First bike, needing advice and opinions..............

[jonboy22]

Brutally honest opinions welcome.

Passed my DAS about 9 months ago and have been farting about trying to decide upon my "first" bike. Having scrimped and saved I can now fork up about 4-5 grand.

But here's where the problem lies.......

I've wanted a sportsbike since my old man fell off his back in the 80's and since I was 16 I've not stopped banging on about it (a bike rather than the old man's stack). 10 years later still prattling on but can now finally fulfill my dreams. However as I've done more and more research into potential rides, I'm getting more and more mixed opinions.

Initially I though no probs, jump on a sports 600 and Roberts you Fathers brother, even my instructor took me to a bike shop the day I passed and pointed out a tasty CBR600F.

BUT......as time has gone by I've come across more and more people who have said "dont be ridiculous, you'll kill yourself, that bike is far to demanding for a rider with less than 2yrs experience".

SO.....do I ignore these people and go for my sports 600 anyway or do I take note and settle for a blandit 600??

Thing is I know for a fact that I'll want to move up from a naked to a sports 600 asap (plus I get wind blasted to bits on naked as my neck is quite long), so why waste money. This bike is going to be with me for the next couple of years at least and I dont think I can afford to chop and change.

Bottom line, in your opinion is a sports 600 too much for a beginner? And as an experienced rider (or not) do you think that if you had your time again you could start on a sports 600???Help........

*side note have had little rides on an FZ6 and blandit and they just didn't inspire me, sure they perform way above my ability level (for now) but why spank all that money on something that doesn't make you grin and give you 1000% satisfaction every time you fire her up???? My neigbour 3 doors down owns a SP-2 and I can hear him start it up from my sitting room, and even that makes me smile.

[frogmella]

Right, I aint passed my test yet so my opinion is worth very little, I do however own a CBR600 Sport.

I took it out the other day, (on private land). My heart was in my mouth becuase i thought it was going to be a beast, but I was very shocked at how well mannered it was, very manageble. BUT when i did give it some well it was like a bloody rocketship! I slid to the back of the seat and my arms lenghtened by about 3 inches but it was fantastic.

I will run out of talent waaayy before the CBR6 runs out of acceleration but i'm planning on going steady and not riding round like a madman, basically as long as you treat it with respect and are gentle with the throttle you should be fine.

Just my tupenneth

[stinkwheel]

Sounds like you have a reasonable grasp of your own abilities. I can't see how a CBR600F would be a problem.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Scorpius]

30 mins til my 600F arrives so I hope its as good as you say frogmella To the original poster though I really don't think you've anything to worry about. At the end of the day you control the bike not the other way round. The question you will need to ask yourself is can you trust yourself to ride it safely and gauge your own abilities? If you take it easy to begin with it won't be a problem. What people ultimately are warning you about is a combination of YOU and the bike not the bike in general. If you feel you trust yourself then go for it.
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Cagiva Mito 125 (sold)
Honda CBR400RR NC23 (sold)
Currently riding: Honda CBR600F

[Jaz]

Well I passed the DAS and got a naked Bandit 600 and dont really regret it (and I do come back with a grin on my face from a ride)

I went naked for a built in speed limiter... it's quite windy at 80 - 90 ! BUT that does mean a long trip is a bit of work but not impossible.

I know everyone says its a bit pedestrian but for a first bike it's more than rapid enough when you nail it and it certainly good enough under a ton. It's a like getting a small car when you pass your driving test. You can overtake but it takes a bit more planning and preparation. You learn more about how the bike works at speed and dont relly on having 100+bhp at the flick of the wrist to get you into/out of trouble.

The only real downer I find is the rear suspension is a bit wafty and the seat does not have enough support to stop you being pushed back under acceleration.

After 2 years I do want something with a bit more power ( eying up z750 ) but the bandit has done it's job and got me through the first few years safley.

[BigChris]

the CBR600 was my first proper bike, and I love it to bits!

Shame I have to sell it:
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4633024772&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

It'll do you proud, and given the cheap price of it, you've got loads to spend on top leathers and helmets!

