Straight to a 600?

Dracan · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Karma :

Hi guys. I'm new to this forum (and to biking for that matter!). I did my CBT a couple of weeks ago, and have booked my direct-access course for June. I'm doing the course on a 500, so that I can ride any sized bike once I've passed my test. After passing, I'm thinking of getting a ZX6R. I'm really not interested in going for a 125 first to get used to it. Some people say to me that I may aswell do that. Others tell me that I should go for a smaller bike first. I personally see it that a bike is only as fast as you open the throttle. A fast bike can also go slowly. I'm not stupid, and I value my life. I'm intending to spend a lot on leathers/protection. And I've certainly got the sense to not do stupid things on the bike. What are your opinions on a beginner going straight to a 600? I'm 26 by the way, if that makes a difference.

biker-dj · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Karma :

Hi welcome to the forum. I'm also new to biking and like you am taking my test albeit the restricted bike licence firstly to keep costs down and also due to 3 operations a couple of years ago would find a 600 cc bike too heavy at the mo!Like you say a bike is only as fast as the rider is prepared to open the throttle and doing your DAS will give you some idea of the power of the bike. Obviously some 600s are beasts never to be tamed but with your attitude I think a 600 is a perfect start Very Happy

Good luck with your DAS Smile

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Ride with the music!

Black Knight · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Karma :

I went straight to a FZR600. Had a low speed lowside but that was mainly due to a new rear tyre cornering on ice!

Had a few hairy moments, but with practice I'll master it.
A 600cc bike will certainly put out more than enough power to learn on. After all you will be learning for a long time yet. Smile

stef234stef · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Karma :

i say if you feel comfortable getting a 600 for your 1st bike, get it! Are you getting it new or second hand?

Dracan · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Karma :

White Noise · Mr Dudwee Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Karma :

Hi there,
i did a simular thing, i passed my DAS in feb and two days later i brought a Yam XJ600s, i didn't find it that difficult to ride after the schools ER-5's. i am having a lot of fun on it, but am looking to getting something more sporty, like a thundercat. not rip your bollocks off fast but enough to give it a good wack on the track!
I have also lost my bikes on the roads (lowside) and glad that i brought a cheap secondhand bike, as i really would have cryed watching my newish ZX-6R sliding down the road (which i want to get), so personally i would recommend going for a cheap bike first that you don't really mind if you bin it, that will give you time to get some road sence and how to manage it properly. also it will show you what you want more/less of, before you blow a few K's on something shiny and quick!
Hope it helps
WN
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Buy my wife: 96' Yam XJ600s (Diversion)
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Riding Tip #86: See God, then back off a bit: Problem is i haven't seen god yet, just a close up of tarmac on revett straight

Fruit'n'nut · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Karma :

Fire_Eyes · Crazy Courier Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Karma :

There was a nother thread posted 2days ago about something familliar with your topic. From the way you talk you seem like a sensible person but it's not only about speed. It's mostly about experience in my opinion. It's good that you don't intend to speed and that it's a second bike so that when you drop it you won't go mad but I wouldn't go with a ZX6R as my first bike. I rode a zzr400 for 4 months and then I got on a cbr and I was amazed by the power. An important thing with riding bikes is throttle control, you have to be good at it or you might fall during a bend etc... I'd say get something smaller at least a sport 400... think of it as an investment for your life.
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Kawasaki ZZR 400 | K5 GSX-R 600

Fire_Eyes · Crazy Courier Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Karma :

Hi, you might want to have a look here:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=46474
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Kawasaki ZZR 400 | K5 GSX-R 600

Dracan · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Karma :

Thanks for all your replies. I think when I pass my test, I'll take a ZX6R for a test ride from my local bike shop, and make my judgement on that. If I feel it's a bit too powerful to start with, then I'll look for a 400, otherwise I'll just get the 600.

Well, we're off to Lanzorate tonight - and both me and my girlfriend are hiring out a scooter each Smile

At least that'll give me a bit of practice with some real power! Rolling Eyes

Fire_Eyes · Crazy Courier Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Karma :

Can't go wrong with a test ride.
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Kawasaki ZZR 400 | K5 GSX-R 600

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

How much are you looking at spending on the 600?

If you can control your right hand, there shouldn't be a problem. But then why bother getting a 600? Smile

It's that one time when you think you've got plenty of space to accelerate and the corner comes up a lot quicker and you're still doing over 100 (which is /very/ easy on a 600.)
The other main problem comes from corners, a smaller bike you can abuse the throttle a bit mid corner.
On a bigger bike closing the throttle as a 'survival reaction' when you get a little slide can see you flying through the air towards the oncoming traffic.

