Good, reliable bike?

[GeneralDzur]

Hey, I'm looking at selling the del Sol and buying a bike. I'm thinking about either a Honda CBR F4i or a Kawasaki Ninja. But - what is a good, reliable bike?

Any suggestions would be great. BTW, is a Suzuki GSX-R good? I really like the look, and they're cheap.

- Dzur

[pimpinprelude]

what are u going to do when winter comes???

you need to talk to racing rice, he is the bike pimp around here..:yes:

[ShagginJet]

Go for the Honda. I have an F1, have riden an F3, and have a friend with a 929. All very nice and all handle great. If you're going for a 600 the CBR would be my choice. The new RR's are tight.

Is it your first?

[Fatal070]

:o KEEP THE SOL!!!!

[GT40FIED]

I dunno Steven...winter in MO would be hell on a bike. Besides, what do you plan on doing if it rains?

[GeneralDzur]

well, I was planning on buying an old beater Accord or something. I just realized I love speed more than looks, and although the del Sol is the love of my life, I've always wanted to try out a bike. And yes, it would be my first. What do you guys think?

- Dzur

[pimpinprelude]

"And yes, it would be my first. What do you guys think?"

i think youll kill yourself.....

[SolPol]

Learn to ride before you start talking about gixxers and cbrs

[Fatal070]

Originally posted by pimpinprelude
"And yes, it would be my first. What do you guys think?"

i think youll kill yourself.....

HAHAHA just thinking of someone saying that in life makes me laugh hahah

[KwikR6]

Gixxers are good bikes. If you have never ridden a bike.
Please don't get anything more then a 600cc...you'll kill yourself.

[GeneralDzur]

Hmm....

sooo like I said - any suggestions?

- Dzur

[MAXed Out]

I say Yamaha R1 or R6 but learn hot to ride a bike before u get this one. Or if u wanna go all the way try out the Ducatti, Aprilia, TRiumph.

[KwikR6]

Originally posted by MAXed Out
I say Yamaha R1 or R6 but learn hot to ride a bike before u get this one. Or if u wanna go all the way try out the Ducatti, Aprilia, TRiumph.
A beginner riding an R1...haha fuck that...Even I wouldn't get an R1.
A beginner on a R6...even then. If i sell the sol, R6 for me.

[black95gs-t]

Here is the basics about 600 cc's down and dirty.
1. Suzuki GSX-R 600 This is a great bike with lots of extras that come with it stock. It comes with a built in stabilizer (02 and later), fuel injection (03/04), and an abundant after market. They are cheaper than CBR's, and way more comfortable. Insurance is also lower and parts are less expencive. They are lighter and more responcive than an F4i.
2. Yamaha YZF R6 Possibly the best Japanese 600 on the market. It should run about the same price as a similar GSX-R, it does't have the built in stabilizer like the GSX-R, you can buy one though. Super responsive and agile. Sport Rider Magazine did a comparo between this bike and the GSX-R 1000 at a road track in Arizona. Long story short, the GSX-R only won buy .04 seconds. The GSX-R had 152 RWHP. The R6 had 107 RWHP. The finish line was at the end of a straight. Nuf said.
3. Kawasaki ZX-6R This is also a great bike. The aftermarket isn't as good for this one as it is for the R6 and the GSX-R though. That and IMO, all Kawi colors are just ugly.
4. Honda CBR 600 F4i. This bike is geared more towards the streets. It is more civil than the others. It is higher priced than the others. CBR seats are notoriously the most uncomfortable on the market. I've ridden alot of bikes. Ducati seats are more comfortable, and they are straight race seats. Insurance is generally higher on this bike. Parts are more expensive for this bike. This bike is the second heaviest in the 600 super sport class. It is a good bike though.
5. Honda CBR 600RR This is the most expencive bike in the class. It is also the heaviest. The seat is way more comfy on the F4i. When I say it feels like you are sitting on a piece of wood, I'm not kidding.This bike has no trunk space. It is down on power to the R6, the GSX-R, and the ZX-6R. IMO the throttle play is way too much, but thankfully there is an aftermarket. Definatly the most tortures or the 600 torture racks. This bike has the most aggressive riding position in the class, which is good for the track, but makes long street commutes really painful on the lower back.
Here are my personal favorite beginner bikes.
1. Suzuki SV650. All the bikes above are inline 4's. This bike is a V twin. The riding position is fairly upright. Stearing is light. Power is not scary in the lower RPM's, but in the upper RPM's it has got some go to it. This is a great commuter/learning bike. It inspires confidence in the rider. It is not as expencive as the other bikes. I believe it is about $1,000 to $1,500 cheaper than the super sports. Parts are fairly cheap. It gets really good gas mileage. It looks fairly sporty too. There is actually a race series for this bike. This is my favorite beginner bike. Way lower insurance rates on this bike than any of the super sports above.
2. Yamaha YZF 600R I like this one because it looks almost exactly like the R6. It is toned down and less aggressive than the R6. It gets better gas mileage, is more comfy, has lower insurance rates, and is not nearly as intimidating.

