Hey guys this is my first post and I'd like to say this forum is really cool.

Anyways, I have been thinking about getting a new 600RR. This will be my first bike. I have ridden before but I am not an experienced rider by any means. I have ridden a 2001 Suzuki GS500 and a 2005 Harley Sportster 883. I have roughly 10 hours of ridding under my belt, and haven't dropped either bike (as of yet).

My question is would this be a decent starter bike for me? I know there was a thread not too long ago about this. I've also been looking at the R6 and the GSXR 600. I know this probably isnt the best site to ask about those bikes, but I was wanting to hear your opinions on those as well. Let me know what you think, and thanks for your opinions.

 

Do ya just gotta have a new one? It's just that the 600RR is gonna make both bikes you listed seem like a baby's tricycle -- both power and performance. New stuff is shiny and smells good but God forbid if you do drop it those shiny plastic bits are expensive. My best advice to you (which is the same road I took on the way to RR land) is to start out on a beater bike and ride the wheels off the thing. Sell it in a year (I kept my beater for 2 years -- rode it 10,000 miles and sold it for $50 less than I paid) and then get the 600RR.

As far as the Honda vs. Suzuki vs. Kawi vs. Yami -- they're all so close that it truly is the rider that makes one faster than the other. So pick the one you like best. All are good bikes but of course the Honda is the best

 

Hey, thanks for the input chainstretcher.

Yeah, I suppose getting a used/older bike is a good idea. Its just that I just know when I buy an older bike, I will want something newer. I would just hate to spend money on something that I know I won't keep long. But I'm still looking around. What usually causes a person to drop a bike? Like I said in my last post, I have ridden a Harley around a few times and its heavy. But it has a really low seat height. I suppose that is a factor as well considering I'm not that tall (5'8, 165 lbs).

 

Knowing I wanted a NEW bike I did a lot of research and ended up going with the 600RR because all the write ups I kept reading kept mentioning it is the most forgiving bike in it's class. I also knew that everything else they mentioned like weight, HP and braking was so close between each bike I would never notice the difference since I was just getting back into riding after raking about 12 years off.

I've only been riding my 600RR for about 2 months now and already want a Liter bike. Before I get comments, all good by the way, rained down on me from all the experienced riders, I know I need a lot more time until I am getting near the point when I can control all the power my 600 can provide. What makes me want to move up is the effortless wheelies my buddies are doing on there ZX10R's

 

05Tribal, I think you justified your cause. If you are looking for effortless wheelies in a bike then yes I agree the liter bikes will fit that bill (I previosly owned a 02 R1). 600 are great wheelie bikes too, but take more effort unless you start messing with the gearing then the engine is much busier, epsecially ont he parkway.

Be careful thought. Stock versus Stock, Liter bikes come up much faster, are less forgiving and your chances of looping increase ten fold, especially for someone getting back into the gig.

If you looking to go fast around a track, most people, unless the have some miles under their belt at the track will go faster on the 600.

Be safe bro!

 

I am from the religion of responsibilty. I did not have a bike for 15 years and bought a 1000 RR. You have to make the choice to keep off the throttle till you are ready. Its that simple. If I had a nickle for everyone I have heard saying they bought a 600 and now want to upgrade for more power, my bike would be paid off. I am all for getting what you want the first time around, just beeeeeeeeeeeeeee responsible.

 

Take Chainstretcher's advise!!!! Really if you are looking for the best it's HONDA! by far.

 

Yes. I would have to say responsibility is the biggest issue.

Whatever I do chose, I wont be trying to do any stunts or going like a bat out of hell. I plan on riding it around in my neighborhood at slow speed for at least a few months. I wont take it out on a public street till I take the safety course.

 

Be honest with yourself... do you really think you'll stick to this plan? (Not to mention this isn't the best way to break in a new engine.)

On a side note (and I know I'm going to get flamed for this.... I think both the 600RR and 1kRR are TERRIBLE choices for a beginner bike. Suspension, brakes and throttle are too sensitive for rookie mistakes. You wouldn't give a kid with a new drivers license a Formula 1 car to learn on, why would you give a novice rider the equivalent bike?

/grumpy_old_man

 

I have to agree with TowJam on the RR for a beginner bike, but I'll leave it at that. As for the wheelies, i think the 600 is fine. I can be going anywhere between 10 and 55 mph and drop down a gear, if even and clutch a wheelie. once you get the hang of it, wheelies on command are extremely easy. the difference with a 600 over a liter is that wheelies on accident are few and far between. a little too much gas on a liter bike and you could be screwed. I prefer to save money by buying a 600 and spending the money saved on upgrades just depends on the person, though