1996 cbr600f first bike after das.

[pjgaffney1]

Hi all recently posted cb500 or gpz500 for first bike, and then a cbr600f, got some great ideas then one said just get cbr600f after das what does everybody think cbr600f good for a new rider or too much all answers much appreciated.

[chip]

go with the cbr, if you woried about the more power personally i cant see 100cc making much difference, if you can handle the 500 then you will beable to handle the 6

[Tango675]

I got told that the CBR600F was a good starter bike.
One of the guys at work had one as his first bike.

The CBR600F is a big step up from a CB500 (or similar).
Around 45bhp (CB) vs 95bhp for the CBR.
110mph CB vs 150mph CBR

Most of the power is at the top end of the revs on the CBR, bottom end it is probably about the same as a CB500.
The quality of the parts on the CBR (breaks, suspension) will be much better than the CB.

It really depends on a lot of factors, what you are going to use the bike for, how much have you got to spend, can you afford insurance, are you conformable on the bike.

The ideal would be to prod around on the CB until you have stretched the throttle cable as far as it will go every time you see a NSL, then get something bigger.
If thats going to happen 2 weeks after your DAS then the CBR is the bike to get as it is more capable and will keep you entertained for longer. However plenty of people will still be enjoying the CB500 as its all the bike they ever want.

I found insurance on the CBR600F to be a bit on the high side for me. I also wasn't a fan of sports bikes.
So I got an SV650N 70bhp and 125mph.
Almost 3 years on and I am ready for something faster but I still think that the SV was a good choice for me.
But I know some people will be bored of a SV within 6 months.

Other bikes like the SV are:
ER-6
CB600
Bandit 650 and 600
____________________
Somebody give that windup merchant a torque wrench..

[Streetrace bikes]

The CBR's a great bike. Fun, but not too intimidating. Very reliable too you'll love it, just watch out that it isn't damaged as many are used as track bikes.
Good luck

[arry]

[Kal]

[Poseidon]

The thing you have to remember with asking for advice on your first bike is that everyone will have a different opinion of what you should buy. A lot believe a sports bike is the wrong place to start and something like a cb500 is the way to go. Others will tell you that naked 600's are the best starting point with the likes of the hornet/bandit etc being top of the list. Others will say that the 600sports class are a good starting point... Less insane power than the big thous.

Each opinion is valid in it's own right, but just remember that it is only that... Someones opinion. I've known people jump straight from DAS onto Millies/GSXR750s and Daytona T595s and they are all very much alive, loving biking and very proud of their bikes. Similarly I know someone who did his restricted licence, bought a hornet, binned it and is no longer with us. As long as you aren't on a restricted licence then there is no law stopping you riding anything. Ultimately, get the bike you want and believe that you can handle. Despite common opinion telling me not to, I fully intend to get a Daytona 955i at some point, even though I've only ridden a slow naked tourer up till now. I believe I am sensible enough to handle it and thats all that matters. Just be aware that bikes are a ferocious beast... Take it steady, walk before you can run and you'll be fine! If you are in any doubt, do a test ride and let the bike do the talking. Oh and look at Yammy Thundercats, in my experience (by that I mean when I have sat on them) they are comfier than the CBR600.

Drew
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1977 Honda CG125
2002 Ducati Monster S4 (currently restoring)

[Kal]

While there is a measure of truth in Posidons post above, that there are exceptions to ever rule, and especially that any bike will kill you if you don't treat it right I would like to point something out....


The odds, the largest single catagory of Killed/Seriously Injured are young males on sportsbikes with less thana couple of years riding experience...

...and every last one of them thought that they were the exception that proved the rule.
____________________
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

[pjgaffney1]

What about cbr400 then? Better choice to start on for a while.

[Poseidon]

[arry]

[DrDonnyBrago]

My first bike was/still is a 2001 cbr600f - couldn't ask for more from a first bike tbh.

It has quite a peaky engine with a bit of a dead spot at 4k but I found this to be a positive thing when I first had it as if you keep the needle below 9k then it isnt going to scare you shitless, above 9k its a totally different bike. Looks great and sounds the nuts with an aftermarket can.


It is fast as are all 600s (Yamaha divvy excluded) but it is also comfortable and practical as well. Its not as race focused as the new breed of 600 supersports so it can handle the occasional pothole and the slightly soft rear suspension seems to help it dig in when accelerating so the front never feels light. Also you arent leant over the tank too much with your arse in the air which is nice.

I would highly recommend it as a first bike after DAS - bar some mechanical issues it has served me perfectly.

[Kal]

[Poseidon]

[Frost]

I went on a cbr600 back when i rode a vfr400. To be honest i found the cbr easier to ride as it felt very well planted to the road and more comfortable. For a great many years the CBR was the benchmark bike for handling, performance and reliability. Obviously they are less extreme than todays sports 600's making them alot more usable by comparrison.

If your having trouble finding a 500 you like, or can trust i'd recommend the cbr 600 and a little self control

[crowe]

I have a Kawasaki er5 (VERY similar to GPZ500/CB500)

I highly recommend GPZ/CB500 because as a first bike they do it ALL!

-comfortable riding position
-enough power
-can 2 up easily
-VERY easy to maneuvre
-simple to maintain

and finally they are great to get used to a big bike and a great way to discover what type of rider you are (sporty/tourer/commuter)

ride safe

[crackfinder]

I did my training and tests on 2 kawasaki ER5's,
nice bikes to learn on because they feel like "a big bike" but are quite forgiving.
After I passed I wasn't sure what to get, I thought i'd get something fairly cheap..then if i want to change it in a year it would be ok.
I considered getting an ER5, but thought i would get bored fairly quickly,
I ended up getting a 1998 FZS 600 Fazer.....I love it,
it does everything I want.........

it's fun in the twisties,

it is quite quick,
(although I must admit it doesn't feel as quick as it did a year ago, must be getting used to it....time for something bigger)

it's comfy,
it has the thunder cat (modified) engine,

R1 front brakes,

pretty cheap to insure,

only downside i guess is some people think it looks a bit dated, but so do I, so I guess we go well together

oh, and for the number crunchers....

it's 95bhp @ 11,500rpm and top speed is 140mph.

I would say an old Fazer is a very good bike for your first big bike.