Originally Posted by Hangfire

I always get a kick out of these threads. It's always newer, less experienced riders giving the most advice. No offense elfing, but from your previously stated experience and qualifications you really shouldn't be on here reccomending 600 supersports to people as starter bikes. With your particular accident, yes, it wouldn't have mattered what size bike you were on, but your accident was basically a glorified tip over that didn't happen at any real speed. You've hardly put your f4i into all the different situations in which the greater power of the f4i over a 250 would be a detriment, drug any kness lately? Etc. Also, an f4i and a gsxr 600 put out right about the same HP, both are rated somewhere around 110bhp, the new gsxr's might be a hair higher, but it's a minimal difference.

So many people like to post that They started on a 600 and They are fine, etc etc. Fact is starting on a 600 isn't signing a death warrant, but it is substantially increasing your risk, some get away with it fine, others get killed or seriously hurt. Besides which starting on a 600 seriously slows how fast someone learns to ride properly and learning their personal limits. Even just a couple of months on a 250 is worth it's weight in gold as far as learning and experience goes (if time could somehow be measured in weight :P). Regardless, "A 600 is only as dangerous as it's rider" is a common qoute, I don't agree. A 600 can get someone into trouble faster than their inexperienced riding skills can get them out of, while a 250 is alot more forgiving, especially as far as throttle control goes (especialy during cornering).

Regardless, noone ever listens to these threads and they are usually comepletely pointless. No matter how many experienced riders say to start on a 250 all it takes is one person, regardless of riding experience, saying to start on a 600 and it's done. People hear what they want to hear, they want to be told the 600 that they want, is perfectly ok, and someone always obliges. So, OP, after you get your 600 (you know you will), just be careful and make sure you buy all the gear you can possibly afford. People are always going to lean towards buying what they want, not what they should. Any 250 can usually be sold, quickly and easily,for the same exact price, or better than it was bought for, so no money is wasted. What's the issue with that?


P.S. I have been trying to avoid this thread, knowing that I'd throw down a wall'o'text, dammit, failed again. Regardless, feel free, anyone, to pick apart my arguements and whatnot. I've said my peace on the subject and won't be drawn into the usual war that erupts in these threads.