Remember, always have a mechanic check it first. Try to buy one that isn't heavily modded. Try to get one that hasn't been down before. Before you buy anything, call around for insurance quotes. When I say insurance is insane on the supersport bikes, I mean some companies charge upwards of $8,500 for 6 months for full coverage in some areas on those bikes. If you have any more questions, post em up. I'll answer em.
J

[black95gs-t]

Originally posted by MAXed Out
I say Yamaha R1 or R6 but learn hot to ride a bike before u get this one. Or if u wanna go all the way try out the Ducatti, Aprilia, TRiumph.
R1 = horrible beginner bike
Duc = way to freakin expencive, both initially, and maintenece wise, but there is something about that V twin sound and that dry clutch that you just can't get anywhere else
Aprilia = I think some of their bikes are worth every penny
Triumph = over priced, under powered, and over weight
You left out BMW. They are nice bikes, just not my cup of tea.

[ShagginJet]

Insurance can be SUPER expensive. I found this place in southern cali that charges about $130 for the year, and i have two points on my license.

[black95gs-t]

I've got mine insured in Texas, full coverage, $400 a year. HAHAHAHA!

[Kyle]

that much a year?...damn, thats cheap as hell. How old are you?

[black95gs-t]

22

[Kyle]

How much do you think it'd cost for an 18 year old on one of those beginner bikes you listed above?

[black95gs-t]

Do you have a liscence? Did you take the MSF course? What does your driving record look like?

[Kyle]

I'll be taking the course and getting my license when i turn 18 this summer.
And my driving record is flawless

[black95gs-t]

You won't be able o get a quote till the summer, but I guarantee that the sport/touring bikes will probably be less than half the price of the super sports for full coverage.
J

[Kyle]

well, i guess i'll have to wait until June 14 then

[GeneralDzur]

Clean drivers record - no bike license yet. I went to the street races around here last night....niiiiiice rides...a Viper, two Supra's (on of them an older gen, looked really nice), some Mustang Roushs, and a couple RX-7s, plus a genuine Type R teg.

Hey Black95gs-t thanks a LOT for that bike info sheet. I'll probably stick to your advice and stay away from the CBR line.

- Dzur

[AkimboStylee]

What about Buell !!!!??!?!?!?!

[KwikR6]

Originally posted by krwheeler85
What about Buell !!!!??!?!?!?!
You're fucked! hahaha jk
What about not a buell!
Regardless of what buell says, all in all it's still a fucking harley! If you want a good V twin buy a Suzuki TL1000S. But I would recommend not getting a 1000...cause you'll kill yourself.

[ShagginJet]

Originally posted by Black Del Sol
You're fucked! cause you'll kill yourself.

^It pretty much all boils down to this.

[pdiggitydogg]

dammit...I want a bike
(Full of wants...w/o any means)

[ChrisCantSkate]

i want a dirt bike.. haha.

and yeah.. no more than 600... i'd even say a little smaller and an old cheap ninja so you dont cry when you lay it down. and you wont fling it out from under you.

[KwikR6]

Originally posted by ChrisCantSkate
so you dont cry when you lay it down.

Giddy up!

