Hi from sunny Sussex, England.

This is my first post on this forum but I’m a biker of 30 years standing. I cut my teeth on 70s/80s Japanese machines but learned to ride on a Greeves 250 dirt bike in 1978.

In the last 30 years I’ve had Brit, Italian and Japanese and Indian (yes, Indian Royal Enfields), including sportbikes (Daytona, ZX6R, RF600, Guzzi 1000S) so have a broad range of biking experience!

However, I just lost my job as part of the economic downturn here in the UK. I leave at Xmas after 11 years of working with adults with learning disabilities.

As a result, I’ve just emptied my garage of a Triumph Bonneville and a Royal Enfield. However, I couldn’t bear the thought of being without a bike.

I trawled my local free ads and found a 1997 CBR600F3 in great condition for £1495 UK sterling. I pick it up tomorrow morning and am really looking forward to going back to a 600 sports. It’s my first CBR and I decided on this as:

• It’s cheap to buy and run
• It has a reputation as being a great all-rounder
• It should give me all the power I need whilst retaining some real-world usability

I hope I’ve made the right decision but I’m feeling pretty confident.

As for the job – I’ll be a self employed handyman from Jan 1st 2011. Wish me luck.

 

Welcome to the board! Congrats on the new (to you) bike! Scanning over your list I believe you'll like the F3 ... the things are pretty much bullet proof if maintained. Make sure you post up some pics when you pick her up.

Good luck in the new line of employment.

 

Hello and Welcome to the CBR Forum!!! Ride Safe and Often...

 

Nice one Gary and welcome to the Forum with it. Need any info' check in with the
F3 Section ......
plenty of knowledgable F3 ppl there

 

Welcome Gary! great looking bike - I think you made a solid choice and good luck with the new career path!

 

Thanks guys

I'm leaving in 20 mins to collect the bike so will let you all know my opinions after a ride.

For once the sun is shining in the UK so should be a great morning's riding.

Gary

 

Good luck with your search. Now's the time of year to buy as people are giving up for the winter in the UK.

I just got back from 60 miles on the bike which have been an absolute joy. I'm stunned at how easy it is to ride and how comfortable it is, especially on the wrists. My ZX6R used to kill my back and wrists after a couple of hours but no such problems with the CBR.

So far, I'm very impressed.

 

Very good, Gary! Glad to hear you're enjoying her so far. You're right about the less aggressive riding position than the Kawi R's. A good friend of mine just did the exact reverse of what you did (F2 to 636) and he's complained more than once already... lol.

Welcome to the site, man, and I think you made a good choice with the F3 honda.