Hey there. I'm taking the MSF course in a week and I've been riding my pals '97 FZR-600 with my permit for about a month. I normally would be looking at another 600cc bike to buy used because my price range is $2250-3000. But I happened to sumble upon a 1-owner, mint condition yellow+black CBR900RR for $2400 with 7000 miles. Some older well-off guy has some kids now and doesn't want to bother with motorcycles anymore.

So heres my question. I know this thing is supposed to be damn fast. I never plan on taking it up to its max or probably remotely near its max from what I've heard. But this deal seems too good to pass up. I do plan on doing highway riding as I commute 30 miles each way to work via the highway.

Just looking for some opinions on if I should go for this bike. Theres really not a lot of bikes in the 600 range for sale around here sadly (Savannah, ga). The way I've been looking at it is that I can handle the FZR600 pretty well. I don't know if I'd be able to handle a 900 since i've not ridden one before. Even if I shouldn't ride it, should I buy it and try to resell it? Kelly blue book seems to think the retail for one of these is $5300 @ 20000 miles+.

I don't have any preconceived notions or delusions of grandeur, so some good honest answers will help me the most. Thanks for the help.

(I thought of another question: How does the weight/handling of the CBR900RR compare to the 97' FZR-600? I've been told the weight of the FZR is about 430lbs or so.)

 

the cbr900rr is an absolute beast and i would highly recommend against it for a first bike. but for that price? damn that's a good deal and i wouldn't pass it up. if nothing else, buy it and (if you find out that it is too much bike for you) you could always re-sale it for a profit and have a little more money in your pocket in your search for a 600. there is no way that i would/could pass up on a deal that good.

 

After some further review looks like the guy is a scam artist (I knew it sounded too good to be true ). Thanks though =)

I'm really more in the market for a Ninja EX500 or a decent 600.

 

you will get bored of the 500 TRUST ME

at least i did though i will ride anything to its limits if given the chance ...500 is great on gas and insurance but it just is lacking that power to come flying out of turns. IMO it is more of a CRUISER wannabe then a sportbike

 

A friend of mine has a 89 ex 500 and its torquey as hell!

 

I'm by no means saying I am a great rider or anything but my 900 is the first street bike I have ever ridden. I've had it for nearly a year now and love every second of owning, cleaning, and riding the bike. In my opinion I don't know why it's so bad to have a 9 vs. the 6. Just my opinion don't grill me for it. P.S. I also have never owned anything with a motor besides a car.

 

Get your friend to buy a newer bike, then continue to ride his FZR for free.

P.S. FZRs are amzing handlng bikes.

 

I would get a 900 if you can find one in ur price range. It is a big fast bike but remember, you only have to pull that throttle as far as you want to. I've had mine since June and I love it. Its more comfortable than any other crotch rocket I've ever ridden.My friends and I ride 12 hours at atimeand at the end of the day,if I didn't have a family to come home to, I'd keep riding. So yeah as you can see, I say go for a 9. Good luck with whatever youdecide to do.

 

my 99 900 is my first street bike in my name. i have always ridden harleys. and i couldnt imagaing getting any street bike smaller than the 900. BUT youNEED to have very good throttle control. if you act stupid and think you can open it up it will show you how stupid you are! my dad thinks im going to the bad side with buying a sport bike insted of a cruiser but i actually prefer this ride over a harley. i felt ALOT more comfortable on a highway with this and had alot more fun.

 

Im probably too old offer good advice, but I reccomend you get yourself a smallish dual sport to compliment your 900RR. I was riding Suzuki 1000's when I got an XT350 for inner city work, and honestly my game got vastly improved because of it, in all areas...

I had an underpowered FZ (1996) for a couple of years, and I could outride that bike, and found myself sliding it as I tried in vain to keep up with ZX10's etc.. Smaller lighter bikes are easier to ride, there is no question.

A 900 will punish you if you are not skilled enough to wield it, so will a 600, even a 125 will see you in the back of an ambulance if you insist on pushing it too hard.. Go with the 500 ride it for 6months and trade it for a 600 then move on up to the litrebike when you are good and ready. Only you know how good you really are..

CJ