Hi i'm Collin and I am totally new to the street bike "thing" so i'm coming out clean right away i moved to central florida and decided i want a bike and i hear cbrs are the way to go. Aside from fact that i need to licensing done and what not i'm in the market now for a bike. I would like to know what are the things to look for on a bike besides general road rash and low oil how do i tell if a chain is bad etc. I have a good amount of automotive know how how similar is this? and also whats your take on max height and weight for these bikes i'm 6'5 and about 225 will a 600cc have enough go to be quick or will i weigh it down or not fit. Thanks in advance for any help and sorry if i'm in wrong section figured someone else would wanna read what to look for in a used bike.

 

welcome , your best bet would be to goto the specific bike section you are interested in. you mentioned a 600cc and used. my 1st suggestion woud be a 95-98 cbr 600 F3.it will have plenty of power to move you and be forgiving if you make a mistake while riding, it alsois cheap enough that you can buy for typically anywhere between 1200-2000 for a bike in good shape. also thse will typically already be modified so you can worry about spending your money on gear.

if you can afford it id say go for a 01+ cbr 600 F4I . everything that is the best about the F3 but with modern technology. it also offers a very nice riding position for someone of your height. weight i wouldnt worry about, you'll be fine unless you are 300 lbs + lol

the 03+ 600RR is a great bike but will typically be on the higher side of $ in the used market but are worth it.

most things to look out for have already been covred if you search and read the topics in the specific sections , you just need to decide which bike you are really interested in.
you made a great choie choosing cbr for your 1st bike

 

thanks! would anyone else agree that the 600 f3 is the best way to go? i heard from someone that these bikes arent very forgiving and that if you make a mistake you'll certainly pay for it. is this true or are these bikes as easy to ride as any sport bike

 

An F3 is an excellent bike for a beginner. As said, they are powerful enough you won't get bored, and they can be had cheap. Plus, they are awesome machines. I started on one in 98, at that time, I was 6'1, 190-200lbs. I had no issues with it at all. They definately have more room on them than the newer 600's do.

As for not being as forgiving. I would lean towards they are more forgiving. They are a bit heavier and a little less power than the new crop of 600's. With a bike that is set up correctly, the fueling is spot on. A few of the early fuel injected bikes had some finicky issues, but the F3 was right on with the carbed set up. No suprises, just linear delivery. Plus, they had a very flat power curve. No big jumps in power, very linear all throughout the rpm range.

Having said that, the newer you go, the chances are better that the suspension, power and ballance may be better overall. but the amount of difference won't be very noticable to a new rider.

Just keep in mind if you buy an F3, previous maintainance is key. You don't want to buy a bike that looks neglected. And as said, the F4i series is a great bike as well, if you can afford a little more money.

On a good note, If you do buy an F3, the chances are pretty good your going to get it for a good deal, then in a year, or 5 years, if you decide to sell it. You won't loose any money. F3's have stayed the same resale value for years now, and will continue to be that way.

Oh, and don't worry about power. They have plenty of power for you.

 

I would recommend an F3 as well. I picked up an F2 as my first bike, and I've been riding it for 5 years with minimal problems. A 600 will have plenty of *****, especially if you're new to street riding.

As far as chains, look at the swingarm on the sprocket side . . . F2s have a "suggestion" marking of when a chain is too stretched out. Even an old chain will suffice so long as you're not looking to be a wheelie monster.

I would take a look at tires before buying, brand new ones will run you at least $250. Keep that in mind.

If you have any car know how, working on a bike will be easy as pie! Happy Hunting.

 

Alright thanks guys and yeah I have a carbed jeep that I've pulled motor tranny carb and whole bunch of other fixes I just don't know if that knowledge will get me anywhere when buying a bike