R6 as my second bike

[Perky71]

First off I'd like to say thankyou to all of you who took the time to reply, I've decided to go with the majority and get something a little less powerful (sorry Rob)

So I've been scouring the net/magazines etc looking for my "experience" bike and I quite like the Honda Hornet 600. Just wondering if any of you had any suggestions on any other good 600 starter bikes. Its funny but with the exception of Rob the only other person who was happy for me to go for an R6 was the salesman at B****e motor cycles in Exeter.

Thanks People!!

[Kris]

Suzuki Bandit 600 would be another viable option. There's quite a few 500cc commuter bikes out there as well that would be ideal, although maybe not as fun as a naked 600.

Good luck with whatever you decide on though
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[Zimma]

Something like a Hornet or Bandit is an excellent first bike, still 600cc's but not quite as mental in delivery. Unless you don't mind something like a GS500 or equivalent, which is slightly down on power and nowhere near as fun, then a naked 600 is probably your best choice. See how you do on that for a few months then see what your upgrade paths are, shouldn't end up costing you much as you can probably sell the first bike for as much as you paid for it and insurance shouldn't be incredibly different between a naked and faired 600 at your age.

Good luck.
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-Zimma

[Hex]

Also the SV650 as an option.
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[Rob]

[Annabella]

Alternatively, you could just go for the R6, then ride it into the back of a wine van. Rob would love you forever then


I'd go for the Hornet, personally I think the SVs are not only girly but a little too common for my liking. Plus it's a Honda, not that I'm biased or anything, but they do have a superior build quality.
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[Luke_Retrofly]

Hi
I' say Sv650, more powerful than a 400 not as powerful as a 600 inline 4, but quick, cheep, good insurance and looks tasty too.

Luke
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[Steve H]

The Magazine T.W.O has a fairly large feature on 3 or 4 naked 600's in their March issue - probably worth a read if you're considering going down that route.

Good Luck in whichever you choose and keep us informed.

Cheers

SteveH
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[headlamp]

When I first started out on bikes, 4 years ago I looked at the Hornet, Bandit and Fazer, as well as a Ducatti Monster. I tried all of them and in the end plumped for Faser - slightly more expensive (at the time then the others) but it just felt more steady and the brakes seemed more powerful. I recently changed it for another Faser (last April) and for what I use it for, commuting in London in all weathers, it is a fine bike.

My advice is to try all the bikes in the category you are thinking about, in the conditions you are mainly going to use the bike in. As they say - "one man's meat is another man's poison!"

Good luck
Head

[dainesefreak]

Steve - I read the TWO review only last night. They gave top honours to the Kawak Z750 closely followed by the Hornet with the Fazer third and the SV in last place. I've read a couple of reviews in different mags that prefer the old Fazer to the new one too.

They preferred the Kawak because the engine was designed for the Z's rather than being a detuned 600 sports bike engine. They said it was smoother and less vibey than the 600's but the performance isn't that different. Although the Kawasaki is an insurance group higher. They tested all four bikes commuting through London with some motorway and dual carriageway thrown in.

[G]

If it was me, I'd just go for someting cheapish, say under £2k and see what you can get.

That way if you do want to upgrade to the r6 or somethign else in a few months time you'll hardly loose any money.

If you've got the money to throw away for shineyness then any of the new semi-naked/naked 600cc bikes should do you fine.

[oliver]

there is a great article in this months "BIKE". Take a read about those naked bikes

[Laura]

How about a older cbr 600 like mine? They can be picked up for around a grand the only problem I have with mine is the weight.
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[MarJay]

[Ste]

[MarJay]

[Ste]

[Chuck100]

I did my DAS on an FZR600 (Fazer) and loved it. Sporty but upright enough to be comfortable for 6 hours riding in a day.

Would thouroughly recommend it, but then as I have little experience on other bikes, I'm not sure what my opinion's worth.

Rgds,

Chuck.
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[stevo as b4]

I would think an SV is a cracking first big bike, but then a sorted CB500 can be alot of fun as well. My mate had a GPZ500s which he loved as he is short, but its a bit small for people 6'+. I would personally steer clear of Bandit 600's and Fazers, Hornets are a much better bike i think if you want a fast revvy four rather than a twin tho. Nothing wrong with bandits or Fazers really, its just i found riding a Fazer was boring and bland, with a captain sensible upright riding position. The bandit is a bit dated but its a good machine to modify, as there's alot you can do with them, if you like the whole streetfighter look thing! A fully faired sports bike isnt probably the best option, but the older sports 600's are just as good a choice as anything else. From what ive heard, if your buying new, that new Z750 sound like a good bike, but what else would you expect from a Kwaker fan!

[Phil.]

Hi

I had an SV650s as my first big bike, i loved it! Loved it that much i crashed it...

I've got a Hornet 600 comming my way in March so im bound to be abit biast.

I do like the new Fazer though and i read the review in this months Bike mag. Long story cut short from that; Fazer is larger and needs to be revving alot higher to get the most out of it. Hornet is smaller and lighter with a better mid range.

Apart from these differences they said there on a par through-out the rest.

The only reason i didnt go for a new Fazer is cause they cost too much.

Fowlers were knocking un faired SV650's out for 3800!!. I dont know if they have any left but thats plenty of bike for your money!

I didnt got for another SV cause i wanted to try an inline 4 (never had one).

Good luck with what ever you decide mate!

Heres some pics of my SV and Hornet https://www.bikepics.com/members/summy/
Guess my fave colour!