[NicM]

Hi,

Having passed my DAS in september 05, with no prior riding experience other than the course I went for a Yamaha Thundercat. An excellent if not underrated sports 600, which if i was to do my first few months again I wouldn't have gone for anything else.

Much like you every one in the family/friends all advised going for something smaller to cut my teath in on, but i thought bollocks to it.

Yes it did shock me how much quicker it was than the ER-5 i learnt on, but within a few days of riding was easily managed. The one bit of advice that i got from every one on the forums and my DAS instructor was that it will only go as fast as you want and will only accelerate as fast as you want it to, its all in the flick of your right wrist.

[Misc]

Hello,

I have no experience on sports bikes but i decided that i'm going to get a R6 as my 1st, simply because it's what i want & i wouldn't be happy on something i didn't really want. I just think to what i've been told.

My mums mates partner started on a Fireblade from never ridden anything before, hes still fine today. I say you go & have a little test ride on one & decide for you're self if it's right for you as you probably will be able to tell if it's too powerful of not, i very much doubt there the animals some people make them out to be.

A few people on here got 600s for 1st bikes & they just practiced in carparks for a few hours until they got used to it. But i can't see why it can't be a good 1st bike if you're sensible & don't get carried away.

At the end of the day i'm not going to ignore a sports 600 because of what some people might say about it being a bad 1st bike, i can only answer that myself really but actually riding it.
Heres a thread i found. Also tons of other threads.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=32424&highlight=gsxr

[ES]

Hi All,

I have not yet passed my DAS but had my eye on a CBR600. Loving your bike for sale BTW Big Chris, if I had passed I would buy it right now!
Have spoken to a few different people and they actually recommended the CBR600 as a 1st bike so not sure TBH

[hedjehog]

Hi jonboy22,

I haven't passed yet either, but I say go for it. I've read a number of times on here that the CBR600F is actually a good starter sports bike. I think it looks better than the sportier ones as well IMHO! I'm not a fan of the 45 degree pointy arse ends... Just me though.

I'm not going to buy an all out modern sports bike (ZZR or GPZ for me probably, for lots of reasons) but I would consider the CBR600F.

Since you say you like sports bikes, maybe you should get an even sportier one! CBR600RR?

Ride safe!

hedjehog
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1988 CG125 BRE; 2000 GPZ500S D7; VFR 800 FI-X; 1980 CB 250 RSA; 1998 FZS 600 Fazer; 1986 Honda C70 E

[Scorpius]

Yep can now say the 600F is a great bike Really easy to ride, planted to the road (even with only 9 psi in the rear tyre ) and quick enough to get a few good wheelies out of
____________________
Cagiva Mito 125 (sold)
Honda CBR400RR NC23 (sold)
Currently riding: Honda CBR600F

[Dazbo666]

I passed my DAS last year, but didn't have the money to go right out and buy a bike right away... so I've been on a few test rides and would highly advise trying out a few bikes before buying if you can.

Most recently I tried out a brand new CBR600RR, and a CBF1000 and couldn't believe how different the rides were.
A 600RR was the 1st bike I'd ever ridden after I passed the DAS, and although I quickly realised there was a lot more performance than my ability could cope with at the time, I'm a sensible guy and just learned to be gentle on the throttle

Basically riding a 600 safely as a 1st bike is more to do with your attitude and common sense rather than the bhp or top speed of the bike. If you're sensible and able to trust yourself not to twist the right wrist too far, there should be no problem
HTH
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[frogmella]

Good to know you're liking the CBR Scorpius - even with 9psi in yer tire lol

[jonboy22]

Right thanks to everyone for just about the best advice I've had in ages, nice broad spectrum.

So 600 its is, now the question is, which one eh.......

With regards to who ever posted about stepping up to a 600RR, yes it did cross my mind but they are a tad pricier and mash my wrists. Tried an R6 and the 600F and they were far more forgiving.

