Next Bike - Need some advice

[oggy1610]

First just to say hello to everyone as I have been browsing around but not posted until now. I'm new to biking having decided that 4 wheels is just no fun any more and that I have always wanted to learn to ride so went and passed my CBT about 1.5 months ago and have been riding around on a baby varadero to practice ready to take my DAS test on 19th July.

I have recently been thinking about what to get as my first 600cc bike. I decided that I would go for 600cc as I feel I have the self control to be sensible and I'm not the adrenalin junkie type so I have shortlisted what I was thinking of and went to have a sit on them yesterday. The ones on the list are FZ6, GSF650, SV650S and CBR600F. One thing that worried me is the stretching I found myself doing particularly on the bandit and I felt that I was leaning to far forward in terms of posture and that there may be a tendency to lock my arm out on full lock. The same was occurring on the FZ6 although not quite so bad. On the SV and CBR this was not a problem as the riding position is different. SO coming to the point how far is to far to be leaning forward on bandits and fazers. If I'm feeling like I'm half way between normal and sports position to reach the bars is this wrong?

I wasn't going to go for the sports bike type originally but I'm now thinking that this would be more comfortable if I have shorter arms. Any advice is appreciated thanks.

[Kal]

Its all about what you feel comfortable with, if you don't feel that you are in control, or even feel stretched by the bike all the time than the chances are you arent going to be in control.

Aftermarket modifications such as handlebar risers may help improve your riding position, get your chin off of the tank and your back into a more supportive position.

Just out of interest have you considered Honda's CB500S and Suzuki's GS500F?
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[oggy1610]

Hmm yes see where you are going, similar bike but smaller size. Hadn't really considered either but then didn't find them in the stores so would have been difficult to gauge. Did also try a CBF600 and that was similar to the FZ6 but still felt like I would be stretching at full lock. Not that you use full lock much but still think it would be a control issue.

It has occurred that I didn't mention what I'm looking for in a bike. Basically a jack of all trades really. Something that is capable of the daily commute (38 mile round trip for me), something that I can do the trip out at the weekend. Something capable of the odd long run for a weekend away and maybe someday a track day (all adds to the skillset). Think you get the idea. FZ CBF and GSF would be the choice as a commuter and all rounder due to a more upright position but not at the expense of comfort and ability to control.

[oggy1610]

Thanks to Kal for the advice - I'm still in two minds over this one at the moment. Do I go for less comfort and more upright plus easier to ride or what seems to be more comfortable but maybe less easy to progress with? If I go with my gut feeling it is that comfort should be high priority because if I'm not comfortable I'm going to have my concentration distracted - not good on any bike. But then If I have a CBR it may well stunt the development of my riding skills and I don't want that to happen as I want to be as good as I can be and learn properly - a fast bike might not allow this.

Although there seems to be reports of soft forks and soft brakes etc with the SV650S it would seem to strike the best of both worlds (less power but more sports position) and I'm already used to V-Twins having got a Varadero at the moment. If any of you can just help a little more I would be grateful.

[tristan]

out of that lisst,the CB600r or the SV650 are very wise choices. They have good stabilty, and whilst having the punch when you want it, are user friendly, and handle nicely.

[Honda babe]

Once ive passed my DAS im all set for a CBR600RR.

I'm the sensible type too however, I just love this bike to bits and am determined to have one by the time im 30 in november!!! (birthday present to myself)
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Its nice to be important but more important to be nice

[oggy1610]

Thanks tristan you confirm what a lot of people say about them both.

Honda babe, yes the RR is very good and everyone is raving about it but to race replica focused for a first bike for me and the insurance is higher as well. Maybe in a few years time but not just yet so still considering the F version myself (pre 2005 but not lower than 2002).

Got to admit that the CBR is what I'm leaning towards, Honda's are what I know already as I already own one of their bikes now and I'm training on a CBF500 for the DAS, very reliable, readily available parts, plenty of after market add-ons and does tick all the boxes in what I want for a first bike. Everyone seems to say that the F version is very forgiving for the new biker and will let you get away with the odd mistake and it would not be a massive hike in terms of weight, my Varadero is specified at 152Kg DRY and the CBR is 170Kg DRY so only a 18Kg increase.

Someone has suggested I also look at the GPZ500S so I'm going to check one of those out this weekend. Will still think long and hard about all this first and not make any final decission until I have test riden the final short list.

[giftedbean]

passed my das about 2 months ago m8 and am riding a cbr600f i'm 39 and played rugby in the front row for 20 plus years so my neck and back aint the best i found that it took a while getting used to it and was very painful for about a week including 2 physio sessions but after that settled down i've been fine wrists can be a bit sore after a while but pullin over and giving em a bit of a shake out sorts that out all i can say is shame i got into biking late but at least at my age i realise my limits and dont take the piss with my right wrist hope this helps and ride safe whatever you decide on