New to bikes and Forum

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

First of all Hi my name is Andy i'm 21 years old and live in Tynemouth which is not far from Newcastle City centre in the north east of england.

For the past 4 yrs i have been driving cars my present one being a T5 but hey this is a bike forum so less talk of cars...

I found this site in excitement knowing that i can benefit from all the knowledge and experience from its members.

I would be appreciative if anyone could help me with the following questions.

1) I am looking at spending 3-4k on a bike preferably a 600cc (GSXR-600 would be great). I have recently been obtaining quotes from the internet and the best i can seem to get is £900 TPFT with 0 no claims as my 4 yrs are obviously on my car. Is this high or of a normal age for age and type of bike?

2) what are service costs like on this sort of bike? (inquisitive only)

All help would be much appreciated and i look forward to speaking to many of you soon.

Regards

Andy Smile

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Karma :

Hi, welcome to the forum! Smile

£900 TPFT on a GSXR6 in your area isn't to bad but I'm sure Danny off this forum could get it lower, PM him if you want.

Oh and if you didn't know some insurers allow you to use your car NCB on you bike.

Nice choice on bike too, I'm a big fan of the GSXR's.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Its about right. Car no claims usually bear no relation to bike quotes. The only companies that take it into account are usually expensive anyway.

TBH if it would be your first bike I would reccomend thinking about a less powerful 600 or a sports 400 for your first bike.

Bikes like the Hornet 600 and the Fazer 600 are almost as quick as the sports 600s, but are insurable and a lot more forgiving for the new rider.

Best of luck and welcome to the forum! Smile

____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

The hornet has about the same sort of power as the sports 600, and as I said is a lot mor forgiving. Same as the Fazer really. They are also very insurable and a LOT more practical. Particularly the Fazer, which has a huge tank range and is great for pillions etc. the older models also have stonking brakes, and so are great for stoppies. Wheelies etc and kneedown should be no problem too!

Smile

____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Yeah that probably why its better to go for a non supersports 600!

What I mean is, after a few months when you get a bit of confidence, you can still have fun on them! Smile

____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Nah,

not to be impolite,
but you won't be experienced enough to use the *tiny* edge the Gixxer has over something like a fazer on the road only the best riders would really notice the difference TBH.

You will be faster on a Fazer or Hornet because they inspire confidence. Plus, I have yet to meet anyone who has not dropped a bike in their first year of ownership. The bodywork on sportsbikes is ridiculously expensive and does not stand up well to even a 0mph fall.

Don't get me wrong, Gixxers are nice bikes, and insurance is possible to get. You would be able to handle one having just passed your test, and they aren't the worst first bike in the world, its just you will learn more about riding and have more fun on a Fazer or Hornet IMO!

Maybe I should let some other people put their oar in! Laughing

____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Steve H · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Oct 2003 Karma :

Browny,

Although I'm loathed to admit it Wink

Marjay's advice is spot on.

The majority of riders will advise you to get a less focused bike as your initial introduction to Riding. I won't bore you with repeating the advice that's already been offered but it might be worth buying a couple of bike related magazines to get a flavour of what's about I would recommend 'BIKE' (not necessarily for its' content!) as it has a section near the back of the mag that lists the majority of Bikes available in the UK market and this may give you other options to think about.

You're certainly not alone in wanting a beautifully crafted sports 600, a lot of people new to the biking scene see these machines on the road and are drawn to their sleek good looks and the experience that comes with ownership. They forget or are unaware that these beasts are quicker than any car (0-60 in well under 4 seconds) and to handle one requires a lot of concentration and a fair amount of experience and talent.

That's not to say that you won't be able to ride a GSXR, it's just a sensible and more safer option to go for a less powerful, but still bloody quick 600 (or even something less powerful) before jumping on something that'll do 140mph without batting an eyelid.

Good Luck in your decision Thumbs Up

SteveH
____________________
Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

I take into account what you all have said and am deciding to go with a HORNET (i think) as it seems to be the one which i can get the cheapest insurance quote on (without danny's help Wink

)

they are lovely bikes too, dunno whether to get a faired version or non faired.

I will be buying the bike within the next month or two, end of sept latest. I have use of my car for the winter which is when the bike will be away in storage, i have no intentions of using it in the wet.

Andy

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Good call.

Don't stick it in storage though, there are plenty nice sunny (cold) days to go out and play in the winter. Thumbs Up

Faired is good if you intend to do any amount of motorway work, but I personally prefer the look of the unfaired (and you can always get a little screen for it).

FYI I did 9 months on a CB500 before getting a sports 6 and I think I made the right decision - when you pass your DAS you're still very much a learner for quite some time and it's better to make your dumb mistakes on something that's not going to bite so hard. Hornet is a great first bike.

Claud 14.7 to 1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2004 Karma :

Yer its true, i agree with the others. Get a cheap bike, winter is coming. You will be more than likely to drop it...

Or you could get an old sports 400. Prices from 1000-2000 for something half decent. Plastics are expensive, but its a cheap bike...

But then again IF you can pick up a lovley little hornet for the same ammount you would have spent on the sports 400, Hornet would probably be a better choice for a first bike. Thumbs Up

It will take you a long time to out-ride a Hornet. It will be fun, and you've got some phat rubber on the back to keep everything in check on those cold wet winter nights... Thumbs Up

hornets are reliable and look very nice.

How much do hornets go for these days?

dibbster · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Karma :

deputy · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Karma :

brownyuk · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Karma :

Hi again,

I've been away doing some research and think i have found something which is suitable....

what is your opinions on my choice?

https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=95742495

2000 SUZUKI Bandit 600s, 2000, 2100
miles, 12 Months MOT, 1 Owner, Very Good Condition, Givi Top Box but needs carrier. £2,750 . ono.

Thanks for help

Andy

Sacarius · Scooby Slapper Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Karma :

Very nice bike!
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