What I have in my sights atm though is either the 600F or a K4 GSX-r600. The Suzy is probably the best bet though, the K4 has all the trimmings (radials, USD forks, mean new front end etc etc..) and its an insurance cat below all the other 600s, apparently its less "desirable". Nearly snapped one up at 3800 pounds, but it was bright yellow.

And now for something entirely different, I also considered a firestorm and the Aprilia Falco. My lordy do they sound good. V-Twin is a long term goal fo me and maybe a few years down the road I'll get an SP-2. But for now a 2001 and older (pathetic tank range pre 2001) Firestorm is a bargain.

Anyway its two in the morning and I can stop thinking about bikes....better hit the sack and thanks everyone......

[BorderHooner]

people who say 'you'll kill yersel on a sports 600' have fear that controls them. Fear is normal but get it under control and you can achieve anything.

like said allready - you control the bike, just ease into it and don't go taking risks.

In life there are people who can and people who can't. Those who can't ride a 600 without the fear of immediate death can't and wont have the fun and learning experience of someone who can and will.

Life - Its all a 'calculated' risk.

[akaDAVE]

You've saved up all that money you don't want to make a compromise. You're buying your dream, not a toaster.
It sounds like you know what you really want and have at least listened to a range of opinions which shows that you aren't completely irresponsible.
Anyway as you said you 'have a long neck' so a naked bike would be a silly idea of course , get a sportsbike but just be careful.
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GSXR600

[jonboy22]

[Redd]

I rode round on a 125 for about 8 months, sat my DAS and bought a 600 in November. Put 4000 miles on it over the winter and pick up my 2005 Z1000 on Saturday.

Before I sat my DAS, I wasn't sure if I could handle a 600. After the first DAS lesson it became quite clear that it was the way forward for me. Sure I got a fairly tame 600, but riding that over the winter taught me a lot of respect in my riding (including a couple of brown trouser moments spinning up the rear when it was really cold and wet). I feel I've put enough miles on that I won't be intimidated by the Z1000, but I know for sure that I won't be anywhere near it's limits for quite some time (if ever).

If you're confident that you're not going to launch the R6 down the road and you can control it (and your wrist), then go for it.
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Professional Uberslacker
2006 Kawasaki Z1000 - Black at the front, airbrushed fade to red at the back.
1998 Kawasaki KDX 200 Enduro project bike

[biggerjohn]

In the same position as you after passing my test last year as a “fat bastard” I wanted something with a bit of grunt that wasn’t going to kill me.

I will agree you can jump on to any bike after your test as so long as you treat it with a healthy respect you will be ok. But for me the right choice was the CRF600s as the middle ground between a full on sports bike and naked bike. Plus with the ABS with has kept me rubber side down at least twice in my first year it’s hard to fault.

Ok it no pocket rocket but it’s only a second or so behind most sports 600s in the 0-60 and with a healthy top end of 130mph you can still lose your licence easily enough if you want to and I am sure I will run out of ability long before the bike does.

So with all that said my selection now you have a full licence is go for a few test rides if you can till you find the bike you like just keep all your options open.

[BigChris]

Just buy mine and spend yer dosh on fancy leathers eh?

Come on, you know you want to!

There are people here who have seen and ridden with me, and they will vouch that I aint ragged the tits off it...

[0ni]

I went straight to a sports 600 after about 2 months on a 125. Was fine, took a while to get to grips with low speed control etc - But I have found it is just as easy to chuck about as my 125.

A year later I am still alive, have had one crash, been pulled over once for silly speeds and I am loving every minute of it. I commute on mine 6 days a week all year. Nothing beats hitting 140mph every time you go to and come home from work.

Go for it and enjoy yourself
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Its a lovely day, just wait until some bastard spoils it.

[Davo]

Hi

I got the usual "You'll kill yourself" speech from most of my friends, two weeks after passing my DAS I somehow ended up with a Hayabusa sitting on the drive.

Couldn't fault it, I did have a lot of respect for the bikes vs my ability. The only advice I can suggest is get what ever bike you want and take it easy, you've got plenty of time to learn how to ride it properly, the bike will only do what you tell it to do (most of the time).