[drdingo21]

Hey black95gs-t, Im looking to get a bike by the end of next month. This will be my first ever bike and im not looking at anything to bike right now. So I was considering the YZF 600R. I would like to keep it around 2-3k since I will only have the bike till I really learn how to ride, then I will upgrade.

Do you have any recommendations where to look for the bike? I checked e-bay all they had were R1’s and and 2002+, also used cycle trader but found nothing. I googled for a bit and didn’t really find much. Where should I be looking?

[pimpinprelude]

a local bike trader magazine...^ those are stuffed with nice bikes..

[drdingo21]

yea, but i just moved to the area and couldn't even begin to think where to get one of those...

[pimpinprelude]

any gas station...hehehe

[Racing Rice]

My turn...

IMO, a Race Rep 600 or bigger is a bad idea for a first bike. These things will run low 11s or 10s in the 1/4 mile. They are designed for experienced racers on tracks. Not n00b riders on the street. Do yourself a favor and look into getting something smaller. Look into a Ninja 250R, Ninja 500R, Suzuki GS500E/F, maybe even an SV650 (borderline beginner bike). These are a lot more forgiving.

Im not saying that its impossible to start out on a 600cc bike, but you will be a much better rider in the long run if you start out on a cheaper, smaller bike. Plastics are expensive. 99% of all new riders will drop thier bikes, either in thier driveway or in the streets. Plastics will cost you a bunch of money to replace. I highly recommend a naked as a first bike.

Do yourself a favor and check out the New Rider forums at www.cycleforums.com. Read through some of the posts. We get questions like this everyday.

Dont become another statistic. I recommend looking into an MSF course. These are awsome courses! I will be taking one for the second time with my wife this year. Its good for beginners and experienced riders a like. www.msf-usa.org

http://home.earthlink.net/~thebradfords/startsmall.htm

[ebpda9]

how about a tomawahk ? anyone ? ;)

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by hondaman-iac
how about a tomawahk ? anyone ? ;)

Blah.. Thats not a motorcycle... :nono:

[MegaDON]

I'm getting my first bike next week, it's a ninja 500 for 4000. It has 129 miles for a 2003.

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by MegaDON
I'm getting my first bike next week, it's a ninja 500 for 4000. It has 129 miles for a 2003.

Good call! The 500R are nice beginner bikes. Take your time polish your skills and you'll be passing up those bigger SS bikes before you know it.

I love riding our Ninja 250R. Its a blast to ride, not to mention its so easy! You can carry a much faster corner speed because its so light and flickable. Dont let anyone lie to you, 250's and 500's are great! The majority of the people that will tell you they suck have never spent time on one, because "They arent cool enough."

[MAXed Out]

Thinking about the Honda cbr 600cc's as a begginer's bike. Is it decent or is it a lil too powerfull?

[GeneralDzur]

Was wondering the same thing.

- Dzur

[ShagginJet]

I don't think it's TOO powerful but the big has some balls. A well built 450 or 500 can take off on you. Sometimes when I nail that gas on my bike i'm holding on for dear life, fun as heck though.

[KwikR6]

CBR 600.
Not bad!
I would get one for a first bike.

[Racing Rice]

Older CBR600s like Shagginjet's Hurricane are better then the newer ones, but still not great beginner bikes IMHO. They arent near as forgiving as smaller bikes. They still push about 70-80hp and are kinda heavy.

[black95gs-t]

RacingRice, I don't mean to step on your toes, but I really think the SV650 is a great starter bike. Everyone that I know that has started on one has loved it and recomends it to all their friends. I have ridden them and think the same. I agree that a 250 and 500cc Ninja are great starter bikes as well, but people get bored with them quickly. They are very agile, very forgiving, and confidence inspiring, but they have no go to them when you start to progress. IMHO it takes a little longer to out grow an SV and with limited resources, I think that is a better choice. I totally agree about the MSF. I have taken the beginner, and 4 advanced classes, as well as many track days and schools. The MSF is by far the most informative for street riding, and I always end up learning something new there. As far as where to get used bikes, cycle traders, www.cycletraderonline.com , ask around for a reliable dealer. If you ask a motorcyclist in your area, they should be able to give you good advice on where to go. I know here in SoCal it is a very close knit community where everyone knows everyone and someone can at least point you in the right direction. The Super Sports are definatly not fun to learn on. I don't remember who said it but they said a 600cc CBR couldn't have too much power, but think about this. An 88 CBR 600 F1 Hurricane (not dissin. this was my first bike and I loved it.) has roughly 75 RWHP, if I am not mistaken that is pretty close to a 95 DX Civic, but the Hurricane weighs roughly 500 pounds. Anyway, long story a little less long, Super Sport = bad first bike, lesser = better. Prefirably with no fairings, and definatly MSF course.

