zxr400 or r6?

GaZ · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Karma :

I know everyone is probably bored of me asking constant questions so i'll try and make this my last one. What would you recommened as a first bike? A ZXR400 or R6? The trouble is ive had a few mates start out on 400s and say they get bored quickly and moved onto a 600 within 2 or 3 months. I've also had a couple of mates start out on 600s and they still have them. I do'nt want to buy a 400 on finance, get bored quickly and be stuck with the HP but I dont want to start on a bike that I'm going to kill myself on. What are your thoughts?

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

What riding experience have you got and how new an R6 are you talking?

ProXimaCore · Dougal Joined: 01 May 2003 Karma :

400's are fairly cheap to buy. Save up for one. Don't bother with finance. Insurance will be cheaper as well.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing Sad

Jammy-G · Banned Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Karma :

From what I've read, here and other places, the R6 is a bad choice for a first bike. I'd say a 400 aswell. Would be cheaper for the bike, and cheaper for insurance.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Personally I'd go for a cheap 400 first, anyone.
Say £1000 to £1500. Get some experience on this, crash it if you're going to, then get a more expensive bike when you've got a bit more of an idea what you want from a bike.

(Personally I find the r6 hideously uncomfortable for day to day riding by the way.)

GaZ · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Karma :

Experince wise I've been riding crossers for a few years and I rode a TS for 18 moths up until April (When I got my car). Not a brand spanker if thats what you mean.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

If you can actually ride the ZXR400 to the best of your abilities then you won't get bored.

I guarantee that if you pass your test, buy a 400, then trade up after three months then you won't have properly learned how to ride the 400. I reckon that if you get the ZXR400 and make some effort to improve your riding over the course of a year then you will be a better rider than your mates.

Then you can get a 600 and whup them instead of just keeping up (as you will on the 400!)

Get the 400 Thumbs Up

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ProXimaCore · Dougal Joined: 01 May 2003 Karma :

GaZ · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Karma :

OK then, which 400 would you recommened? One of my mates had an RVF (which was a little bit tastey) but I've heard the Kwaka is best (plus i'm a kawasaki person). What of the GSXR, VFR, CBR (gull-arm? or the other one? personally I don't know the difference)

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I've got/had both.

R6 as first bike, no chance... I wouldn't have been happy on my R6 if I hadn't had the ZXR400 as my first bike.

The ZXR is great, handles amazingly, in fact you won't get anything better for roundabout surfing / twisties.. I quite miss my old ZXR sometimes... Crying or Very sad

The R6 is good but you'll probably end up crashing it if your a new rider Shocked

ZXR is highly reccomended. In fact I can't reccomend it enough Shocked

it's a very good bike and you'll learn a LOT from it!
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ProXimaCore · Dougal Joined: 01 May 2003 Karma :

I think they're all roughly the same. You probably wouldn't notice too much difference between them when you're starting out. RVF is probably the most expensive of the lot. I'd just go with one that you can find fairly cheap and in good nick. I do prefer the ZXR out of the 400s but I couldn't find one at the time, so I got the GSXR.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing Sad

fazed · Korn is my hero! Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

zxr is the biggest 400 (more comfortable) but also one of the most unreliable specially if it hasn`t been looked after. I personally prefer the RVF to all of the 400`s and I have had most of them , but yeh its to expensive as a first bike really. IF your small go for a nc30 /nc29 if you are big (tall etc) got and take your chance on a zxr. Wink

oh and your proberly kill yourself on a r6 Thumbs Down

Claud 14.7 to 1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2004 Karma :

Definitly Sports 400. An R6 will be way too much.

Fazed and I have both been riding for a while now, on 400s. I can confirm that it will take a long time before you can out-ride a 400. When you can, then move onto a 600cc.

Ive been riding about 7-8 months on my CBR400 and i love it. Seriously, its so much fun. An R6 will intimidate you and consequently you will not enjoy it as much...

Hondas are great for reliability. My choice would be a cheap VFR400, or CBR400. Great first bikes, cheap, reliable. Spend about 1000-1700 max. Remember to get bike post 90/91 bike and you will have plenty of fun, and lots of bike for you're money. Thumbs Up

Any other qs about models? Just post.

1cyl · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

The 400 (only cos i've got one though Laughing

).
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Zimma · Wheelie Junkie Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

skyline · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

i just got a vfr400r, payed £999 for it and my insurance is £400 (tpft 17 with 1 years no claims and an sp30). its still restricted but i'm loving it Very Happy

i don't think ill ever be able to use the full potential of the bike for a long time yet but its worth every bit of the £1000 i payed for it, and i still ride with tl1000's and cbr600r (cant keep up on the straights mind) and i still have a buzzing time Very Happy

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

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Gratuitous elbow down photo post. Minus ten points. Razz

NSR125-Kid-UK · Attention Whore Joined: 03 May 2003 Karma :

Looks vaguely RS250ish. Karma

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

Demonic69 · The Pink Rhino Joined: 31 May 2002 Karma :

What made you want to chose between an R6 and a ZXR400? There are hundreds of bikes in between that would suit you better. CBR6 par example. More power than the 4's, but easier to ride than the R6.

GaZ · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Karma :

Just out of interest, who are you insured with skyline?

Bobble · Derestricted Danger Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Karma :

Ok, can i stick a fly in the ointment? i started off on a older CBR600 (an M reg) and it was a fantastic bike, very forgiving..and great fun with it !!!

the way i look at it, if you go through the bike trader or MCN bike mart the money you pay for a 400 CBR, VFR for example..you can get a very tidy CBR600...

..this is my own opinion of course !! Smile

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skyline · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

i'm with someone though carol nash. its pretty good as its breakdown cover and personal insurance as well Smile