Stu_666 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Karma :

I was thinking about a Ninja for a first bike as they do look damn sexy and have a luvely exhaust note Razz

Things what put me off though was the acceleration for a first bike (which can work both ways as it can also get you out of trouble as well), I would'nt have the skill/experience to 100% enjoy the bike and also the cost of insurance which can be a killer.

Also I've heard that sportbikes aren't the most comfortable over long distances so consider as well what your plans are using the bike for.

Still, nice bike to get and if you do you're one jammy git Thumbs Up

paulyzf600 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Karma :

Yep I past my DAS in october and bought my thundercat in october and I have'nt looked back.

The good thing was I have spent about three months in crap weather so it gave me a chance to just get used to the bike before going out on the twisties to try get a good pace etc.

I did use the bikes full power a few times when I got it but you tend to not bother as it kinda scared me for the first few weeks. Now I am used to it. I was just like you I value my life and have a lot of respect for the machine and good self control. Go for a 600 I'd say its a good idea if you feel confident enough in your riding.

Something like the thundercat is a good bike due to it's usable power mid range rather than somic that needs the revs.
Good luck and stay safe.
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Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat

Dracan · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Karma :

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

biggerjohn · Spanner Monkey Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Karma :

I whent straight for a 600cc after passing and it gave me a hell of a thrill first time i opened it up. I thought I would never hang on as compared with the 500 from the course and test it set of like a whippet with a bum full of dynamite.

Now it feels more controlled and not half so scary but I think that’s down more to my right hand been more controlled.

So if you want to live and can uses self control just go for the bike of your dreams have fun and enjoy

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

Dracan,

Just do it. I was in the exact same position as you July last year. Done my DAS and set my heart on a Ninja and bought one. In fact, the second pic you posted is the exact same model and colour scheme as mines.

You'll love the bike. You'll soon get used to the power and acceleration very easily. Great bikes and I've had nothing go wrong with mines.

As for touring and long distance goes, it will do about 120-150 miles on a tank so that will give you time to stretch your legs. I can say I've never got off and thought ' I'm bloody hurting '. It's quite comfy for me, and I'm 5'10" and a bit!

In fact, I love Kwaks so much I'm going for the newer model you posted, the B1. Want that extra power, styling and harder suspension settings. It's a sh1t hot bike! Thumbs Up

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Old bikes >>> https://www.bikepics.com/members/cc123/

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

This is mines here, rear hugger, race can and some DID chain and sprockets are the only mods.
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JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

But you fell off? Doesn't that come into the equation? Smile

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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

That was a freak accident! Can happen to the best of us...

Anyway, it's back on the road!
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Old bikes >>> https://www.bikepics.com/members/cc123/

TOM M · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

im currently on an rs125 and ive got me test soon, if i pass im thinking of getting a zxr400 but i also do love the zx-6r. Because of my age it will have to be restricted (well for a few weeks anyway) what would be the best bike to get, the zxr400 or zx-6r???
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

ZX6R, you'll only get bored of a 400 too quickly......
If it's only going to be restricted for a few weeks, I'm sure you could live with that.

Ok, not slagging 400's but my mate got a Gixxer 4 and now he's wishing he'd got a bigger bike to start with. Worth considering.
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TOM M · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

erm well officially it will have to be restricted for 2 years but i was planning on de-restricting it after ive got used to it. im just wonderign wether the zx-6r will accelerate too fast for me to handle, i know the bike only goes as fast as i let it, but im just worried incase its too fast
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

You'll only know from riding it....

The first thing I done after passing my test was find a decent straight road and let it rip in second gear. Shat myself!

I soon got used to it. I'm probably a bit of a wanna-be looney as I'm always gunning it when I'm out but I've got used to the power in all gears including fast take offs in first.

It's a bit of a fright at first. The bike rev's to 14k and there is a power band about 8k (what a noise!!) Thats when I bricked it, wasn't expecting it to accelerate so bleedin fast Shocked

Even in first, the front won't flip you unless you jerk the throttle or lean too far back. It can power wheelie but it's fine most of the time. You can even get it to tank slap you if your aggresive through a set of bends (which I done last night for the 1st time in ages).

I'm probably biased towards 6R's but I really can't fault mines Thumbs Up

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