Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonolin
I'm looking to start on a 600cc. I know a lot of people start with 250's, but I think I'll be ok with a 600 if I baby the throttle (which I plan on doing until I'm 100% comfortable...) - and I've heard its a pretty good beginners bike if you can control yourself.
Been just casually looking as these things are fast  . I like the thought of a bike. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a beater v8 on the side (in the near future). But I kind of like the thought of a bike instead... they're faster, get damn good MPG (which is good because in my fr-s when I take it out for the weekend I get an average of high 18 maybe with my driving, lol), and would make a great commuter if I ever get in that situation (currently work from home though!). I'd just use a bike to "play with" on the weekends though, no daily driving with it or excessive freeway driving.
My entire family has a really bad stigma of bikes, so they really wouldn't like me getting one (1 death and 1 disability in the family  ). But it just sounds like a very good purchase for what I want out of a "toy"... |
I would recommend against a 600 for a first bike, for all the obvious reasons. Self control s a HUGE part of it, but there's so much more than simply learning how to "go easy on it". Would you recommend a Ferrari as someone's first car and just say "be careful and go easy"...?
At least consider the new Ninja 300, it's much more powerful than the 250's, but not as scary as a 600. If you "like the idea of a bike" then I urge you to take the responsible approach and start smaller for at least
one year. The resale value of a 250 is pretty solid. You may find an oder one for $2-3000, newer EFI one for $3000-3500, and sell it a year later for 3000 if you've kept it up nice. Hell you could find a brand new Ninja 300 for $4500, and they look damn sexy. Hell, I want one.
The primary reason a small displacement bike is so adamantly recommended across the board is for few primary reasons:
1- less power output = less chance to get into deadly trouble
2- more forgiving handling with surprisingly very high limits (similar to our beloved 86)
3- better to learn throttle management in plethora of possibly dangerous situations
4- learn how to use throttle more effectively and efficiently overall
5- easier to learn proper braking techniques on a lighter bike
6- less expensive repairs and insurance
Only you know what kind of a person you really are, and if a 600 would fit
right off the bat. I personally think its a bad idea to get the bike you've always wanted first. Riding a motorcycle successfully for a long time is an exercise in intelligence, awareness, and self control, and experience, lots, and lots of experience. You have your entire life to get the bike you want, why not get a cheaper bike first to make sure you're ready for it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tanuki
600 is fine for a first bike. Thats what everyone bought before all of these 250's came around.
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Please be careful who you recommend this to, this logic is fine until you remember that a 600cc bike today is FAR faster than a 600 from 20 years ago. Hell, a 600cc bike today is faster than a literbike from 20 years ago.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rougenite
I started on a 600....only had it for about a month. Be respectful of the bike. Things are way different on a bike, less forgiving. I would say that buying a 600 because its fast as a first bike is a bad idea, but I would be a hypocrite...cause I did it  . One suggestion I have as far as teh weekend riding goes; Ride regardless of if it is raining or cloudy or windy (within reasonable limits) because as I was asked 'What happens if it rains and you arent used to it?' Most of the guys I know that ride have been for more than a decade, I'm seriously the youngest person by 5+ years. |
It doesn't make you a hypocrite if you realize it just plain wasn't a good idea. The only difference is that you're not dead/maimed/disabled. What were your experiences riding a 600 as a first bike?