[Kyle]

I was actually looking for a damn sv650...i love the look of it and i've heard by some it's a good beginner bike...i'm calling tomorow to find out when the damn MSF course is...after i take that, i'll get my bike and be on my way!

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by black95gs-t
RacingRice, I don't mean to step on your toes, but I really think the SV650 is a great starter bike. Everyone that I know that has started on one has loved it and recomends it to all their friends. I have ridden them and think the same. I agree that a 250 and 500cc Ninja are great starter bikes as well, but people get bored with them quickly.

Its cool, I know exactly what your saying. It really boils down to the person and what they are capable of and comfortable on. For some people the SV650 still makes more power then they can handle, its torquey and can wheelie unexpectedly. I dont see why a person that has passed an MSF course couldnt ride one though. Thats the only reason I say its a borderline beginner bike.

[MAXed Out]

Is the Yamaha R6 a good begginer bike. I found a sweet deal on one of them and i wanted to ask some one with experience if they had any idea.

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by MAXed Out
Is the Yamaha R6 a good begginer bike. I found a sweet deal on one of them and i wanted to ask some one with experience if they had any idea.

One word will some it up... No!

Didnt you read any posts in this thread? :o :D

[Kyle]

if you guys want a good motorcycle forum for to www.sportbikes.net
lots of good info for beginners and a bunch of really nice guys/girls

[MAXed Out]

Originally posted by Racing Rice
One word will some it up... No!

Didnt you read any posts in this thread? :o :D
I did read the posts but not all 4 pages. The thing is i know i dont need a powerfull bike as a begginer but i dont want something smaller then a 600cc's. So help me out here.

[KwikR6]

Originally posted by MAXed Out
I did read the posts but not all 4 pages. The thing is i know i dont need a powerfull bike as a begginer but i dont want something smaller then a 600cc's. So help me out here.
An R6 has tons of power for a beginner....and really good rider on an R6 could beat a rider on an R1...seen it happen!
Get a ninja...or something older...that way when you dump it..you won't be sad.

[black95gs-t]

Originally posted by Black Del Sol
An R6 has tons of power for a beginner....and really good rider on an R6 could beat a rider on an R1...seen it happen!
Been there, done that.
My bike kill list is as follows.
1. 2003 GSX-R 1000
2. 2002 R1
3. 2004 ZX-10R
4. 2001 TL1000R
5. ZX-12R
6. 2000 GSX-R 750
7. 2003 CBR 954RR
8. 2000 CBR 929RR
9. 2002 Ducati 996
10. GSX 1300-R Busa
All done on a '99 R6. That happens when you have a big bike and don't know how to ride though. I've even seen an unmodded Z06 Vette smoke a Busa. I know what you are saying, "A Z06 is fast though." Not when compared to a Busa though.

[MegaDON]

If you never even driven a dirt bike, you might want to look at an old 500 Ninja R.....its not slow but its not fast. You can still wheelie on it if you try though, but its an awsome begginer bike....600 and up are pretty hard to ride.

[Racing Rice]

I have a 2004 Ninja 250R I will sell it to you for $2800. I would keep it and sell my Z if I had the Z paid off, but its not so... Im selling one of my bikes, and unfortunately its gonna be the 250R. It was originally for my wife, but she said she probably wouldnt ride it enough, and Id rather not have to keep two bikes running all the time. Im to lazy for that.

Heres the info..
http://www.hstuners.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21346