First big bike recommendations? cbr6oof - realistic?

[Billo63]

Having passed mod 2 yesterday & now in a position to finally stop looking @ bikes & actually own one I'm baffled by the huge choice available.

Other than a 30+ mile 5 day per week commute I also want a bike that will comfortably do a 400 mile round trip every 3 weeks or so.

Not set on any particular bike or style although I'm not looking at cruisers, but bearing in mind the mix of travelling I'll be doing it would seem logical to go fully faired.

I'm thinking of a Honda cbr600f for example, but would anyone say that is too much bike for my 1st?

As always, I'd be grateful for your thoughts .

Thanks

G
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[Nick 50]

Hi G,

A CBR600f was my first big bike and I loved every minute of it.

Obviously it's a tad more powerful than a 125 and even the bike your passed your test on, so go easy on the throttle till you get used to it.

As for 400 mile round trip. I done a 300 mile trip and it wasn't too bad. Getting a gel seat will probably help though.

Have you got a particular year/model in mind??
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Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......

[Billo63]

Hi Nick,

No, no particular year in mind, I have noticed that they do tend to hold onto their value in respect to age etc:

Nearest one I've found to me is a '96 @ £5 under 2k.

I'm trying to make something happen on a budget of about the same 2k & would like to sell my MR sk125 too - only had it 4 weeks , 600 miles on & 1st service - yes its a Chinese charlie, but it is a better charlie than most - cost me £1400 so should recoup decent amount back.

I'm all kitted out, so the 2k would be entirely for the bike - obv, less would be nicer

Cheers
G
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[Pete.]

Doubt I'd pay that much for a '96 bike. Even if it was all pretty and shiney there's a good chance of it being a horror story under the plastic. If you do pay that much, make sure it's mint inside and out.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Billo63]

[dungbug]

This is what I'm picking up next week;

https://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b29/dungbug/Thundercat.jpg

Yamaha 600 Thundercat, basically a detuned R6. Really nice comfy bike and if you're looking at stuff just shy of 2k you'd get a really tidy example.
What about a 600 Fazer? Guy next door to me had one for years and raved about it, again it's on the money with the CBR you're looking at.

Best bet is to go & look at stuff, sit on it, speak to the owner/shop owner and see what takes your fancy. Happy hunting.
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CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Billo63]

Nothing against fazers per say, but they just don't do it for me & as I say I really would benefit from a fully faired bike, nice thundercat mate
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[dungbug]

[Billo63]

[dungbug]

I looked at the ZZR600, really liked it. Apparently the rear suspension gets a bit 'saggy' with age, handling could be better (according to the reviews) but all in all a descent sports tourer.......
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[moppy]

Another shout for the ZZR6. For £2000 you should get a really nice example. At that price you should be looking at a fairly late E spec, well looked after model which has had it's rusty OE downpipes & exhaust replaced with some SS ones.

I have a ZZR6 and rode from Leicester to Strasbourg in one journey without any major discomfort. So yeh, they're fairly comfortable and very capable.

[Billo63]

[/quote]
I have a ZZR6 and rode from Leicester to Strasbourg in one journey without any major discomfort. So yeh, they're fairly comfortable and very capable.[/quote]


You want to part with it Hint, hint
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[Nick 50]

[moppy]

[Billo63]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kawasaki-zzr-600-2000-w-reg-/130741843437?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item1e70d235ed

Very local to me so may give the geezer a shout, can't hurt to look at it.
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[moppy]

Looks like it's in good nick and same colour scheme as mine (the best one).

Those are the OE exhausts I think (thats fine), but not sure about the downpipes since we can't see them. Ask him, don't believe him and have a look at them yourself when you view the bike.

Another common issue with these bikes is 2nd gear apparently becoming somewhat shit after 20k miles. So if you're doing a test ride, get on it, put it in 2nd and spank the hell out of it (this will be fun) and see if it jumps out of gear.

Just get in touch if you would like to know anything else, there are other more knowledgeable people on this forum too if you're going to get a ZZR6, especially Kickstart who is never, ever wrong.

[dungbug]

[Pete.]

[P.]

Noting wrong with a Thundercat

Not that I've got a 1999 model for sale at all Only £1000

[dungbug]

[kotachi]

+1 for the T'cat.
I'm picking up a '98 for 850 either tomorrow or next weekend.
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CBT done - 24/03/2012, theory test done - 03/04/2012.. Mod 1 done -26/06/2012, Mod 2 done - 29/06/2012. Current steed: Cage.
Suntan Sid said: "Look at it this way, your employer wants to pay you the minimum amount, it thinks it can get away with, and extract from you the maximum amount of graft. Ergo it's your responsibility to ensure that karma is restored and you do as little work as you think you can get away with, for the maximum amount of money."

[janner_10]

In before 'spend 10 years on a ride on lawn mower to get experience because anything over 5cc will flatter you' brigade.

The cbr is a good first choice, very tame pre- 7k revs, after that it really comes to life. As a guide I brought mine 6 weeks ago, 2001, 12k miles with full honda SH. Goes like a dream.

As with most bikes, don't be a twat and you'll be fine.

EDIT: Was meant to say £2.2k
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Billo63]

Found another 3 possibilities - 2 cbr600's & a thundercat . All well within budget too.

If anyone out there is interested in a cheap AS NEW 125 commuter/learner legal please let me know & I'll post link to mine etc:

Cheers

G

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330773473825?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200801859329?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180944972923?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
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I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[J4mes]

Two things -

Check the insurance on the 1999 CBR as it is the newer shape with the ally frame and I found it was nearly 4 times the price to insure it compared to the 1998 steel framed models when I was buying my first big bike last year.

On the thundercat, he says the miles are 3700 but the clocks are showing 6000KM, why is that? Import bike? damaged? Ringer? Worth looking in to the history. Looks very tidy though.


Last year I was chosing between the CBR and the Thundercat, I ended up with the Cat. Paid £1300 with 19K on the clock, P reg. Very pleased with it.

[dungbug]