Suggest a good "newbie" bike

[1996MONTESS]

Well i've ridden Snowmobiles and ATV's for some time. I know they are obviously more stable at a stand still and a sled is more stable overall, but i feel like that should offer me some sort of "experience".

This will be my first bike and think i should be looking into a 750. I am 6 foot and weight about 225ish. Some friends that have been riding for a few years have told me that a 600 might be to small and a 750 is where it is at for my size.

I would rather buy a bigger bike get use to it and keep that for some time, instead of buying a 600 getting use to it and want more.

I also plan on taking the riders training class offered by a local college. Unless someone can suggest a better training coarse.

Thanks.

-Brad

[cutlass454]

Brad,

Good luck on your decision. It appears that you're trying to research this prior to making a snap purchase. You didn't mention what type of bike you're looking into getting or what you plan on doing or your style of riding. However, looking at the size range, I'm going to assume you're looking at a sport bike.

Having been in your situation just a couple years ago, I thought I would share my experience. Like you, I started to research and ask questions prior to even stepping one foot over any bike. I looked at 500's to 1000's and finally decided on an R6. I used to race moto cross when I was younger, so riding a street bike was like 2nd nature to me. I did not take any additional classes other than the one required by Michigan to get your cycle endorsement.

The people out there that say a 600 isn't big enough or you'll outgrow it too soon have never taken one to their true potential. I am 6'1", about 240 (250 with all my gear on) and owned my R6 for 2 years. Never during that time did I wish I had a 750 or liter bike. I even have about 200 laps under my belt at Grattan from several track days I attended.

Just my $0.02.

[ws6transam]

I used to have an Interceptor 250 and the only time I ever felt that it was too small was when I carried passengers. It got 55 miles per gallon, did 105 MPH flat-out, was fine at 75 MPH, and I rode it 10,000 trouble-free miles before selling it because of having young kids. I'm 6'1" and 180 pounds. I think you'd be fine with a 600. Figure that your first bike will get dumped at low speed and take a hit to the fairing while learning, and pick from there. That's the prudent method, I'd say.

[ToddO]

Today's 600's are not like the ones 15 years ago. It will still likely be more than you can handle. If your doing a lot of city riding you will like having a 600. My last bike was a ZX11 Kawasaki, which is a big heavy bike. I had more fun on my friends smaller and lighter CBR900RR and GSXR600.

[1996MONTESS]

Sorry about my lack of info. I do infact want a sport bike. While a V-rod is be dream bike, i can't afford it and want a lighter smaller bike first.

I feel that taking as many classes as i can(while not looking "cool" in the eyes of some) will make me a better rider and a safer one. Not to mention i can learn on their bikes and drop them in hopes of not dumping my own.

Sounds like a newer 600 might be enough for me. Thanks for the help and experience, its appreciated.

-Brad

[HoogiesNgrinderz]

A friend of mine is actually doing the same thing Brad. He is about your size, maybe a little taller, and he said his R6 is a little too small for him (not much at all). He wants to get the Suzuki 750.

My opinion - 600's still scare the piss out me when you really open them up. Then again I weigh 155.

[Razmiblackz28]

GO BIG OR GO HOME! :gay:



























No seriously, go for a 600 you'll be happy until someone you ride with has a liter and their not scared to use it...
Do you drive an economy car?:shift:

[1996MONTESS]

I drive one not by choice(economy car) but its all i can afford at the moment. If i had the cash, it would be a big gas guzzling Truck/SUV.

Okk....Whos got a newer 600 for sale?

-Brad

[Razmiblackz28]

I drive one not by choice(economy car) but its all i can afford at the moment. If i had the cash, it would be a big gas guzzling Truck/SUV.

Okk....Whos got a newer 600 for sale?

-Brad

Geesh man, I was just being a smart ass... most guys here are packing some serious HP. Excuse me, I was a Bad Jay :nono:

[Razmiblackz28]

What's your budget?

http://www.collegebikeshop.com/usedbikeinfo.php?x=200
http://www.collegebikeshop.com/gallery/DSC01457.JPG

[HoogiesNgrinderz]

I can get the R6 (mentioned in my post above) for 3500, but I don't know if that is just the sale price to me. I have first dibs tho :)

[Timberwolf]

I drive one not by choice(economy car) but its all i can afford at the moment. If i had the cash, it would be a big gas guzzling Truck/SUV.

Okk....Whos got a newer 600 for sale?

-Brad
Might be selling mine, I don't know how I will afford the insurance with my driving record now. it's an '06 Triumph Daytona 675 with under 2500 miles

[1996MONTESS]

What's your budget?

http://www.collegebikeshop.com/usedbikeinfo.php?x=200


http://www.collegebikeshop.com/gallery/DSC01457.JPG

Thanks for the offer, but thats not quite what i am looking for. Im lookin for a bike that has full platics, more of the "popular" look. Not busting on that bike, im sure its freakin sweet, just not me.

Now that Triumph, i checked that bike out, and it sounds sweet, don't know anything about them, but let me know if its for sale, and for how much.

-Brad

[Timberwolf]

well, if you researched the triumph much, you know they aren't cheap. but they do kickass. I paid 10k out the door last year in august or so. And I put the TOR pipe on it and did a sprocket change, clear alternatives tail light, undertail kit, etc

I'd probably have to get somewhere around 7.5-8k for it. gotta see what I still owe.