The 'Short' List

[Mumrah]

As my test is approaching (call me premature if you wish) I am starting to look at bigger bikes to buy. I'm considering anything from 600-750cc but prefer to stick to the lower end through sheer inexperience.

I always wanted a Ninja but sat on the 636 the other day and it's unlikely to happen. Even with a pair of Daytona 'specials' it's not going to be enough for me to reach the ground comfortably.

Then moved to the R6 - that just ain't happening. My feet were clearing the ground with over 10cm of airspace. Shame as I really quite liked it.

Quite like the GSX 600R and I can just about reach the floor and it will probably work with the boots.

The CBR600RR was another possible option and I found it comfortable, possibly because I'm used to the CBR125? Not sure I want a Honda though.

Daytona 675. I was on tiptoes and need to go back with the Daytona boots to see if it can make the list.

Are there any bikes that I may not have considered that might be worth a try? As you can see from the list so far, I'm after a Supersports. If I can widen the options so that I have more choice when I go to actually test ride, then great.

I'm notorious for getting bored quickly (with cars) and so while I'm limiting the engine size, I don't want to go too low. I'd like a little challenge and something to grow into without the need to write a suicide note before each rideout.

My budget is anything from £3 - £7.5k - although after the recent leathers purchase I'd like to keep that as low as possible. As long as it's reliable with a little maintenance. I don't want something that craps out every journey. I'll be keeping the bike outside so something that's robust would be good.

Oh, and nothing that needs mollycoddling, so no Ducatis.

If anything springs to mind, I'd appreciate the input, including model years to avoid/seek out

[wr6133]

What about a 400?

CBR400, VFR400, ZXR400 don't cost the earth, should give you plenty of grins per gallon and are fairly small so should prove no issue to you sizewise.

Grey imports though so you will mostly find them as private sales and the really cheap ones will be shagged.

[Mumrah]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

675 is tall, but has quite a narrow seat, and it's more seat width that'll cause you issues if you're a short arse.

You can get foam taken out, or reprofile the seat to make it easier, so one to consider as well.
____________________
My Flickr

[Mumrah]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Mumrah]

[Bendy]

Just learn to slide your arse over and use one foot on the ground. We've established your legs are at least 2 inches longer than mine and I manage fine on anything not designed for a 6 foot 5 Austrian.

[Mumrah]

Bendy, I've been thinking about your bum-slide technique over the last few days and it may be something I learn to do with experience but for my first big bike, I'd definitely like to be able to touch the floor.

If anyone's going to embarrass themselves at the lights by doing a "play it nice and cool, Trig, nice and cool", with their bike, it'll be me!

[Mumrah]

Heh, I'm hoping my head wins out because Wafer Thin Ham is right, I don't want to fuck with the bike's design as it was built that way for a reason.

I should consider myself lucky to be as tall as I am or that would be the only option!

[clancy]

Get a 400, there's not a massive variation in 600 seat heights really. Not between sports bikes anyway

My rvf 400 was very low, could flat foot both feet with my knees bent and im not tall

You said about getting bored, I never got bored of that bike except on 100+ mile motorway stints, in the twisties it was great fun. Plenty enough power and capabilities for most situations
____________________
KLX 300r

[Mumrah]

I'm definitely going to try out some 400s and see how they feel. Once tests are passed, obviously

Do you get bored on 100+ mile trips on your GSXR? I plan to do some long journeys so that could be a factor too.

[clancy]

[CaNsA]

[Bendy]

The zxr400 is the tallest.

[P.addy]

A budget of £3k is enough for a nice 03+ 600RR. Wouldn't be looking older than that.

That is just me though, £3k budget pushes me past all the older 400s. Nothing against them but would only buy one if I had £1500 burning a hole, not double that.

[Mumrah]

The ZXR is 760-765 seat height. The CBR125R is 776 so I should easily handle that.

The GSX 600R seems to be 810 and that's probably the max without Daytona boots. The Daytona 675 is 820 and probably my max with boots.

The future seems to be looking a little brighter

[clancy]

I'm selling my gsxr for 3k at the minute if your interested
____________________
KLX 300r

[Mumrah]

[Mumrah]

[clancy]

What newer 400s?

I paid 2.5k for my rvf, kept it 3 years and tripped the miles, sold it for 2.5k the day I put it up for sale. I had no regrets about spending that much on an old bike, it was immaculate, if it's looked after they hold their value
____________________
KLX 300r

[CaNsA]

[Teflon-Mike]

[Rogerborg]

I agree with Tef, get the R6.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Mumrah]