are you new to riding? If yes to both, I would suggest something less potent than the 600RR. It can be a very unforgiving bike if not properly handled.

Now, have you taken an MSF course yet? Do you have a motorcycle license? If no to both, get those first, before even thinking about getting a bike.

What is your budget? If you have no credit history, there is probably no way you can get financing. (and you'll be paying out your rear in interest if you do). So yes, you are probably going to have to save up for a while to buy one.

Insurance isn't too bad, I pay about $73 bucks a month through State Farm for full coverage on a brand new 06 600RR. Just shop around for insurance, and try all places. You'll be surprised at what some companies charge.

Honda's probably have the best track record for reliability around.......as long as it was properly maintained and broken in to begin with, so you shouldn't have a problem with "having problems" later on. But remember, these are sport bikes, which require more maintenance than other usual vehicles..............

.........which brings me to the stuff you should know, but may disappoint you. I'm not trying to bum you out, but I usually stress this to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into so you don't find out the hard way...........

These are sport bikes. They're rather expensive to own compared to other types of bikes and cars. Tires don't last as long on these bikes as other bikes/cars. Expect 4,000-6,000 miles MAX out of a tire during normal riding, less if you are an aggressive rider. They also require more checkup's and adjustments than normal vehicles......and some of which involve being taken to a shop (which isn't cheap). There are a few more, but I think you get the idea.

Also, another big chunk of change is the riding gear. Helmet, Jacket, Gloves....at MINIMUM! Good helmet is usually $200-$400+ bucks. Good Jacket is about $200-$300+ bucks, Good set of Gloves ranges between $50-$100 bucks.........and this is probably the MOST important part of getting a bike. (just as important as MSF courses and proper training).

Again, not trying to bum you out, or talk you out of getting the bike.......but just think about it. Do some research and see what comes up. Look into how much maintenance is involved (ESPECIALLY since you are looking into a used bike) and figure out worst case scenarios. I know that if I would have bought a bike when I first wanted one, I would have been dead broke, or even would have had to sell the bike due to financial issues that arose out of nowhere.

I waited a while, and made ABSOLUTELY SURE I could afford the payments, insurance, maintenance and surprise fix-it's without drying out my bank account every-time a payment was due. (which is not a good way to pay for a new vehicle, trust me.)

But, THESE ARE GREAT BIKES! And I highly recommend them to anyone interested, but just make sure you can afford to own one. You'll have a blast on a bike, and when I got mine, you couldn't get me off it (and still can't)

Good luck in searching for your bike, hope some of my information was helpful. Remember to take the MSF if you haven't already and ride safe!

 

Thanks for your answers. I actually have taken the MSF course, have my license, and I ride around my friends bikes as often as humanly possible. I've tried the R6, 600RR, f4, and the gixxer, and I've narrowed it down to the R6 and the 600RR. I'm planning on spending up to $1k on safety gear, and I've decided to forgo the lojack in favor of theft coverage with insurance.

If you could be so kind as to answer one more question, is it safe to buy from ebay? There *seems* to be a lot of great deals there, but it seems kinda shady. And as far as I can tell, most motorcycles on ebay aren't from CA so checking them out is out of the question.

Thanks for your reply!

 

I agree with everything Bluefox has said, in fact, that post should be a sticky its so good.

Ebay, as with any purchse, is all about what you are getting. I would suggest seeing the bike and a test ride if possible, check the maintenance record to ensure oil changes and other basic regular maintenance was done on time, check for impacts or crashes which may be difficult to spot. If possible take a friend who's been riding a while or is mechanically inclined to help you make the check out. I think if you do a search, there is a check list of things to look for on here somewhere (?). Also check out Kelly Blue Book for motorcycles to make sure prices are fair, if someone is asking waaaay too low, you have to wonder why, and ask them why.

Whether you buy locally or on Ebay, make sure you get a transaction history, some bank record etc, paypal whatever you can. And check the bike out in person no matter what.

Good luck,
Chris.

 

You'll be a lot happier with a F4i especially for YOUR first bike. it doesn't sound like you're interested in tracking a motorcycle, but rather as a arond town runner. Yamaha's have a very agressive posture and it can get unfomfortable quickly. the f4i is much more comfortable and has a very liniar powerband so there aren't any surprises when you get the motor spun up. the R6 lives at the track more than anywhere else. it thives on high RPMs, that's where it comes alive. the F4i lives everywhere. the 600RR is a lot like the R6 in terms of posture, but acts more like the F4i in terms of power delivery. it wont top out as high as the R6, but where you'll be using it, there will be more roll on power until the R6 gets Revvy.

 

You got some good advice here. I would just add that if you're looking on ebay, limit it to local bikes. Don't even think about bidding on a bike you haven't seen in person. There are scammers out there, so unless you actually see the bike, you can't even be sure if it exists, never mind whether it's as good as it seems in the ad. Craigslist.org is another good place to look for local bikes.

 

Just to comment, i've bought me vehicles on ebay; quads, bikes, cars... And have purchased all of them just through contacting the buyer. Usually if its on ebay with a no reserve you can get them for cheap.. I just contact the buyer, make an offer, and they usually accept it.. Then you don't fork over any money until your there for pick up where you can inspect it. Not to give away my tactic or anything, buts thats what i do

 

knight - your post should be a sticky on the F4 thread. Exactly right on...from an F4i rider.

 

f4i or rr it's your choice...mine personally is the rr
Don't be discouraged from the rr, a way better bike

 

depending on your point of view...