sparky8181

Hi Guys,

So last weekend I went out on the back of my friends suzuki gsxr600 and I cant stop thinking about it. I've been in loads of fast cars but none of them even came close to the buzz you get on a bike, I'm totally hooked and have decided to get myself one. I've never ridden a bike before so I'm a total beginer and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice. I'm thinking of getting a R6, gsxr600 or a zx636r, any of you guys ride any of these bikes?

Any tips on suitability or what to look for would be appreciated.

Thanks

JeRZee XiE60

I had a Gsx-r 600 about 3 years ago ... I got sick of it after about 4 months and wanted to get a bigger bike, I ended up selling it and got a 750.

pjinca

PM member joebagg - he has a few bikes now an rides a lot. Many of us have or had one, I used to have a 2003 Ducati 999s - loved it and miss it. I'm obviously a little biased (maybe more than a little) but I much prefer the Italian bikes over the Japanese ones, gimme a Ducati, Aprillia, MV, Bimota over anything Japan has produced. BTW, did you know BMW has a new superbike out?

response_surface

i have 3 bikes, been riding since 1984 when i was a teenager.

if you are not an experienced rider your first bike should not be a 600cc sportbike. you need to get some old 250cc and go through your hard knocks phase on that. make no mistake you will crash it eventually. a bike capable of 140 mph is not something to learn on, and stay away from traffic for the first 10k miles.

Bklyn545i

I have a 2003 R1

pjinca

+1 Very much agree with this, I started riding on a KX 80 when I was 9, then RM125, and in high school I rode a lot on a friends LTD550 - staying away from high traffic areas. That is why when the opportunity came up to buy the Ducati I was ready, I had been riding for 20 years. Sport bikes are not for the beginner, they will end up learning bad and very painful lessons.

bens1088

I've been riding street bikes since I was 15 and have about 50,000 miles under my belt. Honestly if you can be mature about it and really take it slowly, you can get a 600cc bike. If you think your going to **** around and go really fast without learning the proper form then I would get a 250 and upgrade in a 4-6 months. You don't want to pick up a nice r6 or gsxr and drop it the first week.

I have an R6 which is more sensitive then most of the bikes I've ridden. If you want a toned down 600, the yamaha 600r or honda f4i are good 600's to start on.

Btw, I had a ninja 250 and totaled it at 80mph. The only reason I walked away was because I was WEARING GEAR!!!. So whatever choice you make, WEAR full gear. The pavement is like a cheese grater (It tore through my 3 layer leather gloves and still chewed some of my palm.)

This will scare you into wearing gear

lee1224

You sound like a mirror image of what I just went through. I have been wanting a bike since I was a teenager, finally pulled the trigger yesterday. My younger brother has a 08 ninja 250, its a great bike to learn to ride on. Its really easy on the rider and no surprises. Yesterday, i bought a used 2007 Honda Cbr600RR, I feel comfortable enough and mature enough for the 600. I think if you use your head and respect what you are riding, a 600cc bike shouldn't be a problem.

stoic1

Whatever bike you decide to start on I would highly recommend a motorcycle safety course. Especially for a beginner and as a review if you haven't rode in a while (like me).

Find an empty parking lot and practice shifting gears up and down. Learn when to use the front and back brakes and practice that also.

Like what was stated earlier, wear protective gear. The softest thing on a motorcycle is you!

Be safe and enjoy.

sparky8181

shit thats harsh, never mind scaring me into wearing gear, i think that site has scared me off getting one at all.