Just like the title says. I am a TRUE newbie. I have never even been on a bike but I have always wanted one and Im going to get one. I have been looking around alot lately and it seems like Im going to go with a CBR 600 between 91-94 for my first bike. My questions are how hard will it be for me to learn to ride. I am going to be registering for the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Training Program classes. Will they just go over the basics of motorcycle laws or will they actually start from scratch with me from starting to how to ride? Will I be happy with a CBR 600 as my first bike? Can I realistically expect to find a running CBR 600 for around $1500 - $2000? Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

That sounds like a fine bike and the price sounds realistic...just remember that newbies ( and experienced riders too) drop the bikes as the get aquainted wit hriding, so invest in some FRAME SLIDERS..Honda Fairings are EXPEN$IVE!!!

 

I don't know how the Pennsylvania riding program works -- talk to some peeps that have completed the course. The course in GA is a standard MSF course and consists of one 4 hour class then two 10 hour riding classes. Buddy after 20 hrs of riding in 2 days you are glad to be done. Here's a question for you -- can you ride a bicycle and can you drive a stick shift? If you can ride the pedals off a bike then learning to ride a motorcycle will be easy. Even easier if you can drive a manual tranny.

Good luck and be safe. The 600's will scream -- gotta keep that right hand under control.

 

Well, I think starting with a training school is a great idea. You are on the right track there.

I'm going to be a bit of a downer and say that I don't think you should learn on a 600Supersport. You will be doing yourself a favour if you start on something smaller with less power. I realize this is a Honda forum, but I think a Ninja 250 or EX500 would be a better bike. You will be a better rider because of it and you can get them at decent prices. You can likely find one, ride it for a couple of years and sell it for near what you paid. The SV650 is also another nice bike to learn on.

Just my two cents on the situation.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. Maybe I should consider that Ninja 250. Yes I can ride a bike no I cant drive stick.

 

As long as you are going to a certified MSF class you will be fine. The MSF has the same program structure all over the United States. They teach you how to ride from scratch. When I took my class in 03 we had 12 people in the class. Out of the 12 people 6 had never ridden before. Out of those 6, 4 women didn't even know how to drive a manual tranny car. Everyone passed with flying colors. Definatly take the class before you do anything.

Also don't forget about gear. Some basic but good gear to start you off will run around $500. You need a good helmet, jacket, boots, gloves and jeans. Pants with armor will be better, but in a pinch jeans are better then nothing.

An older 600cc bike is good to start out on, but not the best choice. Depending on your maturity level, size, and aptitude for riding. I'd take the MSF class and then make your decision. There are several 500cc bikes that are great starter bikes. Definatly get something older for your first bike though.

Remember to have fun and just because you pass the MSF and get your license doesn't mean you are an expert. Still practice and take some time before you get out on the streets and in traffic. I have heard the average learning curve for riding is around 2 years. Practice what you learn in class as often as you can.

 

Welcome! Everyone who has posted a responce is pretty much right!Good on you for taking da course but like Noen said yer not a expert yet. When i was going to get a bike everyone said 250cc or 600. I ended up gettin a 600rr. i like it just fine and am very causious and respect it. Just keep practicing yer riding i.e. turns, stops, etc... and you should be good to go!

 

I agree with everyone else, after you pass the MSF course, dont rush into buying a bike. wait for one that you can learn on. i found a 1992 Honda CBR600 f2 and it is my first bike. For me it seems like a great starter bike, but like someone else said, depends how mature and responsible you are. You will learn alot at the Course too. Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

 

Welcome to the family. MSF...MSF...MSF...the most highly ranked safety course in the world. The mere thought that you want to take it lets the family know that you will not be one of those knucklheads giving two-wheeled lovers a bad name. 600cc's is a great starter size. Something like a 250 will not cut it unless you live in the back woods somewhere. No matter how much knowledge you attain in a safety course, it only gives you the license to go out in learn. The streets are the best class you'll attend daily. Know yourself and stay within your limits. Remember, Motorcycle Safety Foundation has your back and so do we at the CBR Forum.

 

Thank you for all of the responses so far. This forum seems like a really great place to learn about bikes im glad i found it. I went and picked up a Pa motorcycle operators manual and im downloading the MSF beginners manual. I went to see a 250 today and I dont think that im going to go with that. Im 6'2 225 and it just seems tiny. The guy that was selling it was honest with me and said that maybe I should consider a 500 or 600.